Kingsley Hayes, head of data breach at Keller Lenkner UK
By Legal Futures’ Associates Keller Lenkner UK
A recent government survey has found that despite phishing attacks remaining the top threat to cybersecurity, most businesses remain ill prepared to tackle the risk.
The Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2021 identified that 80% of businesses are not running mock phishing exercises to prepare staff, more than half (57%) have not taken out cyber insurance in the past 12 months, and only a quarter have cyber policies in place covering homeworking.
Kingsley Hayes, head of data breach at Keller Lenkner UK, commented: “This paints a bleak picture with most businesses still operating on a backfoot when it comes to cybersecurity. The pandemic has been a catalyst for organisations to review their post covid working practices, permanently changing traditional office working.
“Irwin Mitchell announced recently that it would be operating a hybrid approach telling staff to choose when and where they want to deliver their work. It is likely that this approach will be mirrored across sectors but poses far greater cyber risks.
“Four fifths of businesses do not have policies in place covering the use of personal devices for work purposes according to the survey. As we slowly come out of the health crisis and blended working practices become more commonplace, it is essential for organisations to be one step ahead of cyber criminals.
“Staff should be regularly trained on how to recognise and respond to a suspected cyber-attack, whether working from home or in the office.
“Clear policies on cyber security in relation to different work environments is a must, alongside focused guidance on the use of personal devices, particularly for those storing, processing, and sharing a significant volume of sensitive data.
“Implementing robust cybersecurity measures across the workforce is as critical, and of immediate importance, as preparing for a covid safe return to the office.”
Keller Lenkner UK helps individuals secure compensation following data protection breaches and other cyber offences such as computer fraud, identity theft, defamation, hacking and phishing scams.
The firm currently represents thousands of individuals against Ticketmaster, Equifax, Equiniti, TeamSport, British Airways, Dixons Carphone and the Police Federation of England and Wales, amongst others.
For more information about Keller Lenkner UK visit kellerlenkner-databreach.co.uk/
