The latest Cyber Security Breaches report is out for 2022 and it reveals some surprising stats.
Not least that over the last 12 months, 39% of UK businesses identified a cyber attack. That’s well over a third of businesses across the country.
Of those 39%, the most common threat reported was phishing attempts making up 83% of attacks. More complex types of attack such as ransomware and malware made up 21% of threats.
What is quite staggering is that within the group reporting these attacks, 26% of charities estimate that they were attacked once a week. Whilst 19% in the not for profit sector said they experienced a negative outcome as a direct consequence of a cyber attack.
Unfortunately cyber criminals have picked up on the fact that this is a sector that a) holds large amounts of highly sensitive data and b) is not at the forefront of cyber resilience and defense, resulting in an increase of attacks over recent times.
Charities have seen a rise in the use of personal devices by staff and volunteers over the last few years and if this goes un-managed it can leave these organisations vulnerable.
The use of unsupported and old versions of Windows can also open up this sector to risk.
With the average cost of a breach estimated at £4200, we would urge all sizes of not for profit organisations, big and small, to review their cyber security measures and bolster their defenses quickly.
Although quick and effective measures can be implemented easily such as a Password Manager, Two Factor Authentication (2FA) and cyber awareness communication across their staff and volunteers. What organisations really need to do, to protect themselves is to seek the support of an expert.
Bluegrass Group have been providing cyber security to the Not for Profit sector for years and continuously receive positive feedback from their charity clients. Read our case study Path – Plymouth’s local homelessness charity.
Get in touch with our team today on 01392 796 779, email us or start a Live Chat through the website.
You can view the whole report here Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2022