The head of a Worcestershire IT and software provider has urged businesses across the county to bolster their IT security following a rise in cyber-attacks.
The warning comes from Susan Marlow, managing director of Kidderminster firm Minster Micro, as recent government data shows that half of firms across the UK are known to have suffered some form of cyber breach, which includes stolen customer data and wiping systems through viruses.
Ms Marlow has been advising vulnerable businesses to take steps to protect themselves against “significant threats” now before it’s too late.
Ms Marlow said:
“In line with advances in technology, it’s no secret that cybercrime has seen a steady rise over the past year. Some businesses have invested to put the correct protections in place, but many others don’t have strong enough security, putting them at higher risk from sophisticated cyber criminals.
“There are significant threats to IT systems as criminals try more and more to simultaneously hack thousands of global IT systems.
“Sometimes security can be compromised through spam or phishing emails, or even occasions when online criminals steal and encrypt the files or data from a business, then hold that business to ransom. There are many recent high-profile incidents, including one which infiltrated Transport for London systems, and just weeks ago, Tewkesbury Borough Council launched an investigation into an attack.
“Those incidents hit home that if businesses don’t have the right cyber security protection in place, then the chances of a successful attack are high. It is no longer enough to rely on traditional anti-virus software.
“More than anything, businesses who don’t feel they have the right IT protections in places need to take positive steps, review their systems, pinpoint the weak areas, and begin to work through an improvement plan. That includes making sure hardware like laptops, mobile phones and tablets are also secure.
“Investing proactively in your cyber security is a sensible step. It’s clear hundreds of businesses here in Worcestershire may be behind the curve. I want to help change that in the months ahead.”
Minster Micro has more than 40 years’ experience of supporting a range of businesses and sectors. The company is a recognised cyber security specialist and also offers a full suite of IT support services for SMEs and larger organisations. It also supplies business management, manufacturing, CRM, payroll and HR software, training and implementation.
For more information, readers can visit www.minstermicro.co.uk