Businesses in Britain urged to prioritize cyber security at all costs
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Heads up, mate! The British government is going to issue a stern warning to all UK businesses next week, encouraging them to prioritize cybersecurity, following a string of cyberattacks on notable retailers like M&S, Co-op Group, and Harrods [1].
Pat McFadden, a minister from the Cabinet office, will lead a briefing with national security officials and Richard Horne, CEO of the National Cyber Security Centre. The discussion will focus on support being extended to the affected retailers [1].
McFadden plans to deliver this message at the upcoming CyberUK conference in Manchester. He will emphasize that these attacks serve as a stark warning for all businesses to treat cybersecurity with the utmost importance [1].
He will also shed light on measures to beef up national defenses, such as a new piece of legislation – the Cyber Security Bill [1].
McFadden will assert, "In this era where cybercriminals are unrelenting in their quest for profit, with attacks happening round-the-clock, companies must prioritize cybersecurity above all else."
M&S, a cherished 141-year-old institution in British business, temporarily halted its online clothing and home orders due to complications with contactless pay and click-and-collect services during the Easter holiday weekend [2]. Although they haven't confirmed a resumption date, M&S took precautions by engaging external cybersecurity experts and consulting data protection authorities [2].
According to technology specialist site BleepingComputer, a ransomware attack that encrypted M&S's servers was likely the work of a hacking collective known as "Scattered Spider" [2]. Known for IT help desk impersonation and collaborating with other ransomware groups like DragonForce, Scattered Spider affiliates have directed their menace towards high-profile entities in the past [2].
Cyberattacks have been a persistent issue for British companies, public bodies, and institutions, costing them millions and causing prolonged disruption [1]. It's important to note that Co-op Group and Harrods haven't reported specific cyberattacks; however, the UK government is actively working on measures to counter ransomware and promote public-private threat intelligence-sharing frameworks. [1]
- In light of the recent cyberattacks on retailers like M&S, Co-op Group, and Harrods, the British government is planning to issue a warning to all UK businesses next week, urging them to prioritize cybersecurity.
- Pat McFadden, a minister from the Cabinet office, will lead a briefing with national security officials and Richard Horne, CEO of the National Cyber Security Centre, to discuss support for the affected retailers.
- McFadden will stress at the upcoming CyberUK conference in Manchester that these cyberattacks demonstrate the need for businesses to prioritize cybersecurity above all else.
- He will also discuss measures to strengthen national defenses, such as the Cyber Security Bill, which focuses on enhancing the country's cybersecurity infrastructure.
- McFadden will emphasize that in an era where cybercriminals are relentless, companies must prioritize cybersecurity to protect against persistent threats like ransomware, as seen in the case of M&S's servers being encrypted by the hacking collective, Scattered Spider.
