Boards urged to make cyber security a priority

Around a third (31%) of businesses encounter at least one cyber-attack or breach every week. According to new statistics published in the UK government’s Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2022 report.

The annual survey, which details the cost and impact of cyber breaches and attacks on businesses, charities and educational institutions, shows that cyber attacks are becoming more frequent, with organisations reporting more breaches over the last 12 months. Despite this, only two in five businesses use an experienced managed IT provider, and only 13% audit the security risks posed by their immediate suppliers.

Following a wave of high profile attacks over the past year, including on Kaseya, Colonial Pipeline, and Microsoft Exchange, increased attention has been placed on the cyber security of supply chains and digital services.

While 82% of boards or senior management within UK businesses now deem cybersecurity a ‘very high’ or ‘fairly high’ priority ( 77% in 2021), the report shows no corresponding increase in actions to implement enhanced cyber security.

Adding to this, interviews conducted by the government highlighted several challenges for businesses regarding how to:

  • Translate board engagement with cyber security into increased cyber resilience amongst businesses
  • Create a clear commercial narrative for internal budget conversations to ensure that cyber security receives appropriate investment against competing business demands.
  • Overcoming a lack of understanding of effective cyber risk management is compounded by a lack of expertise and perceived complexity of cyber security matters at the board level.

Gareth Dalton, MD at Techn22, says: “Technology has transformed and improved how we do business, helping us be more efficient and work smarter. However, we must pay closer attention to the security measures needed to protect the data within our digital infrastructures.

“Cyber security is not only an IT subject. It is a board-level responsibility, where adequate access to cybersecurity knowledge and expertise is essential. Asking the right management questions, thinking strategically about business-wide security, and proactively taking the necessary steps to mitigate threats, risks, and challenges, while improving digital resilience.”

Infrastructure security is a top-level responsibility, and businesses must take the necessary steps to protect against cyber attacks.

For further information about Techn22’s IT Support and iServices, including our Virtual IT Director service and Cyber Security & Awareness, contact Gareth Dalton on T: 0208 152 4001 or E: hello@techn22.co.uk. We offer IT and cloud technologies that benefit end- users and enable growth, along with the flexibility of an experienced IT professional when your business needs it. Ensuring you have a voice at board-level driving strategic investment, efficient use of technology, and helping to mitigate against cyber risk.

View the report in full: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/cyber-security-breaches-survey-2022

 

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