Cyber security is an essential aspect of any industry in today’s world. Our increased reliance on technology has seen online threats take advantage of that reliance, meaning that organisations must remain vigilant and ensure correct measures are in place to help protect their systems, reputation and most importantly, data.
A recent study indicates that 88% of employees in the professional services industry have personally experienced a cyber-attack at work, the highest rate compared to other sectors.
One of the most common cyber threats facing the professional services sector are phishing attacks, this involves fake emails that contain URLs for malicious websites which trick users into revealing sensitive information, such as passwords, allowing the opportunity to steal data or deploy malware like ransomware that encrypts (convert into unreadable code) a business’s data and is typically followed by demands for payment in exchange for decrypting (Converting data back into a readable format).
Any breach of personal data could mean severe consequences for the business and their clients, not least given the level of trust and confidentiality that clients would expect from those who process their data.
Businesses in this sector can take steps to educate their employees on how to safely identify and avoid phishing attacks, regularly back up their data and keep all devices and software up-to-date. By taking pro-active measures, the professional services sector can safeguard against cyber-attacks and protect their client and customer information.
For further guidance on protecting your business, please contact [email protected].
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The NEBRC is a Police led non-profit organisation that seeks to educate, inform, and support businesses across the UK on how to protect their business online through good cyber security practices.