Cyber criminals seek to take advantage of complex digital supply chains in 2021
Cyber attacks have become increasingly sophisticated over the last year as cyber criminals take advantage of the rapid adoption of digital technologies brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, the importance of cyber security for both individual organisations and society as a whole has never been greater.
To set the scene for this year’s UKsec Cyber Security Summit, we look at how the UK threat landscape has changed over the past year:
- New reports show that the UK recorded a 31% increase in cyber crime during the pandemic.
- 86% of UK organisations expect cyber attacks to increase significantly in 2021 according to PwC’s Cyber security Strategy 2021
- The hybrid model of the ‘nowhere office’ is here to stay. As technology spreads workforces by distance & location, it also makes them a larger target for cybercriminals.
According to a recent study by Kaspersky, 23% of desktops and 17% of laptops supplied by UK employers have no antivirus or cyber security software installed – additionally, 23% of employees provided a company smartphone didn’t have adequate if any, antivirus on their device.
- The same study reveals that 53% of businesses have seen an increase in email phishing attacks during the pandemic with a third saying these phishing attacks have been more successful.
On average, organisations are remediating 1185 phishing attacks each month, with an average of 40 per day.
- UK businesses have, however, worked to better secure their remote infrastructure and despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the UK’s cybersecurity sector attracted record levels of investment last year.
A government study reveals a massive £821M investment pumped into the UK’s cyber security sector.
- But the road ahead is long and businesses still struggle to protect increasingly complex digital supply chains. A study by Gartner finds that in 2019, 60% of organisations worked with more than 1,000 third parties, of whose networks are only expected to grow.
The recent SolarWinds attack only confirms the growing risk to digital supply chains.
- Cyber security has also been made the top of the list by the government who recently unveiled its new defence, security, and foreign policy strategy order to champion the UK’s cyber sector.
This includes the creation of an independent entity under the umbrella of the UK Cyber Security Council with the aim of championing cyber security education, training and skills across the UK and promoting UK excellence globally.
Are you keeping up with the UK’s threat landscape?
Join us on 29th-30th June 2021 for our annual UKsec Cyber Security Summit to hear from the UK’s leading cyber security experts discussing strategies to strengthen your security postures and maintain resilience in 2021 and beyond.
Found out more about:
- Securing the digital supply chain
- Champion innovation by mastering Devsecops
- Exploring the present and future of mobile security
- Making the case for your security budget
- UK threat horizon for 2025
- Top risks factors and emerging trends in modern cloud security frameworks
- Increase diversity within your security team
Learn more about what to expect over the 2-days by viewing the detailed event programme here.
Secure your place at the event for FREE* with discount code: THREATSCAPE at checkout to enjoy live Q&As with speakers, CPE points for your attendance and 30-days access to summit resources.
Register here: uk.cyberseries.io/register/
*Offer open to end-users only. Vendors, consultants, and students are invited to save 10% on a Vendor-Delegate pass with code: SECURE10
