Internet safety goes beyond cybersecurity

When we think about internet safety, standard cybersecurity measures are often the first thing to spring to mind—protecting passwords, avoiding malware, and securing company data – and with around half of all businesses being impacted by a cybersecurity breach every year, these things are key priorities…But staying safe online isn’t just about technology and security tools. It also involves digital well-being, misinformation awareness, data privacy, and fraud prevention, and these elements are all too often forgotten or overlooked

For businesses, this means understanding that internet safety goes beyond firewalls and phishing filters. Employees and customers alike face risks that can impact mental health, business reputation, and financial security.

Download our free Safer Internet Day resource pack and get free access to our Internet Safety course

We took a closer look at some of the less commonly advertised elements of cybersecurity, to ensure that your business is safe, secure and protected from all angles.

Digital well-being and mental health

While digital well-being is often viewed as a productivity and mental health concern, it also plays a crucial role in cybersecurity risk management. Employees experiencing digital fatigue, burnout, or stress are more likely to make mistakes that could lead to security breaches. Here’s how:

  • Fatigue leads to poor security decisions

Employees overwhelmed by constant notifications, emails, and screen time are more prone to clicking on phishing emails or falling for social engineering scams. In addition, tired employees may reuse weak passwords, ignore security alerts, or approve suspicious transactions without scrutiny.

  • Overexposure to digital harassment and scams

Digital scams are sadly an all too common fact of life, and online harassment and toxic digital environments can make employees more vulnerable to cyber threats. Cybercriminals use personal stress points to manipulate victims into revealing sensitive information, and employees engaging in workplace social media groups may unintentionally overshare, exposing personal or corporate data to attackers.

  • ‘Always on’ culture increases cybersecurity gaps

Without clear boundaries for notifications and work-related emails, employees may access sensitive corporate systems on unsecured personal devices or fall for urgent scam requests outside work hours (e.g., business email compromise (BEC) fraud). Remote workers who struggle with work-life balance may skip security updates or work from unsecured public networks, exposing company data to cyber threats.

The rise of misinformation and ‘Fake News’

Misinformation isn’t just a social or political issue—it has direct cybersecurity and business implications. Cybercriminals and bad actors use fake news, manipulated content, and disinformation campaigns to mislead employees, exploit trust, and even facilitate cyberattacks.

  • Misinformation fuels social engineering attacks

Cybercriminals craft fake security alerts, CEO messages, or financial updates to manipulate employees into clicking malicious links or sharing sensitive information. Emotionally charged misinformation—such as fake company crises or urgent financial updates—can cause panic and lead employees to act without verifying authenticity.

  • Misinformation in business emails can pressure employees

Fake news can be embedded in phishing emails to pressure employees into taking action, such as:

  • “Your payroll details have changed due to company restructuring—update your information here.”
  • “Urgent cybersecurity threat—reset your password immediately!”
  • “Breaking: Your company is under investigation—click to read the full report.”

These tactics exploit employees’ trust in official-looking sources, leading to data breaches or financial fraud.

  • The risk to company reputation and decision-making

False financial reports or leaked “insider” information can impact stock prices, investor confidence, and employee morale. Similarly, fake reviews, deepfake CEO messages, or manipulated media can spread misinformation about a company, leading to reputational damage and legal consequences.

Data privacy: why it’s everyone’s responsibility

Protecting data isn’t just a compliance issue—it’s essential for business security and customer trust. Employees often unknowingly expose sensitive data through weak passwords, unsecured devices, or excessive data-sharing with third parties. To mitigate risk, businesses should focus on ensuring that staff are fully educated on all data protection best practices, and encourage them to get into the habit of automatically reviewing app and website permissions to prevent unnecessary data exposure. It is also crucial to enforce strict access controls for sensitive information, ensuring that potentially sensitive data and information is only accessible to those who really need it.

The dangers of oversharing on social media

Social media is a goldmine for cybercriminals looking to gather personal and corporate intelligence. Employees who share too much online can unknowingly provide attackers with information to craft highly targeted phishing attacks.

For example, posting details of a particular job role, job titles or organisational structures can make employees a target for business email compromise scams, allowing cybercriminals to impersonate senior executives and request fraudulent transactions, while check-ins and travel updates reveal employee locations that can be exploited. Giving away personal details, such as birthdays, family members, or even hobbies, can help cybercriminals guess passwords or answers to security questions, putting both employees and businesses at risk of a breach. Similarly, posting or sharing information about business projects, clients, or suppliers can help attackers craft convincing phishing emails or pose as legitimate contacts.

It is important to encourage employees to consider where they are sharing their data, and be mindful and aware when interacting on social media.

Beyond phishing: the many faces of online scams

While phishing attacks remain a major cybersecurity risk, cybercriminals are evolving their tactics to target businesses, employees, and financial transactions in new and more deceptive ways. Organisations must be aware of the broader landscape of online scams that extend beyond traditional email fraud. Some of the main examples include:

  • Fake investment schemes

As the name suggests, these scams see fraudsters lure individuals and businesses into bogus cryptocurrency or stock investment opportunities, often promising guaranteed high returns. Employees who fall for investment scams using work devices or transfer corporate funds into fraudulent schemes can expose company financials to cybercriminals. In addition, there has been a rise in CEO impersonation scams: here, fraudsters convince finance teams that an executive is making a “strategic investment,” leading to significant financial losses.

  • Fake online shops and payment fraud

In some cases, cybercriminals set up fraudulent e-commerce websites, often mimicking legitimate suppliers or corporate vendors to steal payment details and personal data. Businesses making bulk purchases—especially during peak seasons—may fall victim to fake supply chain vendors, leading to financial loss and exposed payment credentials. These scams see a particular spike during busy shopping seasons, when businesses are under pressure, and demand from customers is high.

Fraud and protecting bank details online

Financial fraud is one of the most persistent and costly threats facing businesses today. With the rise of business email compromise (BEC), fake payment requests, and supply chain fraud, cybercriminals are constantly finding new ways to manipulate employees and exploit financial processes.

Unlike traditional cyberattacks that rely on malware, modern fraud schemes often involve deception, impersonation, and social engineering, making them difficult to detect and prevent. A single fraudulent payment can result in significant financial losses, regulatory penalties, and reputational damage. Fraud schemes may include:

  • Business Email Compromise (BEC) Attacks

Attackers impersonate company executives, suppliers, or finance teams, sending fraudulent emails that request urgent bank transfers. Often, these emails appear to come from legitimate accounts, using spoofed domains or compromised email credentials.

  • Fake payment requests and invoice fraud

Fraudsters create convincing fake invoices, sometimes using stolen or publicly available company details. They may impersonate vendors or suppliers, requesting banking detail changes to divert payments into fraudulent accounts.

  • Payroll and employee compensation fraud

Cybercriminals impersonate employees or HR personnel, requesting salary redirections to new bank accounts. This type of fraud can go unnoticed for months, causing financial and legal complications.

  • Compromised Vendor or Supplier Accounts

Attackers hack into a supplier’s email account and send genuine-looking requests for payment changes. Businesses assume they are paying a legitimate vendor, only to find the funds sent to a fraudulent account.

Final Thoughts

Fraud prevention isn’t just the responsibility of finance teams—it requires a company-wide approach to cybersecurity awareness, strict controls, and ongoing vigilance. By integrating robust security measures, employee training, and multi-layered verification, businesses can reduce financial fraud risks and protect critical assets from cybercriminals.

Would your company pass a business fraud resilience test? Consider cybersecurity training and fraud detection solutions to strengthen your defences.

Free Course & Resource Pack: Safer Internet Day

February 11th marks Safer Internet Day, and we’re supporting this vital global initiative by offering our Internet Safety eLearning course for free plus a free resource pack!

Our Internet Safety course teaches your staff how to identify risks like malware, phishing scams, and insecure websites so they can avoid online dangers.

With our Internet Safety course, your team will:

  • Recognise common cyber threats like malware downloads and phishing emails
  • Understand how to identify secure vs insecure websites
  • Learn safe practices for submitting sensitive data online
  • Know how to close suspicious pop-ups without engaging
  • Gain the knowledge to react appropriately to dangerous sites

Plus, get access to our free resource pack:

  • An email template: communicate the importance of internet safety with your team with this pre-made email template.
  • Eye-catching posters: print yourself to provide talking points around the office.
  • Engaging content: Stay informed and share the latest in internet safety trends and best practices.
  • Graphics: for email footers, wallpapers and sharing on social channels.

Ready to get started? Interact with the bot below to gain instant access now! 👇

Meta’s €250m Fine: why businesses must take data protection seriously

In an era where data is considered one of the most valuable assets, protecting it has never been more critical for businesses. The recent €251 million fine imposed on Meta Platforms Ireland Limited by Ireland’s Data Protection Commission (DPC) underscores the importance of adhering to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This fine, stemming from a 2018 data breach, serves as a stark reminder of the high stakes involved in safeguarding personal information. For businesses of all sizes, the Meta case highlights both the potential consequences of non-compliance and the importance of robust data protection practices.

The Meta breach: a costly oversight

The breach in question, which impacted 29 million Facebook accounts worldwide, including 3 million in the European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA), involved highly sensitive personal data. Among the compromised details were users’ full names, email addresses, phone numbers, locations, and other key personal information which could prove very useful to those with nefarious intent. The vulnerability stemmed from Facebook’s “View As” feature, which cybercriminals exploited to gain access to user tokens. This allowed attackers to view multiple user profiles with full permissions – giving hackers full access to data which could be useful for phishing attacks or other cybercrime.

The DPC’s investigation revealed several violations of GDPR, including:

  • Failure to provide a comprehensive breach notification.
  • Failure to implement appropriate security measures to protect data.
  • Breach of data integrity and confidentiality.
  • Lack of documentation of personal data breaches as they occurred.
  • Repeat offences – this was not Meta’s first experience of being fined for data protection violations – they received a €17 million in March 2022, and a €1.2 billion fine for the same offence in May 2023. 

Overall, the total cost of this breach was €215 million, and this was divided into €130 million for design-related data protection violations, €110 million for processing unnecessary personal data, €8 million for incomplete breach notifications and €3 million for inadequate documentation.

While Meta addressed the vulnerability promptly, this enforcement action underscores a critical lesson: reactive measures cannot replace proactive compliance. Businesses must embed data protection principles throughout their operations, from system design to breach response protocols.

A history of GDPR breaches

It may come as no surprise that Meta is far from the only household name to be less than transparent and secure when it comes to data collection – major brands such as Amazon, British Airways, EA, and TfL have all previously received penalties for issues related to personal data – some of the cases which made headlines include:

  1. Amazon: €746 million (2021)
    Amazon made history for all the wrong reasons in 2021, when the Luxembourg National Commission for Data Protection fined the company a record  €746 million for processing personal data in violation of GDPR. The decision highlighted the need for transparency in how businesses collect and use personal data, particularly when it comes to targeted advertising.
  2. WhatsApp: €225 million (2021)
    The second largest fine to be levied by the DPC went to WhatsApp in 2021, addressing failures in providing sufficient transparency regarding how user data is shared with Facebook and other third parties – the DPC determined that greater transparency was required to ensure security of data.
  3. British Airways: £20 million (2020)
    In 2020, the UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) fined British Airways £20 million following a cyberattack in 2018 that compromised the personal and payment information of over 400,000 customers. The investigation revealed inadequate security measures to protect customer data.
  4. H&M: €35.3 million (2020)
    2020 also saw H&M fined €35.3 million after it was revealed that they had been unlawfully monitoring employees’ personal lives, including sensitive details such as family issues and religious beliefs. This case serves as a reminder that GDPR applies not only to customer data but also to employee information.

Lessons for businesses

So, what does this mean for you? The Meta breach and other high-profile cases illustrate the potential consequences of failing to comply with GDPR – but also provide insights into how to stay safe. For businesses, these cases highlight key areas to focus on:

Collect only necessary data to begin with

GDPR requires organisations to build data protection into their processes from the start. This means collecting only necessary data, enforcing strong access controls, and conducting regular system audits. Cases such as H&M demonstrate that the collection of excessive data, without good reason, can lead to high fines and penalties.

Embed comprehensive breach notification protocol

A key element of the Meta case was a failure to notify authorities of the breach in good time. GDPR mandates that data breaches be reported to the relevant supervisory authority within 72 hours of discovery. Organisations must have clear protocols in place to identify, document, and report breaches promptly and comprehensively.

Maintain transparency and communication

Clear and transparent communication with customers and regulators is essential for maintaining trust. Businesses must explain how they collect, use, and protect data, and inform affected parties promptly in the event of a breach.

Invest in regular training and awareness

Employees are often the first line of defence against cyber threats. Regular training on data protection practices, phishing awareness, and GDPR requirements can significantly reduce the risk of human error leading to a breach.

Engage with regulators

Demonstrating a proactive approach to compliance and cooperating fully with supervisory authorities can help mitigate the consequences of a breach if something does happen.

The broader impact of GDPR breaches

The financial penalties associated with GDPR violations are only part of the equation. Businesses also face reputational damage, loss of customer trust, and operational disruptions in the wake of a data breach. For example, British Airways is thought to have experienced significant public backlash following its 2018 breach, leading to a decline in customer confidence, while H&M’s fine not only highlighted internal compliance failings but also exposed the company to reputational harm among its employees and the public.

For small and medium-sized businesses, the risks are particularly acute. While larger corporations like Meta and Amazon may have the resources to absorb hefty fines, smaller businesses often face existential threats from similar breaches and financial penalties – and loss of trust from their customers can mean the end of their business.

Final Thoughts

The €251 million fine imposed on Meta serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of GDPR compliance. Data protection is no longer optional—it’s a fundamental responsibility for all businesses. By embedding data protection principles into their operations, providing transparency to customers, and maintaining strong security measures, organisations can not only avoid regulatory penalties but also build trust and resilience in an increasingly complex digital landscape.

For businesses that are yet to prioritise GDPR compliance, the time to act is now. Proactive efforts today can prevent costly consequences tomorrow and safeguard the long-term success of your organisation – so get in touch, and see how Bob’s Business can help you secure long-term security with robust, engaging and educational training which will equip your team with the tools they need to fight cybercrime – and keep breaches at bay for good.

Download our Data Protection Day resource pack!

Where are you sharing your data?

In today’s hyper-connected world, many of our everyday activities—such as using social media, downloading apps, or even participating in harmless-looking online games—can inadvertently lead to the sharing of sensitive information. These activities, while seemingly trivial, often involve providing personal details, granting unnecessary permissions, or exposing habits and preferences that can be pieced together by malicious actors.

For businesses, the stakes are even higher. When employees unknowingly share personal or professional data, it can open doors for cybercriminals to exploit this information through phishing schemes, social engineering attacks, or identity theft. Data leaks stemming from such activities can compromise business operations, lead to reputational damage, and even result in significant financial or legal consequences due to non-compliance with data protection regulations.

We took a closer look at some of the more subtle, often-overlooked ways in which sensitive information is shared inadvertently, why this poses a significant risk to businesses, and what measures organisations can take to safeguard their data. By understanding these risks, businesses can better educate their teams and implement proactive solutions to minimise potential vulnerabilities.

Download our Data Protection Day resource pack!

How do we share our data?

So, just what tricks and techniques might cybercriminals use to fool us into inadvertently parting with our data? Some of the most common examples include:

Social media games and quizzes

One of the most common ways individuals unknowingly share sensitive information is through social media games and quizzes. These seemingly harmless activities, like “What’s your rockstar name?” or “Find out your future career,” often ask participants to share details such as their mother’s maiden name, the city they were born in, or their first pet’s name. 

While these prompts seem innocent, they often coincide with security questions used for account recovery or password resets.

These games are frequently designed with hidden motives. The data collected may be sold to third parties or used to create profiles of individuals, which cybercriminals can exploit for targeted attacks. Data mining company Cambridge Analytica are known to have collected information on at least 87 million Facebook users through creating their own Facebook quizzes – and they are far from alone. Vonvon are a South Korean company responsible for thousands of popular Facebook quizzes, and they claim that information is only harvested from social media to make the quizzes as good as they can be. Experts are skeptical, however, and there are concerns over exactly what data is harvested, and how it is used and shared.

For businesses, the consequences could be wide reaching: an employee’s participation in such activities could inadvertently expose credentials that hackers can use to gain access to corporate systems.

Over sharing on social media platforms

Social media thrives on connection, but it can also expose users to significant risks when boundaries aren’t maintained. According to the stats, around 84% of people share personal, private information on their social media accounts each week – and over-sharing is a prime example of how personal data can inadvertently be shared. Common behaviours include:

  • Posting holiday plans or check-ins: These updates broadcast when someone is away from home or the office, potentially making them vulnerable to physical theft or cyberattacks.
  • Sharing photos with sensitive details: Images of ID badges, passports, or confidential documents, even in the background of a picture, can be captured and used maliciously.
  • Tagging locations in real-time: This practice can provide cybercriminals with precise information about an individual’s movements, which could be used for spear phishing or impersonation.

From a business perspective, employees who overshare may inadvertently expose company secrets or compromise their own security, creating entry points for attackers to target corporate networks.

Third-party apps and permissions

In addition to the risks of sharing on socials, the technology behind the profiles can also be a risk factor. Social media platforms often integrate with third-party apps and services, providing a seamless user experience. However, when users link their accounts to external apps—such as a photo-editing tool or a horoscope app—they may unknowingly grant extensive permissions. These permissions might include access to contacts, locations, and even the ability to post on their behalf.

Many third-party apps have questionable data handling practices, and some are outright malicious. Once access is granted, sensitive data can be harvested, stored, and potentially sold. For businesses, the use of third-party apps on professional social media accounts, such as LinkedIn, poses additional risks, as it could lead to the unintentional sharing of company information.

Why does this matter to businesses?

But hold on – why does it matter to you if your employee has completed a quiz to find out their rockstar name? The truth is that inadvertent data sharing on social media doesn’t just impact individuals—it poses significant risks to businesses. Employee behaviour online can jeopardise organisational security, reputation, and legal compliance, and there can be a number of consequences, including:

Exploitation by cybercriminals

When employees share personal details online, cybercriminals can exploit this information in two major ways:

  • Phishing and Social Engineering: Attackers use personal details, like those shared in social media games, to create convincing phishing emails or impersonate trusted contacts, tricking employees into divulging sensitive information or transferring funds.
  • Credential Stuffing: With details harvested online, hackers attempt to access business accounts by exploiting reused passwords or weak recovery processes. This can lead to data breaches and financial losses.

Damage to reputation

Oversharing on social media, especially on professional platforms like LinkedIn, can expose sensitive business information, from project updates to client details. Careless posts can lead to negative publicity, erode customer trust, and tarnish a company’s brand.

Legal consequences and fines

Businesses may face severe penalties if employee actions result in breaches of data protection regulations like GDPR. Potential consequences include:

  • Regulatory Fines: Non-compliance with data handling laws can lead to penalties in the millions.
  • Legal Liability: Exposed client or employee data may result in lawsuits and costly settlements.
  • Loss of Client Trust: Mishandling sensitive information can damage relationships in sectors like healthcare, finance, or law.

What can businesses do?

It is up to businesses to ensure that their data is safe and secure – and this starts with education. Some top tips to help protect data include:

Educate employees

One crucial step is to teach employees about the dangers of social media, and the ways in which cybercriminals operate and exploit seemingly harmless interactions, such as fun online quizzes. Training should cover common attack tactics, such as phishing, social engineering, and credential harvesting: ongoing awareness and critical thinking are essential to reducing human error and minimising vulnerabilities.

Develop policies

Make sure that your workplace has clear, robust policies for responsible social media use, clearly, outlining the acceptable and non-acceptable behaviours, such as avoiding discussion of potentially sensitive projects, or limiting the sharing of any work-related information. Support these policies with training that equips employees to manage privacy settings, identify risks, and navigate social media responsibly, and make sure this training is kept up to date and delivered regularly.

Invest in robust security measures

Security measures such as multi-factor authentication (MFA) add an extra layer of security to business accounts, making it harder for attackers to access even if credentials are compromised. You can also invest in monitoring tools to detect unusual activity, such as unauthorised logins, and respond swiftly to potential breaches. These safeguards protect sensitive data and bolster organisational security.

Be proactive

Perhaps most importantly, businesses should adopt a proactive approach which combines education, clear policies, and strong security measures to help protect data, reputation, and compliance in a connected digital environment. By addressing vulnerabilities early, businesses can maintain resilience, customer trust, and cybersecurity confidence.

Final Thoughts

In today’s increasingly digital world, the way in which we share information – be it intentionally or inadvertently—can have far-reaching consequences. Businesses must take proactive steps to educate employees, implement clear policies, and adopt robust security measures to safeguard their data and reputation. By fostering awareness, encouraging responsible behaviour, and investing in strong cybersecurity defences, organisations can minimise risks and navigate the complexities of data protection with confidence. In the end, a secure business is a resilient business – and we all have a part to play.

Download our Data Protection Day resource pack!

Understanding GDPR: What Businesses Need to Know

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a cornerstone of modern data privacy, impacting organisations across the UK and Europe. Yet, despite its far-reaching implications, many businesses still struggle to grasp its full significance – just what does it cover? Why is it important? And what should businesses know to ensure that they are compliant? To help answer these questions, we took a closer look at the key questions surrounding GDPR, including exploring why it was introduced, examining its ongoing impact, and considering how it fits into a global patchwork of data protection laws.

Download our Data Protection Day resource pack!

What is GDPR?

In simple terms, the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) is a regulation implemented by the European Union in May 2018 to protect personal data and privacy for individuals within the EU and the European Economic Area (EEA). Its main role is to establish guidelines for collecting, processing, storing, and sharing personal data, ensuring transparency, accountability, and security.

It is important to note, however, that GDPR is more than just a set of rules. It is also a regulation which empowers individuals to take control of their data, giving them rights such as:

  • The right to access their personal data.
  • The right to correct inaccuracies.
  • The right to be forgotten.
  • The right to data portability.

Why was GDPR introduced?

The main goals of GDPR were to create a unified, cohesive approach to data protection laws and practices across Europe. Prior to the introduction of the regulation, data protection laws across Europe were fragmented and outdated, failing to keep pace with the rapid evolution of technology. The increasing digitisation of personal information, the rise of global platforms, and a spate of high-profile data breaches highlighted the need for stronger, harmonised regulations.

GDPR was introduced with three main goals in mind:

  1. To unify Data Protection Laws: Providing a single framework for businesses operating within the EU and EEA.
  2. To enhance Individual Rights: Giving people more control over how their data is used.
  3. To address Emerging Risks: Ensuring laws could handle challenges posed by AI, Big Data, and cross-border data flows.

What has changed since GDPR was implemented?

The introduction of GDPR has resulted in some key changes for businesses, and the main ones include:

Increased accountability

Businesses must now document their compliance efforts, including maintaining data processing records and conducting Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) for high-risk activities.

Greater penalties

Non-compliance can lead to fines of up to €20 million or 4% of global annual turnover, whichever is higher. These penalties have incentivised organisations to take compliance seriously.

Cultural shift

GDPR has heightened awareness of data privacy issues, encouraging businesses to adopt privacy-by-design principles and invest in robust cybersecurity measures.

Increased consumer awareness

Customers now expect transparency in how their data is handled, often favouring businesses that demonstrate a commitment to protecting their information.

Will I be impacted by GDPR?

Essentially, if you are a business, the answer to this is yes. GDPR applies to all businesses established in the EU, regardless of whether the data processing takes place in the EU or not. This means that if your business deals with EU customers, you will need to comply – even if you are based outside of this region. 

While GDPR applies to all organisations that handle personal data, some industries are more directly impacted due to the nature and volume of data they process. Key sectors include:

Retail and E-commerce

Retailers and online businesses manage vast amounts of customer data daily, including names, addresses, payment details, and shopping habits. With the rise of online shopping and personalised marketing, these businesses must ensure robust data protection mechanisms are in place. GDPR also affects how retailers use cookies, track user behaviour, and share data with third-party advertisers.

Healthcare

The healthcare sector deals with some of the most sensitive personal data, such as medical histories, diagnoses, and treatment plans. GDPR classifies health data as ‘special category’ information, requiring stricter safeguards. Hospitals, clinics, and research institutions must implement strong encryption, access controls, and data minimisation strategies to comply. A data breach in this sector can have profound consequences, making compliance particularly critical.

Finance and Banking

Banks, credit unions, and financial service providers process financial transactions, identity documents, and credit information. These organisations are high-value targets for cybercriminals, meaning GDPR compliance goes hand in hand with advanced cybersecurity measures. They must also navigate complex requirements related to customer consent, data sharing, and fraud prevention.

Technology Firms

Tech companies often store and process enormous volumes of user data, from social media interactions to cloud storage. Many of these businesses operate across borders, meaning they must align their practices not only with GDPR but also with other international data protection laws. GDPR has pushed technology firms to adopt privacy-by-design principles, making data protection a fundamental aspect of their product development.

How does GDPR fit In with international Data Protection laws?

While GDPR set the benchmark for modern data protection laws, its coexistence with regulations from other countries has created challenges for businesses operating globally. A key example of such a challenge is the United States, which lacks an overall, dominant, federal data protection law. Instead, states like California (CCPA) and Virginia (VCDPA) have their own regulations, leading to a patchwork of compliance requirements which can make it tricky to navigate and stay on top of. Similarly, regions such as China and Brazil have introduced their own ‘versions’ of GDPR – the Personal Information Protection Law (PIPL) and the Lei Geral de Proteção de Dados (LGPD) respectively, each of which is inspired by GDPR but tailored to its national context.

Navigating GDPR and other data protection laws requires a proactive, informed, and structured approach. Here are some key strategies to help your organisation stay compliant in an increasingly complex regulatory landscape:

Understand Your obligations

Compliance starts with awareness. Regularly review your data protection policies and procedures to ensure they align with GDPR requirements and any other applicable regulations. This includes assessing how personal data is collected, stored, processed, and shared across your organisation. Consider consulting legal experts or data protection officers (DPOs) to identify potential gaps and ensure your practices are fully compliant. Regular audits and gap analyses are essential tools for maintaining oversight.

Invest in training

Your employees are the frontline of your data protection efforts. Equip them with the knowledge and skills to identify risks, handle data responsibly, and adhere to legal requirements. Training should cover topics like recognising phishing attempts, understanding data subject rights, and securely processing personal information. Tailor training sessions to different roles within your organisation, as compliance involves everyone, from IT teams to customer service representatives.

Use reliable sources

Staying informed is crucial in a regulatory environment that can change rapidly. Follow guidance from trusted authorities such as the UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), which offers detailed advice on GDPR compliance and enforcement updates, or the European Data Protection Board (EDPB), which provides interpretations and clarifications of GDPR provisions.

In addition, expand your knowledge by subscribing to newsletters, attending webinars, and participating in forums to stay current on global data protection trends.

Plan for the future

Data protection laws are not static. As technology evolves, regulations will adapt to address new challenges such as AI, Big Data, and global data flows. To future-proof your organisation, stay up-to-date with key changes, and make it a priority to regularly review and update your data protection policies to reflect emerging trends and legal requirements.

Being proactive rather than reactive can save your organisation time, money, and reputational damage in the long run.

Final Thoughts

Understanding and complying with GDPR is no longer optional—it’s essential for any business handling personal data. While the regulation presents challenges, it also offers opportunities to build trust with customers, strengthen data security, and position your organisation as a leader in privacy-first practices.

As data protection laws continue to develop worldwide, businesses must adapt to remain compliant. Whether you operate locally or globally, staying informed and proactive is the key to success – and Bob’s Business is on hand to help with convenient, accessible and informative training.

Download our Data Protection Day resource pack!

Free Data Privacy Day 2025 pack

We’re gearing up for Data Privacy Day on 28th January 2025 by bringing you a free downloadable resource pack to help keep data privacy front of mind!

As we navigate the ever-changing digital landscape, safeguarding data is more critical than ever. Protecting sensitive information isn’t just about compliance; it’s about maintaining trust with our customers, partners, and each other.

To help you and your team stay safe, we’ve put together a resource pack designed to help you navigate your data privacy, including:

  • A Data Privacy Email Template: communicate essential data privacy tips with this pre-made email template.
  • Data Privacy Wallpaper: keep data privacy habits at the front of your organisation’s mind with this stylish desktop wallpaper.
  • Data Privacy Email Footer: maintain awareness with every email thanks to this email footer design.
  • Poster: print yourself to provide talking points around the office.

Ready to get started? Interact with the bot below to gain instant access now!

Cybersecurity in 2024: A year in review and lessons for the future

The secret to great cybersecurity is to always be learning, developing and discovering – and this means keeping abreast of the latest developments, stories and updates. As we kick off 2025 with a clean slate, what better way to remind ourselves of the importance of cybersecurity than with a look back at some of the most significant cybersecurity breaches of the last 12 months? 

As the old adage goes: knowledge is power, so read on to discover some of the biggest cyber scandals to hit the headlines in 2024 – and the crucial lessons that we can learn from the misfortune of others.

Healthcare: A sector under siege

Healthcare is an area that we all rely on, and one which is home to millions of confidential details, private medical history, and potentially valuable information. Cyber attacks in this industry can be devastating – and 2024 saw the sector targeted in a number of high profile incidents.

NHS Dumfries and Galloway ransomware attack (February 2024)
In February 2024, NHS Dumfries and Galloway in Scotland experienced a ransomware attack attributed to the Russian cybercriminal group Inc Ransom. The attackers exfiltrated approximately three terabytes of data, including confidential patient information. The health board chose not to pay the ransom, leading the hackers to publish the stolen data online. This breach had significant repercussions, affecting numerous individuals and highlighting the persistent threat posed by ransomware to healthcare services.

Synnovis ransomware attack (June 2024)

Synnovis, a pathology laboratory serving several NHS organisations in South East London, suffered a ransomware attack on June 3, 2024. The Russian cyber-criminal group Qilin claimed responsibility, subsequently publishing nearly 400GB of sensitive data, including patient names, dates of birth, NHS numbers, and blood test details. This breach led to the postponement of over 10,000 outpatient appointments and nearly 2,000 elective procedures. Services were gradually restored, with most back online by October 2024.

Impact of the CrowdStrike-Related IT outage (July 2024)
Chaos continued that summer – in July 2024, a global IT outage linked to a faulty software update from cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike caused widespread disruptions across various sectors, including healthcare. The NHS was notably affected, with many general practices (GPs) across England experiencing significant disruptions. Services that relied on the EMIS Web software were unable to access and manage medical records, issue prescriptions, or schedule appointments. This incident highlighted the NHS’s dependence on third-party cybersecurity solutions and the cascading effects of their failures.

Liverpool hospitals cyberattack (December 2024)

In early December, cybercriminals struck again, this time at three hospitals in Liverpool—Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, and Royal Liverpool University Hospital, all of which were targeted in a cyberattack. Hackers unlawfully accessed data through a shared digital gateway service. While services remained operational, there were concerns about potential data breaches.

Government and Politics: Westminster in the crosshairs

Politics is another area which has seen an onslaught of attacks over 2024, highlighting the frightening ease with which the world’s most secure systems can be breached, and underscoring key vulnerabilities within governmental and political institutions. Notable incidents include:

Electoral Commission data breach (August 2023 -into 2024)
In 2024, the UK’s Electoral Commission reported a cyberattack that originated in 2023, but went undetected for over a year, resulting in unauthorised access to the personal data of millions of voters – not ideal in a critical General Election year. The breach raised concerns about the security of electoral processes and the potential for foreign interference – and these concerns are legitimate. The same year saw the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) identify China as a significant cyber threat, with state-sponsored actors targeting UK political institutions. Incidents included attempts to access parliamentary emails and influence democratic processes, prompting calls for enhanced cybersecurity measures.

Parliamentary email system vulnerabilities (2024)

Former aides retained access to parliamentary email accounts after leaving their positions, exploiting this to obtain confidential information, including MPs’ private contact details and sensitive communications. This lapse highlighted significant weaknesses in parliamentary IT security management.

Ministry of Defence payroll system breach (May 2024)
May 2024 saw the UK’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) experience a cyberattack targeting its payroll system, compromising the personal and financial details of approximately 270,000 personnel. While initial reports suggested Chinese involvement, Defence Secretary Grant Shapps indicated that attributing the attack would require further investigation.

Labour Party data protection reprimand (August 2024)
August 2024 saw senior politicians receive a sharp slap on the wrist when the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) formally reprimanded the Labour Party for failing to comply with data protection laws. This action followed more than 150 complaints regarding delays in responding to Subject Access Requests (SARs) after a cyberattack in October 2021.

Westminster honeytrap scandal (2024)
Perhaps one of the most high profile cyber scandals to hit the political landscape in 2024 was the so-called “Honeytrap Scandal.” A cyber-enabled “honeytrap” operation targeted MPs, staffers, and political journalists, resulting in individuals receiving unsolicited flirtatious messages via platforms like WhatsApp and Grindr from personas named “Charlie” or “Abi,” leading some to share compromising information. The Metropolitan Police’s investigation faced criticism after a data breach inadvertently exposed victims’ identities to each other.

These incidents underscore the pressing need for robust cybersecurity protocols within UK political institutions to safeguard democratic processes and maintain public trust.

Transport and Infrastructure: A year of disruption

Transport is another integral part of our daily lives and once again, was the target of attack in a major incident. As we discussed previously, Transport for London is often a key target for attack, and the 2024 incident was a key look into the flaws of the system, requiring the help of the National Cybersecurity Centre (NCSC).

TFL (September 2024)

In September 2024, TfL detected suspicious activity on its network, leading to a cyber security incident. The attack affected several online systems, including Oyster and contactless payment services, and led to the suspension of new Oyster photocard applications. Approximately 5,000 customers’ data, including bank account numbers and sort codes, were potentially accessed. A 17-year-old male was arrested in connection with the attack. By December 2024, TfL reported spending over £30 million on incident response and system recovery efforts.

Football and sporting events: cybercriminals targeting popularity

Critical infrastructure was not the only target of cybercriminals in 2024 – popular sporting events such as football also fell victim to attacks and incidents, as criminals took advantage of rapt crowds and a captive audience.

The sports industry, including football, has seen a significant rise in cyber threats over the past decade. Reports indicate that 70% of sports organisations experience cyberattacks annually, and the digital transformation of sports venues and the increasing online engagement of fans have introduced new vulnerabilities. Incidents such as ransomware attacks on major sports teams and data breaches involving fan information underscore the pressing need for robust cybersecurity measures within the industry.

Aston Villa data breach (March 2024):

Aston Villa Football Club inadvertently exposed a publicly accessible Amazon Web Services (AWS) S3 bucket containing personally identifiable information (PII) of approximately 135,770 individuals. The leaked data included full names, dates of birth, home addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, membership details, and purchase information. This exposure heightened risks of spear phishing, social engineering attacks, and identity theft for the affected fans.

UEFA Euro 2024 cyber threats:
The UEFA Euro 2024 tournament in Germany attracted significant cybercriminal activity:

  • Credential theft: Over 15,000 credentials associated with UEFA customers were found on underground forums, with an additional 2,000 available for sale on the dark web. Many of these credentials belonged to individuals using corporate email addresses, posing potential security risks to their organisations.
  • Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) Attacks: During the tournament, several DDoS attacks targeted online broadcasts and related services. Notably, the online broadcast of Poland’s opening match against Estonia was disrupted, with suspicions pointing towards Russian-linked hackers.
  • Phishing and scam activities: Cybercriminals exploited the tournament’s popularity by setting up fraudulent websites and mobile apps impersonating official UEFA platforms. These malicious entities aimed to deceive fans into revealing personal or financial information, downloading malware, or purchasing counterfeit tickets.

Liverpool targeted by ticket touts (July and November 2024)

The rise in digital technology has also seen football fans impacted through targeting ticket sales, as highlighted in industry publications such as The Athletic. July and November 2024 saw online sales for Liverpool FC members subject to a cyber attack, where the target was illegally harvested tickets. The club retaliated by closing around 100,000 fake ticketing accounts, cancelling 1500 tickets suspected to be fraudulent, and issuing criminals with indefinite suspensions (136 in total), and 47 lifetime bans. The next season followed suit, with 47 lifetime bans, 1200 cancelled tickets, and the closure of 20,000 ticketing accounts – Liverpool are fighting back against the fake fans.

Lessons learned from 2024

The events of 2024 made clear that cyber threats are systemic risks capable of crippling industries, disrupting services, and undermining national security. To counter these threats, organisations must focus on resilience, preparedness, and collaboration. The diversity of these threats also show that anyone can fall victim to cybercrime; if major corporations such as TFL, the NHS and Liverpool football club can become victims, then so can anyone. Cybersecurity awareness training, therefore, is crucial no matter the size, shape or nature of your business – and can also reap rewards for individuals.

Key priorities include:

  • Third-Party Risk Management: Incidents like the CrowdStrike outage show the need for robust vendor risk assessments, clear SLAs, and contingency plans to prevent cascading failures.
  • Ransomware Defences: Attacks like the NHS Synnovis breach emphasise the urgency of advanced monitoring, offline backups, and testing response plans to minimise disruption.
  • Cybersecurity Education: Human error, evident in phishing scams like the Westminster honeytrap, underscores the importance of regular training and a cybersecurity-focused culture.
  • Nation-State Threats: Attacks on critical systems demand better threat intelligence sharing, detection capabilities, and cross-industry collaboration to deter state-backed actors.

The challenges faced in 2024 prove that cybersecurity is essential. A united effort across organisations, governments, and individuals is crucial to building a secure future – and we all have a part to play in keeping cybercriminals at bay in 2025 and beyond.

Top tools to help businesses protect their cybersecurity this christmas

‘Tis the season to be cyber-secure! As cyber threats grow more cunning, businesses must ensure their digital defences are as sturdy as Santa’s sleigh. From ransomware Grinches to data-breaching Scrooges, the risks lurking in cyberspace are real—and the consequences of ignoring them can turn your holidays into a nightmare. But fear not! Just like stockings stuffed with gifts, there are powerful tools to help protect your business from the naughty list of cyber threats. Below, we unwrap some of the best cybersecurity solutions to keep your business safe and sound this festive season.

Password managers

Weak or reused passwords remain one of the most common vulnerabilities exploited by cybercriminals. Password managers are an essential tool for businesses looking to enforce strong password hygiene. These tools generate and store complex passwords securely, eliminating the need for employees to remember multiple credentials – opt for names such as LastPass or 1Password for trustworthy options.

Endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions

As remote and hybrid work environments become the norm, securing endpoints such as threat detection, and response capabilities for these vulnerable points.

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) tools

Passwords alone are no longer sufficient to protect sensitive systems and data. MFA tools such as Microsoft Authenticator or Duo Security add an additional layer of security by requiring a second form of verification, such as a one-time code or biometric authentication.

Secure email gateways

Email remains a primary attack vector for phishing and malware. Secure email gateways such as Mimecast filter out suspicious emails and attachments before they reach employees, reducing the likelihood of a breach.

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)

For businesses with remote workers, VPNs are essential to ensure secure access to company networks. A VPN encrypts data transmitted over the internet, protecting it from interception.

Vulnerability scanning tools

Regular vulnerability scanning helps businesses identify weaknesses in their systems before cybercriminals can exploit them. These tools assess network infrastructure, applications, and configurations, providing actionable insights for remediation.

Backup and recovery solutions

Data loss due to cyberattacks, such as ransomware, can be devastating. Backup and recovery tools ensure that critical data is regularly backed up and can be restored quickly in the event of an incident.

Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tools

SIEM tools centralise the collection and analysis of security data, helping businesses detect and respond to threats quickly. They are especially valuable for organisations with complex IT environments.

Final thoughts

Investing in the right cybersecurity tools is a critical step in protecting your business from the growing threat of cyberattacks. While no tool can guarantee complete immunity, implementing these solutions as part of a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy significantly reduces your risk.

While technology is a vital part of the puzzle, it’s not enough to keep those cyber Grinches at bay! Businesses also need to focus on empowering their teams with the knowledge and skills to spot and respond to potential threats. A well-trained workforce, paired with the latest cybersecurity tools, is like having a team of digital elves safeguarding your business. And this is where Bob’s Business comes in! For expert advice and tailored solutions, let us help you make your cybersecurity sparkle this festive season. Get in touch today and see how we can help!

12 Risks of Christmas: Cybersecurity Lessons For Businesses

The holiday season is here—a time for celebration, connection, and, of course, business growth! As shoppers flock online and workplaces get festive, it’s also the perfect moment to ensure your cybersecurity defences are as strong as ever. With 63% of holiday purchases in 2021 and 2022 made online—and even more expected this year—it’s no wonder cybercriminals get busy too. But don’t worry! By staying proactive, you can keep threats at bay – and not just for the holiday season!

To help, here are our twelve top tips to transform potential threats into opportunities for security, and strengthen your business all year round – remember, cybersecurity is for life, not just for Chritstmas! 

1. Holiday phishing scams

Who doesn’t love a good holiday deal, a chance to save, or great opportunity – cybercriminals certainly do! These voracious villains are skilled at capitalising on holiday cheer, crafting deceptive emails that play on the goodwill that comes with Christmas. From fake gift card giveaways to phony charity appeals and urgent “last-minute deals,” these festive-themed scams are designed to look legitimate while concealing malicious intent. 

According to the stats, holiday fraud cost the UK a whopping £12.3 million in a single year – but you can prevent your team from adding to that number, by giving them the gift of phishing awareness training. Teach them the tricks to spot seasonal scams, and pair this with slick advanced email filters to stop spam emails in their tracks: think of it as your businesses digital security sleigh.

2. Increased risk of fraud

Online shopping isn’t just super convenient for your customers – it is also potentially a playground for would-be cyber scammers! Techniques such as creating fake accounts, stealing payment details, or finding holes in your checkout system can cause havoc on unsuspecting shoppers – but Santa is giving you the tools to fight back, including investing in quality fraud detection tools, taking time to enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) for customer accounts, and regularly auditing payment gateways to remove potential vulnerabilities.

The right fraud prevention tools can act as your very own holiday elves, working tirelessly behind the scenes to keep everything running smoothly.

3. Compromised third-party vendors

Third party platforms have the potential to be very welcome guests, allowing you to take care of business essentials such as logistics, payment processing, and marketing. When they go wrong, however, the consequences can be serious – a single rogue snowflake can escalate into a snowball of drama, exposing  your sensitive systems and customer data to potential exploitation. Even a minor vulnerability in a partner’s network can become a gateway for attackers, leaving your business to face the fallout.

The good news is that you can pick the providers who make your “Good” list through careful vetting and checks. When picking a potential partner, take time to assess their security protocols, ensure they meet industry standards, and confirm they adhere to your organisation’s security requirements. Establish clear contractual obligations around data protection and incident response, and consider ongoing audits or monitoring to ensure compliance doesn’t lapse over time. These simple steps will help you avoid those on the naughty list this year!

4. Ransomware surges

Ransomware is another risk that has the potential to cause chaos over the Chrstmas period – according to the experts, . 86% of organisations targeted by ransomware are likely to be hit on a weekend or holiday. Avoid cybercriminals dampening your festive spirit by implementing regular back-ups of data, segmenting networks to contain breaches, and asking for some advanced ransomware detection tools in your stocking this year to ensure you have all you need to emerge the hero!

5. Increase in remote working

Employees are more likely to be working remotely over the Christmas period, and while this is great for productivity and employee morale, it is also essential to ensure that employees are staying protected while enjoying their mulled wine. Potential hotspots here are the use of personal devices and public WiFi networks – so get ahead of the risks by equipping your staff with the cybersecurity equivalent of a Christmas jumper – a great VPN for protection, and updated firewalls and software to keep up with the latest trends.

6. Unpatched software and systems

Keeping systems updated is similar to sending Christmas cards to your far away great aunt – tricky to remember, but important for maintaining good connections. Unpatched vulnerabilities are directly responsible for over half of all data breaches, and the Christmas holidays mean that critical patches may be delayed, leaving systems vulnerable to exploitation, and updates may be delayed.

To keep systems up to date and protected, automate updates to run while everyone is enjoying their mince pies, and if needed, assign your own elves to  oversee patch management while people are away.

7. Social engineering tactics

The season of giving can occasionally bring too much generosity – particularly when cybercriminals have an ever-growing wish list! From fake charity appeals designed to manipulate your emotions, to urgent requests for holiday bonuses, make sure that your Christmas spirit isn’t taken advantage of this season.

Employee training is the best gift you can give here – regularly educate your team on recognising social engineering attempts, and establish a simple protocol for handling unexpected or unusual requests, such as confirming requests through another line of communication, or reporting to your IT team before acting. Even Santa’s workshop has a chain of command!

8. Skeleton staff and IT teams

IT teams teams are often the unsung heroes of many businesses – but even they deserve a festive break! Research suggests a 30% increase in cyber attacks over the festive period, and at least part of this can be attributed to a lack of active monitoring – but this can be combatted by outsourcing cybersecurity monitoring or bringing in seasonal IT support to ensure quick, effective threat management during peak periods, and ensure that everyone has the break that they deserve.

9. Out of office alerts – a signal to cybercriminals!

Detailed out-of-office messages are great for keeping clients and colleagues up to date – but they can unintentionally tip off attackers about staff absences, creating opportunities to exploit security gaps – unless you are one step ahead.

Reduce the risk by using generic autoresponders that avoid sharing sensitive details like names, schedules, or extended leave dates, or by handing over access to an agreed colleague or IT support.

10. Fake holiday promotional offers

Fake holiday promotions are another growing problem for businesses, with cybercriminals setting up convincing scams that mimic legitimate business offers. These fraudulent campaigns can trick your customers, harm your reputation, and erode trust in your brand.

Use domain monitoring tools to quickly spot and address any fake websites impersonating your business. Make it easy for customers to identify genuine offers by providing clear guidance on your official website and social media channels. Simple steps, like highlighting the correct URLs and warning about common scams, can help protect your customers and safeguard your reputation.

11. Poor API Security

API’s are a must-have weapon in the toolkit of many a business, taking care of key tasks such as inventory management,  payment processing and customer data integration – all of which contribute to making your business the best it can be. The Grinch does make an appearance, however – the UK has seen an 83% increase in security incidents involving API, and so you need to be on your guard.

Protect your APIs by implementing nutcracker-  strong encryption, robust authentication protocols, and regular security testing to identify and address vulnerabilities; think of it as wrapping your APIs in robust, but appropriately festive, wrapping paper. 

12. Increased risk of insider threats

Temporary staff and distracted employees can reveal their inner Scrooge by causing serious security breaches, especially during the busy festive season.

Take time to introduce strict access controls to ensure employees and temporary hires only have the permissions they need, and channel your ghost of cybersecurity yet-to-come by using monitoring tools to spot unusual activity, such as attempts to access restricted systems, helping to catch potential issues before they escalate.

Final thoughts

The holiday season should be about spreading joy and sparkle – and not dealing with the headache of cybersecurity issues. The good news is that the right tools, plenty of quality training, and just a sprinkle of Christmas spirit is all you need to stay safe, and protect your operations, data, and reputation, allowing you to kick back, relax and enjoy the season. Now, where did you leave that mince pie…?

Local authorities falling foul: lessons from cybersecurity breaches and how to stay protected

In recent years, UK councils have become prime targets for cybercriminals, with 2024 witnessing a surge in high-profile cyber-attacks. From ransomware encrypting sensitive data to distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks disrupting public services, local authorities are facing an ever-growing digital threat.

Notable incidents include the Middlesbrough Council attack, which caused temporary website outages, and the Leicester City Council ransomware breach, which resulted in the exposure of residents’ sensitive personal information. Even as far back as 2020, the Hackney Council cyber-attack demonstrated the devastating impact of weak cybersecurity measures, leading to prolonged service disruptions and a massive data leak.

These incidents underscore the urgent need for local authorities to adopt proactive cybersecurity strategies. Protecting sensitive data and maintaining public trust are not just technical challenges but also critical responsibilities for decision-makers in local government.

Details of the threats and key trends

The digital transformation of local council services has brought new efficiencies but also heightened exposure to cyber threats. Cyber-attacks on councils range from ransomware infiltrations, where sensitive data is encrypted and often leaked, to DDoS disruptions, which flood systems with traffic and make online services inaccessible.

For public sector organisations, these attacks are particularly damaging. Data breaches compromise residents’ sensitive information, service interruptions disrupt daily operations, and public trust is eroded. In 2024 alone, several high-profile attacks underscored these vulnerabilities, including:

Middlesbrough Council (2024)

In November 2024, a distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack temporarily disrupted Middlesbrough Council’s online services, preventing residents from accessing critical resources. While DDoS attacks are considered “low sophistication,” their ability to flood servers with traffic highlights the disruption even minor breaches can cause. Though no sensitive data was compromised, the attack serves as a warning that public-facing systems need better defences to ensure availability.

Leicester City Council (2024)

April 2024 saw Leicester City Council fall victim to a ransomware attack perpetrated by the Inc Ransom group, which claimed to have stolen 3TB of data. The group leaked highly sensitive documents, including passports, bank statements, and other personal records, after ransom negotiations failed. The attack caused significant disruptions to services such as waste collection, school admissions, and birth registration appointments, leaving residents and staff vulnerable to fraud and identity theft.

Hackney Council (2020)

One of the most devastating council cyber-attacks to date targeted Hackney Council, where hackers took advantage of weak passwords and outdated systems to access and encrypt 440,000 files, placing the personal data of 280,000 residents at risk. A portion of the data, including highly sensitive personal information, was also exfiltrated. The attack caused widespread disruption, with some council services remaining offline until 2022, and resulted in a reprimand from the ICO. This incident highlights how critical failures, such as neglecting security patches and enforcing robust password protocols, left the council vulnerable to an otherwise preventable breach.

These individual incidents are part of a broader trend of ransomware groups targeting public sector organisations. Attackers like Inc Ransom use increasingly sophisticated techniques, such as double extortion, where they both encrypt data and threaten to release it if their demands are not met. This tactic puts councils under immense pressure, as they must weigh the potential costs of a ransom against the fallout of exposed data and disrupted services.

Globally, public sector organisations are particularly appealing to cybercriminals due to several factors:

  • Critical data: Councils handle sensitive information about residents, making their systems lucrative targets for identity theft or black-market sales.
  • Essential services: Interrupting key functions like housing, licensing, and healthcare amplifies the impact of attacks, increasing attackers’ leverage.
  • Cybersecurity gaps: Many councils operate on limited budgets, which often leaves them with outdated systems and insufficient defences compared to private-sector organisations.

The rise of state-sponsored cybercrime adds another layer of complexity, with nation-state actors viewing attacks on public sector entities as a means of economic or political disruption. As these threats grow, so does the need for councils to invest in robust cybersecurity measures to protect their systems, data, and residents.

Common weaknesses in Council cybersecurity

So just why are local councils so vulnerable to cyber-attacks? The answer lies in a combination of constrained resources, outdated systems, and gaps in cybersecurity practices. 

  • Limited Budgets

Many councils operate on limited budgets, often leaving IT departments underfunded and struggling to maintain up-to-date defences. This financial strain means that critical measures, such as upgrading legacy systems or implementing advanced security protocols, are frequently delayed or overlooked. At the same time, the vast amount of sensitive data councils handle—such as personal identification records, financial details, and health information—makes them prime targets for cybercriminals seeking valuable information or opportunities for extortion.

  • Lack of Protection

Key weaknesses in council cybersecurity have been exploited in numerous real-world attacks. One major vulnerability is the lack of multi-factor authentication (MFA), which allows attackers to easily exploit stolen or compromised credentials. Inadequate patch management is another issue, as seen in Hackney Council’s failure to address known vulnerabilities, leaving systems open to attack. 

Similarly, weak password practices, including the use of default or reused credentials on dormant accounts, provide cybercriminals with easy access points. Compounding these issues is the lack of proactive system monitoring, which delays the detection of suspicious activity and allows attackers more time to cause damage.

These gaps are not merely theoretical risks; they have had tangible consequences. In Hackney’s case, attackers exploited weak passwords and unpatched vulnerabilities to compromise sensitive data and disrupt services for years. Similarly, Leicester City Council suffered significant fallout after attackers exploited security gaps to exfiltrate and leak highly personal information. Without addressing these systemic issues, local councils will remain easy targets, putting their data, services, and public trust at ongoing risk.

Lessons learned and best practices for Councils

To prevent future cyber-attacks, councils need to implement a multi-layered cybersecurity approach that addresses both technical and human vulnerabilities. The following steps are crucial for building resilience against threats:

  1. Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
    MFA adds an extra layer of protection by requiring users to verify their identity through multiple methods, such as a password and a one-time code. This simple measure significantly reduces the risk of unauthorised access, even if credentials are compromised.
  2. Regularly update and patch systems
    Applying critical security patches promptly closes known vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit. Councils should establish strict timelines for patch management and prioritise updates for systems that handle sensitive data.
  3. Strengthen password policies
    Weak or reused passwords are a common entry point for attackers. Councils should enforce strong, unique passwords for all accounts, particularly administrative or privileged ones, and encourage regular password changes to mitigate risks.
  4. Train your staff
    Employees are often the first line of defence against cyber-attacks. Regular training on recognising phishing attempts, social engineering tactics, and other common threats can significantly reduce the likelihood of human error leading to a breach.
  5. Adopt advanced models
    Transitioning to a zero trust model, as implemented by Hackney Council, ensures that no user or device is trusted by default. This approach minimises the risk of internal threats and makes it harder for attackers to move laterally within a network once access is gained.
  6. Collaborate with authorities
    Councils should work closely with agencies like the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) to benefit from expert guidance, threat intelligence, and support during and after cyber incidents. Such partnerships can also help councils stay updated on emerging threats and best practices.
  7. Conduct regular audits
    Proactive measures like penetration testing and risk assessments help identify weaknesses before attackers can exploit them. Regularly auditing systems ensures that councils can address gaps and improve their defences over time.

By implementing these strategies, councils can not only protect their systems and data but also build public trust by demonstrating a commitment to cybersecurity.

Strengthening cybersecurity in local government

Local authorities must act now to safeguard their systems and data against increasingly sophisticated threats. In-house resources may be limited, but councils can seek external expertise to bolster their defences.

Ongoing cybersecurity training for staff is crucial to creating a culture of vigilance and preparedness. By investing in comprehensive security measures and collaborating with national agencies, councils can protect their data, maintain public trust, and ensure the continuity of essential services.

Final thoughts

The recent wave of cyber-attacks on UK councils underscores the critical need for comprehensive cybersecurity measures across all areas of local government. From Middlesbrough’s service disruption to Leicester’s devastating data breach and Hackney’s prolonged fallout, these incidents vividly illustrate how unchecked vulnerabilities can result in severe operational, financial, and reputational damage.

To safeguard sensitive information and maintain public trust, local authorities must act decisively, drawing valuable lessons from these cases. Strengthening defences against the ever-evolving threat landscape is not just a technical necessity—it is a fundamental responsibility to the communities they serve. The time to prioritise cybersecurity is now – and we all have a responsibility.