We don't often connect the price of our daily essentials with the world of cybercrime - but recently we have all had to a little more. What might seem a distant concept is hitting home as a series of cyber attacks on critical parts of retail supply chain is having a very real consequence for your weekly shop. So, how can a cyber attack affect the price of a litre of milk, and why you might find yourself heading to a different supermarket?

The Ripple Effect

Imagine a large supermarket chain falls victim to a sophisticated cyber attack. The hackers target the retailer's supply chain management system, disrupting their ability to order and distribute products. Suddenly, lorries can't deliver goods to stores, warehouses are in chaos, and shelves start to empty.

In an era where cyber threats are evolving at an alarming rate, businesses must adapt and fortify their defenses against malicious attacks. The Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2022 reveals a significant increase in phishing and ransomware attacks, emphasizing the urgent need for businesses to take cybersecurity seriously. This is where Cyber Essentials certification becomes crucial.

In the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity, vulnerability management stands as a critical pillar of effective risk mitigation and business continuity. While traditional vulnerability assessments and patch management strategies have been the cornerstone of vulnerability management practices for a very long time, Threat intelligence provides an extra layer to vulnerability management, empowering businesses and organisations to make informed decisions and prioritize remediation efforts effectively and in a timely manner.

In an era where data is the new currency, the significance of robust cybersecurity strategy cannot be overstated. Cyber security measures go beyond being a mere defense mechanism against threats; they serves as a strategic investment that strengthens businesses, safeguarding them from potential disasters.

Let's explore three essential advantages that highlight the pivotal role of cybersecurity in securing the longevity and success of any organization.

In today's interconnected world, cyber security is a crucial aspect that all businesses, regardless of their size, must prioritise.

While larger companies often have robust security measures in place, it is the smaller ones that are more vulnerable to cyber attacks.

Cyber criminals are becoming more sophisticated, targeting businesses of all sizes and industries. The consequences of a successful cyber attack can be devastating for SMEs, leading to financial loss, reputational damage, and even the closure of the business.

Aberdeen-based business IT Services provider, IFB, is proud to announce its acceptance to the Trusted Partner scheme established by the Cyber and Fraud Centre Scotland.

This recognition, also endorsed by Police Scotland, reinforces IFB's commitment to providing the highest standards of Cyber Security services which they deliver and support for businesses and organisations.

IFB’s CEO Graeme Gordon commented. “We work with organisations and businesses to deliver the benefits of improved security and where needed achieving certification, IFB believes that no organisation is too small to do this.

You might have read and heard about the terrible cyber-attacks that have happened to many organisations and businesses in Scotland over the last very few years – Maersk Group, SEPA, SAMH – have all suffered devastating attacks against them.

There are and will be many more – sadly when it comes to cyber security we are up against a crime based industry worth $1.3Tr and climbing.

At IFB we have been building in security from the start in everything we do. This does not mean we are 100% secure – no one is – but it does mean as a business we approach, manage and de-risk cyber threats in the same way as we do health and safety issues or any other risk to the business.