Are your cyber defences secure?

External threats from malicious actors

Ransomware is currently one of the biggest risks to businesses. Typically involving cybercriminals using malicious software to gain access to a company’s systems to steal data and threatening to release or sell it unless a ransom is paid, the impact on a company’s operations and reputation can be devastating. The risk of ransomware attacks is facilitated by a highly organised ‘crime-as-a-service’ ecosystem involving various threat actors who actively trade malicious tools and information on the dark web.

In addition, the current geopolitical environment is heightening the risk of so-called ‘hacktivism’ and possible state-sponsored attacks. These threats can include socially or politically motivated hacking, denial-of-service (DoS) attacks, disruption of critical infrastructure, theft of intellectual property, and financially motivated attacks from rogue nation states.

For more information on ransomware and steps you can take to protect your organisation visit our ransomware page.

Emerging cybercrime technologies

While advances in technology offer huge potential benefits to strengthen cybersecurity if implemented effectively, emerging technologies are also increasingly being used by malicious actors to exploit businesses’ vulnerabilities.

For example, cybercriminals are increasingly using GenAI to create very convincing phishing emails and deepfakes, using voice emulations and impersonated video content, which can be used to trick employees into unintentionally carrying out harmful actions. In addition, as most GenAI services are cloud-hosted, businesses using these services can face an increased risk of data breaches.

For more information on how to prevent phishing and what to do if you’re a victim visit our phishing page.

Insider threats

Businesses can also face a key cyber threat from within their organisation, with employees causing harm, either accidentally or intentionally, for example by making mistakes, being tricked into scams, and in some cases, acting maliciously or for personal gain. The most common ‘insider threats’ include theft of data, intellectual property or money, or enabling others to carry out illegal activities.

For more information on insider threats and steps you can take to protect your business visit our internal fraud page.

Supply chain risks

Often highly interconnected and complex, a company’s supply chain represents another key cybersecurity risk. With increased use of shared cloud services and technologies creating a broader range of opportunities for attacks by cybercriminals.

Supply chain attackers typically target the third-party systems that businesses within a supply chain use to store and exchange sensitive data, or attack a supplier’s or partner’s system directly. In either case, this can allow them to steal data and demand a ransom, or use the stolen information to access other organisations.