While the number of cyber attacks on UK businesses remained stable in the second quarter of the year, with companies experiencing an average of 172,243 attempts each to breach their systems, hackers increased their efforts targeting file sharing and database applications, according to Beaming, a business internet service provider.
Cyberattacks targeting file sharing applications increased by 10 per cent between April and June, while the number seeking to exploit vulnerabilities in company databases was up by eight per cent. Companies also experienced a four per cent increase in attacks on VoIP telephone systems.
Devices connected to the Internet of Things continued to be targeted most frequently, attracting more than one in every ten attacks, but the number deliberately targeting these systems fell by three per cent in the second quarter.
Beaming identified 294,404 IP addresses used to launch cyber attacks on UK businesses between April and June. It traced a quarter (25 per cent) of these addresses to locations in China, while India and the USA also appeared to be the source of a significant proportion of attacks.
Graphics: Cyberattacks on UK businesses / Attacking IP addresses by origin
Sonia Blizzard, Managing Director of Beaming, said: “The volume of cyberattacks on UK businesses appears to have stabilised, but their nature continues to evolve. While the vast majority are random, untargeted attacks that seek to exploit any momentary vulnerability in firewalls and other security systems, hackers have increased their attention on applications holding company data.”
What can businesses do to protect against cyberattacks?
There are several steps that Beaming recommends businesses take to protect against cyberattacks:
- Use strong passwords and enable multi-factor authentication on all accounts and devices.
- Keep all software and devices up to date with the latest security patches and updates.
- Use a business-grade firewall to protect your network and restrict access to authorised users.
- Use antivirus and anti-malware software to detect and remove any malicious software.
- Educate employees about cybersecurity and the importance of following safe practices when using the internet and company devices.
- Back up important data regularly to protect against data loss from an attack.
- Use a Virtual Private Network when connecting to the internet over public Wi-Fi.
- Consider purchasing cybersecurity insurance to help cover the costs of responding to and recovering from a cyberattack.
- Work with your ISP or a trusted IT provider to help implement these and other security measures.
Beaming’s Five Years in Cyber Security report includes a Hierarchy of Cyber Security Needs to help business leaders identify their current level of performance and the steps they can take to improve resilience to attack https://www.beaming.co.uk/cyber-reports/five-years-in-cyber-security-report/
Methodology
Beaming has analysed cyberattacks in real-time targeting thousands of UK-based businesses since the beginning of 2016 to understand their nature and origin better. From this, it can calculate the average number of attacks businesses receive and use the results of the analysis to help organisations improve their cyber security.
About Beaming: www.beaming.co.uk
Established in 2004 and based in Hastings, East Sussex, Beaming is a specialist internet service provider (ISP) for businesses, supplying thousands of organisations across the UK with fast, reliable, and secure voice and data connectivity. Beaming works primarily with multi-site businesses across the UK that rely on the internet and need an ISP partner to ensure they are always connected and protected online.
