In 2023, cyber-attacks featured in the news more and more. Cyber security experts have been battling new techniques and more and more sophistication from threat actors. As fast as cyber security evolves, new techniques come along to try and breach your defences. And even worse – lots of security breaches stem from simple human error.

We can say that cyber-attacks have increased due to several factors. The rapid digital transformation brought about by the shift to remote work and the expansion of online services has created more attack surfaces for cybercriminals to exploit. Another factor is the growing sophistication of cyber threats, including ransomware attacks and supply chain vulnerabilities, which has contributed to the rise in cyber incidents. Furthermore, the proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices has expanded the attack vectors available to threat actors. Lastly, the use of social engineering tactics, such as phishing and other forms of manipulation, has made it easier for cybercriminals to gain unauthorised access to sensitive data and systems.

Royal Mail was hit last year with a ransomware attack, which caused them to temporarily have to halt international deliveries. They refused to pay the £65m demand to return stolen data, but later revealed they had suffered large revenue losses and had to spend £10m on ransomware remediation as a result.

One of the UK’s largest privately owned logistics firms, KNP Logistics Group, suffered a ransomware attack in 2023 that unfortunately pushed it into administration in September 2023. Over 700 employees were at risk of redundancy, with the firm stating publicly that it was unable to secure urgent investment due to the attack. This shows the very serious consequences any business can face from nowhere, due to cyber-attacks.

One way to protect your business against these heightened cyber threats by is implementing robust cybersecurity measures. Regular security assessments and audits can help identify and address vulnerabilities before they are exploited by attackers. Training employees on best practices for cybersecurity and enforcing strong password policies can also help reduce the risk of successful cyberattacks. Additionally, businesses should consider implementing multi-factor authentication and encryption to protect sensitive data both at rest and in transit. Partnering with experienced cybersecurity providers and staying informed about the latest cyber threats and mitigation strategies is crucial for businesses to stay ahead of cybercriminals.

Don’t let your defences down when it comes to cyber security. Remember, breaches can happen just through human error if your protocols aren’t strong enough. Take some advice from experts who have handled cyber security at the highest levels. Sundown can offer

PowerDefence, which provides an enhanced security layer, safeguarding your cloud infrastructure, applications, and data from potential threats. Our advanced security solutions, combined with industry-leading practices, protect your organisation against cyber threats, data breaches, and unauthorised access. Maintain a strong security posture – contact Sundown today.