Most businesses in the UK expect online attacks to continue growing, according to research by security specialist WatchGuard Technologies.
The survey of cyber security, IT and business professionals revealed that 86% feel that cyber security threats are likely to increase over the next 12 months. Phishing attacks are seen as the greatest cyber threat to businesses, followed by authentication attacks and stolen credentials. Other threats cited by the respondents included fileless malware and remote employees.
When it comes to facing up to these challenges, security professionals said that the biggest barriers were not being given enough time to work on improved safety measures and not being given sufficient budget to implement them.
Almost half (44%) of organisations have experienced a cyber attack over the last year – and a somewhat alarming 11% were unsure whether they had been targeted or not.
However, 80% of firms feel confident that they have the tools and resources necessary to secure their remote workers and protect their business.
“The current uncertain and challenging economic and geopolitical climate combined with the massive disruption to traditional working practices means cyber criminals are finding new and more inventive ways to attack both businesses and individuals when they are at their most vulnerable,” commented Jon-Marc Wilkinson, UK & Ireland sales director at WatchGuard Technologies.
“If a business has not experienced a cyber attack in the last 12 months, this survey indicates that the majority of respondents are expecting cyber security threats to increase over the next year. More than ever, companies of all sizes need enterprise-grade network and endpoint security that is simple to deploy and manage but is also affordable.”
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Tags: cybersecutity, cyber crime
