WITH the world security outlook uncertain, there has never been a better time to consider if your business is really doing enough to ensure its survival.
Cyber security is an ever-essential consideration – and cutting corners can mean disaster.
The growing proliferation of cyber crime in recent years is on a scale that could be scarcely imagined a decade ago.
This year’s Cyber Security Breaches Survey, published by the Government, found that 50% of UK businesses reported having experienced some form of cyber security breach or attack in the past 12 months.
The figure is higher for medium and large organisations, with the figure rising to 70% and 74% respectively.
The most common type of is phishing, which refers to an attempt to steal sensitive information, often via email, was experienced by 84% of the businesses surveyed.
So reviewing how prepared you are is crucial for anyone running a business, large or small.
And October provides the perfect opportunity to do this, as “secure our world” is the theme for Cybersecurity Awareness Month this year.
There are numerous ways that criminals target businesses and Jack Hayes, the founder of The Cyber Security Speakers Agency , has helped support multiple businesses with strategies to mark Cyber Security Awareness Month.
“Cybersecurity Awareness Month is an ideal time for businesses to review their strategies as it is an international initiative designed to ensure that everyone is educated in online safety.
“It is designed to empower people to protect their data from cyber criminals and reminds us that there are simple and effective ways to keep yourself safe.
“This is a time of the year when organisations should be talking to their employees about cyber safety.”
Sharing his top five tips for best sparking discussions about the subject in the workplace, Jack said:
- Encourage employees to become cyber security champions
- Share details of events that could be useful in identifying future challenges
- Circulate documents internally that will highlight issues and spark discussions
- Promote education materials and resources freely provided by organisations and think-tanks
- Hire a speaker to talk about aspects of cyber security or host a workshop
Data compiled by Champions Speakers, which is based on reviews and feedback from thousands of events shows the current top UK speakers for cyber security in 2024 to be:
- Keren Elazari – Voted in TED’s Most Powerful Ideas of 2014
- Sarah Armstrong-Smith – Chief Security Advisor for Microsoft
- Jamie Woodruff – Europe’s #1 hacker
- Lisa Forte – Named in the “Top 100 Women In Tech” list
- Misha Glenny – Expert on organised crime & cybersecurity, produced TV’s McMafia
- Chris Wylie – Prompted the Cambridge Analytica/Facebook data scandal
- Dr Jessica Barker – One of the top 20 most influential women in cybersecurity in the UK
- Baroness Joanna Shields – Former UK Minister for Internet Safety and Security
- Lord Jonathan Evans – Former UK director of domestic security and counterintelligence service
- Robert Hannigan – Launched the UK’s active cyber defence program in 2016
- Ben Owens – Former British Intelligence officer & Boss on Channel 4’s Hunted
- Greg van der Gaast – Founder of Creative Minds Consulting Group
- Joe Tidy – BBC’s first-ever cyber specialist journalist
- Professor Lisa Short – Co-Founder of P&L Digital Edge, ATaas LTD & Africa Agri Tech Ltd, named a Top 50 Thought Leaders and Influencers in the World.
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