Smart Precinct NQ’s Post

2024 saw the biggest rise in cyber-attacks on businesses in the UK and this year it looks set to continue. (As reported by internet service provider Beaming.co.uk).     As cyber-criminals continue to get better at hacking into internal systems and cyber security awareness amongst employees remains low, organisations will remain under constant attack.       Don’t let this be YOU.     Read our blog to find out what the key cyber trends are for 2025 holds and what #SMEs need to be doing to ensure they’re ready and protected.       https://lnkd.in/evsgjSiQ    #2025 #CyberTrends #CyberAttacks #Wales  

Today we celebrate National Computer Security Day, highlighting the importance of keeping your online data secure and safe. #SMEs account for 99% of Wales’ business population and are often the easiest targets for #cybercriminals as they often lack decent security measures. Cyber threats are evolving every day, but with the right tools and practices small businesses can protect themselves effectively. The WCRC supports Welsh SMEs and micro-businesses through its free membership programme. It also provides a range of cyber security services including security awareness training and vulnerability assessments to provide reassurance that you have an appropriate level of security in place and a policy review service. Read our most recent blog for more information. https://lnkd.in/ewkhFyT9 

This Saturday it’s #SmallBusinessSaturdayUk, a day which celebrates the contribution small businesses make to our communities, economy, and daily lives.     Read our most recent blog where we look at the growing challenges SMEs face with the ever-rising frequency of cyber-attacks on organisations and why cyber security is vital for small businesses across all sectors.    https://lnkd.in/eFPKq__h 

Good morning and Happy New Year everyone! Kickstart your week - and year ahead - by catching up on the latest #industry news featured in Private Motor Carrier: https://lnkd.in/dCHkx4mj. In this edition, learn about the results of the 2024 Benchmarking Report, insights from our PMTC Western Canada Regional Seminar, valuable Cyber Security measures to take to your workplace, and more!

⏰ 2025 is just around the corner and it's never been more important for impacted entities to ensure that they bolster their security defence ahead of incoming regulations, NIS2 and the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA). ⏰ There is no better time to learn about the legal and practical implications of the NIS2 and DORA requirements and what it means for your business. On 2 October, join our experts and leading cyber consultants, S-RM, as they consider the impact of these regulatory frameworks on impacted organisations. RSVP here: https://lnkd.in/eMV3cvd9. #Cyber #Security #Regulation #DORA #NIS2

NIS2 is very nearly real, live and required! This weeks recommended reading is The National Cyber Security Bill 2024 that was published by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications last week. - The Bill outlines new cybersecurity requirements that your company may need to adhere to, ensuring you stay compliant with national regulations. - Understanding the Bill helps you identify potential risks and vulnerabilities in your network that the NCSC might proactively scan for, allowing you to strengthen your defences. It's not an insignificant read and gives wide ranging powers to the National Cyber Security Centre, Ireland (NCSC-IE) Some things of note are: - The NCSC now has the ability to scan internal networks, with your consent, to improve cybersecurity - The NCSC is getting real teeth under the 2024 Bill—think proactive scanning, DNS blocking, and even temporary sensor deployment on critical networks. - The NCSC is officially Ireland’s cybersecurity watchdog under the 2024 Bill, with powers to act on everything from botnets to malware https://lnkd.in/ewKVCT57 Armis, Barry O'Brien

Cyber threats can disrupt operations, as seen with LKQ’s recent breach. Quick response and effective recovery plans played a vital role in limiting the impact on their business. This incident reminds us that cybersecurity preparedness is essential for protecting data, operations, and company reputation in today’s digital landscape.

Earlier this week we released guidance to support critical infrastructure organisations assess their systems for vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malicious cyber actors. This is the third piece of guidance released this year to support the owners and operators of Systems of National Significance (SoNS) meet their enhanced cyber security obligations under the SOCI Act. SoNS are our most interdependent, interconnected critical infrastructure assets. Because of this, there is an increased responsibility to ensure they have the plans and processes in place to withstand and bounce back from cyber attacks. And for those of you that aren’t a SoNS… keep reading! This guidance is relevant to all critical infrastructure organisations and any other business wanting to uplift their cyber security. Check it out at the links below 👇

Completed the free CyberWardens online course today. It’s a free program supported by the Australian Government , Telstra, Commonwealth Bank and Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA). It takes less than 40 minutes to complete and can even be done on a mobile phone. More than 44% of small businesses have faced a cyber security threat, and despite bigger brands making headlines, small businesses are targeted more due to their lack of investment and processes. Protect yourself, your reputation and your business by adding extra safeguards. Just as you would lock your door and not drink expired milk, the same should apply to your online habits too. https://lnkd.in/gV9URQxE #cybersecurity #smallbusiness #websitesecurity

New guidance material alert! We have just released guidance material for the Vulnerability Assessment Enhanced Cyber Security Obligation (ECSO) for Systems of National Significance (SoNS). SoNS are Australia’s most important critical infrastructure assets. Under the SOCI Act, SoNS may be subject to one or more Enhanced Cyber Security Obligations. These obligations have been designed to ensure critical infrastructure entities have well-tested plans in place to respond to and mitigate against a cyber-attack. Even if you’re not a SoNS, you may find the guidance material useful. 📄 Read the Vulnerability Assessment guidance here 👉 https://lnkd.in/gBHrDg5U This guidance material joins the Incident Response Planning and Cyber Security Exercise guidance materials that were released earlier in the year! Read the Incident Response Planning guidance here 👉 https://lnkd.in/gVZD_7Xz Read the Cyber Security Exercise guidance here 👉 https://lnkd.in/gMWNfTH3 More information on ECSOs: 👉 https://lnkd.in/ghGGD8Jn