The ransomware attack which has caused chaos for the NHS has led the boss of a Scottish IT firm issuing a reminder that cybercrime is a real and constant threat to all businesses and organisations.
Austen Clark, managing director of Clark IT in Turriff says, "This latest hack sends out a warning of the importance of taking good cyber hygiene very seriously. Businesses of all sizes should be on their guard to protect their business information, cash flow, customers and reputation."
More than 40 hospital trusts and boards across Scotland and England – along with hundreds of local doctors’ surgeries – were locked out of their own computer systems in the unprecedented global attack. In Scotland more than half of regional health boards were affected with one issuing an appeal for patients to stay away from its hospitals unless they were experiencing ‘an absolute emergency’.
Mr Clark says, “There is a serious and important message here for companies of all sizes. While under-reporting is massive, Federation of Small Businesses statistics show that two thirds of small businesses have been the victim to cybercrime in the past two years, while over a third of small businesses do not report crimes against their business.”
"Cybercrime can jeopardise a firm’s finances, confidence and reputation as well as causing disruption to business and productivity", warns Mr Clark, adding that "while events like the NHS cyber-attack grab headlines, the problem is worryingly widespread the problem is across the economy."
Mr Clark says: “The internet brings huge opportunities but it also brings risks and every single day businesses face cyber-attacks, with attempts to steal information and money, or disrupt business. It is increasingly important to manage these risks to take advantage of the internet whilst protecting your business.
“As cybercriminals become more determined and better organised, no business can afford to take its eye off the ball. Firms of all sizes, from major corporations to one-man operations, can be victims so all need to be proactive about protecting themselves from cyber-attacks.
There are regular and simple actions that can be taken to help businesses promote good cyber health and Clark IT advises the following:
- Install and update anti-virus, anti-spam, and firewall/s
- Carry out regular updates on all software and devices
- Change your password regularly (make it difficult to ever guess)
- Secure your network
- Provide clear and concise procedures for handling email, internet and mobile devices
- Train your people in good security practices
- Implement and test backup plans
- Carry out regular security risk assessments to identify important information and systems
- Carry out regular security testing of your business
- Be suspicious – not everyone is a prince with $100 million dollars to send your way
Hacking attacks on British businesses has been said to cost investors £42bn.
Clark IT is based near Turriff in Aberdeenshire and is one Scotland’s leading independent providers of managed ICT solutions with a broad range of corporate and commercial clients not only in the North-east but across Scotland and beyond.
Clark IT clients benefit from the specialist knowledge of the firm’s 26-strong team to support their systems and through managed IT services. Clients also benefit from Pro-active IT Support, 24/7 Monitoring, A virtual IT manager, predictive IT costs and a strategic IT plan tailor-made for their business.