This Cyber Security Awareness Month, let’s reflect on our online habits and take steps to protect ourselves and our organisations.
Why it matters
In an era where data breaches and cyber attacks make headlines almost daily, awareness is our first line of defence. Consider these facts:
- 95% of cyber security breaches are caused by human error (IBM)
- 39% of UK businesses identified a cyber attack in the last 12 months (UK Government Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2023)
- Phishing attempts were experienced by 83% of businesses that identified cyber attacks (UK Government Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2023)
- The UK cyber security sector’s annual revenue has grown to £10.1 billion (UK Government Cyber Security Sectoral Analysis 2022)
Simple steps for better security
- Use strong, unique passwords: employ a password manager to create and store complex passwords
- Enable two-factor authentication: add an extra layer of security to your accounts
- Stay updated: keep your software and systems patched and up-to-date
- Be phishing-aware: think twice before clicking links or downloading attachments
- Educate your team: regular training can significantly reduce your organisation’s risk
Remember, cyber security isn’t just an IT issue—it’s everyone’s responsibility.