Cyber Security experts are raising the alarm for Brits, highlighting ‘creepy’ warning signs that could suggest you’re in the crosshairs of a cyber attack.

A Surge in Cyber Attacks

With a significant increase in cyber attacks in recent years, experts predict this trend will only escalate. Recently, tech giant Microsoft attributed a nearly 10-hour outage affecting Outlook and Minecraft to a cyber attack.

The Government’s Response

In response, the King’s Speech unveiled Labour’s fresh plans to roll out a Cyber Security and Resilience Bill. The government aims to strengthen the UK’s defences and safeguard digital services.

An Experts Insight

Luke Stevenson, a Cyber Security Specialist at Redcentric, warns that malicious attacks impact not only businesses but consumers as well. “As a society, we are becoming increasingly digitised,” he explains. “Many of us work from home and live much of our social lives online, making us prime targets for cybercriminals.”

Compliance with GDPR

Since the UK left the EU, GDPR has been retained as UK GDPR, ensuring that data protection standards remain high. Businesses must comply with these regulations to avoid hefty fines and reputational damage.

The Future of Cyber Security Legislation

The upcoming Cyber Security and Resilience Bill aims to strengthen the UK’s defences against cyber threats. This legislation will likely impose stricter requirements on businesses to protect consumer data and enhance their cyber security measures.

Recognising Unusual Red Flags 🚨

1. Noticing Strange Activity on Your Laptop

  • Unusual Mouse Movements: If you see your mouse moving on its own or text appearing on your screen that you didn’t type, it’s a strong indication that a hacker may be controlling your device remotely.

  • Webcam Activity: If your webcam light turns on when you’re not using it, it could mean someone is accessing your camera without your permission. This is particularly invasive and should be addressed immediately.

2. Finding Unusual Apps on Your Phone

  • Suspicious Apps: Hackers might install apps on your phone to steal data or monitor your activities. Regularly check your device for unfamiliar applications and uninstall them if they look suspicious.

  • Unprompted App Openings: If apps keep opening by themselves, it might indicate malicious activity.

3. Family and Friends Reporting Odd Messages from You

  • Phishing Messages: Hackers can spoof your phone number or email address to send phishing messages to your contacts, often containing links to malicious websites or requests for money.

  • Social Media Posts: If your friends notice unusual posts on your social media accounts, it’s a sign that your accounts may have been compromised. Change your passwords, select to log out of all devices and review your account security settings immediately.

4. An Increased Number of Failed Logins

  • Failed Login Attempts: A surge in login failures on your email or social media accounts could mean that someone is trying to hack into them. Enable multi-factor authentication to enhance security.

  • Spam Messages: A sudden increase in irrelevant advertising spam messages could also indicate that your account has been targeted.

5. Redirected Internet Searches

  • Browser Hijacking: If your internet searches are being redirected to unfamiliar websites, it’s likely your browser has been hijacked. These websites often contain malware or phishing scams designed to steal your personal information.

6. Never Reuse Passwords for Multiple Accounts

  • Password Reuse: Using the same password across multiple accounts can lead to a domino effect if one account is compromised. Every password should be unique and to help manage those, consider a password manager.

7. See if Your Accounts are Compromised Regularly

  • Data Breaches: Contact us to check if your email addresses have been involved in data breaches. If they have, change your passwords immediately and monitor your accounts for unusual activity.

8. Don’t Share Financial Info on Social Media

  • Financial Privacy: Never post financial details or information about your budget on social media. Cybercriminals can use this information to target you for fraud. Keep personal and financial details private and only share sensitive information with trusted individuals.

Practical Steps to Enhance Cyber Security

With cyber threats becoming more sophisticated, adopting a proactive approach to cyber security is essential. Here are some practical steps you can take to protect your personal and business data:

Regularly Update Software:

Ensure all software, including operating systems and applications are regularly updated. If not, you may be exposed to security vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit.

Use Strong, Unique Passwords:

Create strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts. A good password is at least 12 characters long and includes a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters. Ideally, you should invest in a password manager and avoid using easily guessable information, such as birthdays or familiar words.

Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA):

MFA goes a step beyond two-factor authentication (2FA). It adds another layer of security by allowing the user to add more than one type of verification, such as a text message and an authentication app, in addition to your password. Enable MFA wherever possible, especially for sensitive accounts.

Be Cautious of Emails and Attachments:

Phishing emails often appear legitimate but contain malicious content. Be cautious when opening emails from unknown senders and never click on suspicious links. Verify the sender and look for signs of phishing, such as spelling errors or unusual requests and consider Phishing Simulations to keep your employee’s security top of mind.

Backup Your Data Regularly:

Regularly back up your data to a cloud storage service. In the event of a ransomware attack, having a recent backup can save you from paying a ransom and losing your data.

Educate Yourself and Your Employees:

Stay informed about the latest cyber security threats and best practices. Consider investing in Cyber Security Awareness Training and encourage your employees to do the same. Awareness is one of the best defences against cyber attacks. We can help!

Monitor Your Accounts for Suspicious Activity:

Regularly monitor your bank and online accounts for any signs of suspicious activity. Set up alerts for unusual transactions and report any unauthorised activity immediately.

PhishFrenzy Can Help

PhishFrenzy Can Help

By implementing more robust cyber security measures and keeping you and your team informed, you can safeguard your personal and business information from malicious actors. Cyber Security is not just the responsibility of the IT department but of everyone in the organisation. Stay vigilant, educate yourself, and prioritise data protection to steer your business safely.

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