Each year, we produce a cyber security report for our clients, giving details of the latest threats and developments.
Whilst ransomware was definitely the malware of choice for 2017, we saw an increase in doxware, specific targeting of organisations whose data was not only held to ransom but were threatened with its leak to the public unless the ransom was paid.
Zero-day attacks and the fast-growing vulnerability of the Internet of Things are worth mentioning, as is the shortfall in filling cyber security expert vacancies – currently only around 30% of these vacancies are being filled.
This all makes for a constantly changing cyber security landscape and one where our clients really need to be aware of their cyber security options. We advise a number of things:
- Patch regularly. A patch is a piece of software designed to update a computer program or its supporting data and it’s vital it’s done on a regular basis. We automatically take care of this for all our clients on our fixed price Platinum Managed IT Support
- Implement layers of protection such as the UK government recognised Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus certification. As one of the only providers in Guernsey to offer these certifications, we are well aware of their importance in showing a business has taken all reasonable steps to secure their data and network and this is a great first step
- Look to move on to an audited IASME Governance standard. This also includes preparation for GDPR and is the next level on from Cyber Essentials
And what will the future look like?
Coming up in our next article…
