Displaying items by tag: NCSC

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has issued a warning following recent cyber attacks targeting major retailers including Marks & Spencer, Co-op, and Harrods. Criminal hackers have reportedly impersonated IT help desks to infiltrate company systems, a tactic known as social engineering. The NCSC urges organisations to review their password reset procedures and authentication processes, especially for senior staff with high-level access. Cybersecurity experts advise using multi-layered verification methods, including codewords, to prevent breaches. Although an anonymous group claiming responsibility, calling themselves DragonForce, denies links to the notorious Scattered Spider hacking collective, the methods used are strikingly similar. These hackers have previously carried out high-profile attacks, including on Las Vegas casinos. The NCSC emphasises vigilance against risky logins and unusual account activity. Law enforcement is investigating, with ongoing efforts to confirm links between recent attacks. The Co-op has admitted customer data was compromised, while M\&S’s breach is under investigation. Businesses are reminded to bolster security, as this wave of attacks highlights the evolving threat landscape in today’s digital world.

Russia-aligned hackers are seeking to disrupt or destroy Britain's critical infrastructure, says cabinet office minister Oliver Dowden. He warned that groups have started to focus on the UK in recent months, and unveiled new measures to support businesses ‘on the front line of our cyber defences’. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) will issue an official threat alert to critical businesses. Officials are recommending that organisations, such as those behind the UK's energy and water supplies, act now to protect themselves against the emerging cyber threat. The hacking groups are often sympathetic to Russia's invasion in Ukraine and are ideologically motivated. ‘They are also less predictable because they are not subject to state control. Some want to achieve more disruptive and destructive impacts against western critical national infrastructures, including the UK’, said the NCSC. These groups will look for opportunities to create an impact, particularly if systems are poorly protected. See also the Europe article, ‘EU: growing cyber threats’.

Unfortunately cybercrime is increasing. We are twenty times more likely to be robbed while at our computer by overseas criminals than in the street. On 18 December a new security operations centre for Belfast was announced. Businesses with highly connected personal devices, cloud use and rapidly advancing technology are increasingly at risk: see https://www.businesscloud.co.uk/news/capita-unveils-major-cyber-security-investment The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) is a government organisation providing advice and support for the public and private sector about how to avoid computer security threats. NCSC works closely with educators and researchers to build a cyber-savvy workforce of the future and enhance the UK's knowledge. Pray for NCSC in 2019 as it implements innovative cyber security and support teaching initiatives after Brexit.