Cyber Security Awareness Month is an annual initiative held each October, designed to educate individuals and organisations about the importance of cyber security. This may seem unnecessary – who in this day and age is unaware of the dangers of cyberspace? But the truth is, cybersecurity threats are continually evolving, and those who fail to stay up to date on the developments are by far the most likely to fall prey to them.
So, in the quest to stay one step ahead of cyber attackers, let’s take a look at exactly what’s happening in today’s risk landscape.
External Threats
External threats from supply chain attacks, DDOS attacks, zero-day exploits, ransomware and malware continue to keep IT security teams on their toes.
Cloud migrations in particular – although invaluable and inevitable for most businesses – are at a high risk of introducing new vulnerabilities when not handled with security front and centre. Seemingly small mistakes like misconfigured cloud settings, weak access controls and vulnerable APIs all risk exposing sensitive data to cyberthreats.
Insider Threats
If only cybersecurity were as simple as battening the hatches to keep external threats at bay. Unfortunately, organisations are also facing significant cybersecurity risks from within. In fact, various studies suggest that insider threats are responsible for between 20% and 60% of security incidents, globally, when considering both intentional and accidental actions.
Phishing attacks are a great example of how sophisticated some insider threats are becoming, leveraging AI to mimic legitimate sources with terrifying accuracy. Users are receiving fraudulent bank communications, Microsoft support messages, and even emails from their own HR departments that are virtually identical to the real thing.
The only effective defence against accidentally handing over the keys to the kingdom is continuous employee training, smart email filtering, and a culture of vigilance.
Of course, insider risks also arise from employees or contractors with legitimate access to systems. These can be intentional (like data theft or sabotage) or purely accidental (such as mishandling sensitive information). Remote work has heightened these risks, making robust access controls and comprehensive background checks more crucial than ever. Encouraging a security-conscious mindset among team members also helps to foster accountability. (Catch up on our webinar on Insider Risk.)
Top tips for cybersecurity success
We’ll be the first to admit that it’s a tough gig keeping the crown jewels safe while encouraging collaboration and remote working and taking advantage of cloud computing to reduce costs. You’ll find lots of widely publicised tips on passwords, multi-factor authentication, employee training etc. But if you ask us, these are the two most effective tools in any organisation’s arsenal to successfully mitigate cybersecurity risks:
- A security-first partner: A trusted technology partner that prioritises security can help you adapt swiftly to evolving threats, taking the guesswork out of safeguarding your business.
- Encryption and regular backups: Ensuring that sensitive data is encrypted and backed up regularly means that your most critical data remains secure, even if a breach occurs.
How Cloud Essentials can help
At Cloud Essentials, security is embedded in everything we do. We’re accustomed to working with clients in highly regulated industries with very sensitive data, and are proud to be a trusted partner they can rely on to keep security top of mind in every project.
We offer a range of security-forward solutions, including our Compliance Accelerator Programme. This tailored service is designed to streamline and enhance your organisation’s journey towards both regulatory compliance and cybersecurity resilience. It combines expert guidance with hands-on support, helping to identify, assess and address both compliance and security requirements specific to your industry and environment.
Cybersecurity is a complex problem, but with Cloud Essentials by your side, you can celebrate Cybersecurity Awareness Month with the confidence that your data is in expert hands.