Passwords are the backbone of modern Internet security – but that doesn’t mean they’re protecting us. In fact, a shocking number of us exhibit password behaviours that put us (and our companies) at severe risk of a breach!

Unlock the secrets to strong password security! Download our free guide, “Everything You (And Your Team!) Need to Know About Passwords,” and safeguard your digital assets.

In it, you’ll discover:

• What the most common passwords in use are today
• What makes us use weak passwords
• How to create strong, secure passwords
• Whether you should trust password managers
• The four steps you can take to reduce your organisational risks from password misuse
• … and more!

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When you think of cyber attacks, you might imagine that it’s only tech firms and the banking industry that are targets. However, every organisation in every industry has valuable data to lose.

A 148% surge in global ransomware attacks from 2020 to 2021 is testament to that fact. It’s an increase which has led to many organisations realising the importance of cybersecurity.

Digitisation is leading to better products and a wider consumer reach, but at the same time, providing new opportunities for cybercriminals to exploit. In conjunction with the increased flexibility of our working habits, the avenues of
attack for cybercriminals are greater than ever before.

In our essential free guide, we’ll share the reality of cybercrime in 2023, help you understand the role of people in your organisation’s protection and more, including:

• The sectors most at risk of a breach
• The true cost of cybercrime
• Why every business should train employees to prevent cyber-attacks
• How to turn a mild-mannered employee into a cyber-superhero!
• … and much more!

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Ever received an email that seemed a little fishy? You know, those ones that pretend to be from reputable companies but just don’t feel right?

Well, these are phishing emails; unfortunately, they’re a genuine concern, especially if you fall victim to one.

According to a recent report, phishing and pretexting make up 98% of cyber incidents and 93% of breaches. Shocking, right?

Our free guide “Everything You Need to Know About Phishing” gives you and your staff the knowledge needed to spot and stop phishing emails before they do harm to your organisation.

In this free guide, you’ll learn:

• What phishing is
• What the types of phishing attacks are
• How to spot a phishing email
• What to do if you click a phishing link
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An effective training programme can be the difference between a breached business and a secure business.

Whilst there’s no shortage of training solutions out there, ensuring that you’re getting the most from them is a persistent challenge that every business faces.

In this essential free guide, we share what we’ve learned over almost 15 years of creating award-winning training programmes for organisations of all sizes.

In it, you’ll learn:

• How cyber awareness contributes to your security culture
• How positivity garners buy-in
• The common mistakes organisations make
• How to overcome challenges in your training rollout
• Best practices to follow to maximise the value of your training output

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It’s a digital world, and cybersecurity is now a critical concern for businesses of all sizes.

With an increasing number of cyber-attacks hitting organisations of all sizes, it’s imperative for companies to take every available measure to protect their confidential information and sensitive data.

While technical measures such as firewalls, antivirus software, and encryption are important, a company’s cybersecurity is also impacted by its employees’ personality types, as 90% of breaches are caused by human error.

It’s reductive to think of all employees as the same, though. Indeed, some personality types may be more vulnerable to cyber attacks, while others may be better suited to prevent them.

In this blog post, we will explore the role of different personality types in protecting a company’s cybersecurity, focusing on the Myers Briggs personality types.

The Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is a widely used personality test that categorises individuals into 16 different personality types based on four dimensions:

• Extroversion/Introversion
• Sensing/Intuition
• Thinking/Feeling
• Judging/Perceiving

Each personality type has unique characteristics that make them more or less susceptible to cyber-attacks.

Before we begin, it’s worth finding out your own personality type .

It’s also worth considering the different forms of cyber-attack companies face. Cyber attacks can be broadly classified into three categories: social engineering attacks, malware attacks, and physical attacks.

Social engineering attacks are based on psychological manipulation, where attackers use deception to gain access to confidential information. Malware attacks, however, involve the installation of malicious software that can harm the company’s computer systems or steal data. Finally, physical attacks involve physically accessing a company’s computer systems to steal or damage data.

Now, let’s dive into different personality types’ role in protecting a company’s cybersecurity.

How do personality traits affect cybersecurity?

Extroversion/Introversion

Let’s start with extroverts. Extroverts are outgoing and social individuals who enjoy being in the company of others.

However, their openness and willingness to share information can make them vulnerable to social engineering attacks.

Social engineering attacks often involve the attacker posing as a trusted individual and manipulating the victim into sharing sensitive information. Extraverts’ tendency to trust others and disclose information may make them more susceptible to these types of attacks.

Therefore, it’s essential to provide cybersecurity awareness training to extroverts in the company to help them recognise and avoid social engineering attacks.

On the other hand, introverts are more reserved and cautious in their interactions with others.

They are less likely to trust others and are more guarded with their personal information, and this makes them less vulnerable to social engineering attacks.

However, introverts may be more susceptible to malware attacks as they may be less likely to communicate their concerns or report suspicious activity.

As such, it’s essential to encourage introverts to report any unusual activity or suspicious emails to the IT department.

Sensing/Intuition

Now, let’s move on to the sensing/intuition dimension of the MBTI.

Sensors are individuals who rely on their senses to gather information and make decisions. They prefer concrete information and are detail-oriented.

Intuitives, on the other hand, rely on their intuition and imagination to gather information and make decisions. They are big-picture thinkers and are more concerned with possibilities than with details.

Sensors may be more vulnerable to physical attacks as they may be more likely to leave their computer systems unlocked or to write down passwords in plain sight. They are detail-oriented and may focus more on the task at hand than on the security of their computer systems.

For this reason, cybersecurity awareness training can be incredibly valuable for sensors to help them understand the importance of securing their computer systems.

Intuitives, on the other hand, may be more vulnerable to malware attacks as they are more likely to be curious and explore new possibilities.

They may be more likely to click on suspicious links or download unknown software and benefit greatly from training intuitives to help them recognise and avoid malware attacks.

Thinking/Feeling

Moving on to the thinking/feeling dimension, thinkers are individuals who make decisions based on logic and objective analysis. They prioritise rationality and accuracy over emotions.

Feelers, on the other hand, make decisions based on their emotions and values. They prioritise empathy and harmony over logical analysis.

Thinkers may be more vulnerable to social engineering attacks as they may be less attuned to the emotions and motivations of others.

They may be more likely to trust information that appears logical and objective, without considering the possibility of deception. In this case, training thinkers to help them recognise the emotional and psychological tactics utilised in social engineering attacks can be very helpful.

Feelers, on the other hand, may be more vulnerable to social engineering attacks as they may be more susceptible to temptations based on empathy and emotion.

They may be more likely to trust information that appears to align with their values or emotions without considering the possibility of deception and require education to help them recognise when their nature is being used against them in social engineering attacks.

Judging/Perceiving

Finally, let’s turn our attention to the judging/perceiving dimension of the MBTI.

Judgers are individuals who prefer structure and organisation. They are decisive and prefer to plan and execute tasks in a structured manner.

Perceivers, meanwhile, prefer flexibility and spontaneity. They are adaptable and prefer to respond to situations as they arise.

Judgers may be more vulnerable to physical attacks as they may be more likely to adhere to established security protocols without considering the possibility of deviation or innovation.

They may be less likely to adapt to new security threats or situations that require improvisation and need cybersecurity awareness training to help them recognise the importance of adapting to new security threats and situations.

Perceivers may be more vulnerable to malware attacks as they may be more likely to experiment with new software or technology without considering the potential security risks.

They may be less likely to adhere to established security protocols or to recognise the potential risks associated with new software or technology. Therefore, it is helpful to regularly remind them that every piece of software contains risks, and train them to spot them.

How can Bob’s Business help reduce your risk of a breach?

With a deeper understanding of the types of personalities in your organisation, you’re better equipped to take measures to reduce risk, but you’ve only just started on your journey to a cyber-secure workplace.

At Bob’s Business, we build cybersecurity awareness training solutions informed by behavioural psychology to give everyone in your team the tools they need to spot and stop attacks.

We’d love to show you how affordable our proven training solutions can be for your organisation. Book a slot to talk to us now.

Whether your New Year has started with a bang or a whimper, there’s one constant for every organisation: cyber threats never take a break and data breaches can occur anytime.

In January 2023, that’s a lesson several well-known companies and organisations learned as they fell victim to devastating data breaches. These incidents have cost companies and schools hundreds of millions of pounds and damaged customer trust.

But it’s not all bad news! By learning from these incidents, we can prevent similar breaches from happening in the future.

In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at the biggest data breaches of January and explore how they could have been avoided. So, grab a seat and join us as we dive into the world of data breaches and learn how to protect your organisation better.

T-Mobile

It was revealed on January 5th that the US wireless carrier T-Mobile suffered a data breach in which a malicious actor gained access to the company’s systems, and stole personal information from over 37 million customers. It’s their second cyber attack in less than 2 years, coming just two months after they promised to upgrade and strengthen their data security.

A spokesperson said, “Carriers have a unique responsibility to protect customer information. When they fail to do so we will hold them accountable.” T-Mobile was able to contain the breach within a day, but the incident has already cost the company hundreds of millions of dollars and damaged customer trust.

This is not the first time T-Mobile has dealt with a data breach, they also had to pay a $350 million settlement related to an August 2021 incident.

This type of breach could have been prevented with proper employee training and awareness of cybersecurity. By implementing measures such as regularly educating their employees on how to identify and prevent phishing attacks alongside how to handle sensitive information, they could create a culture of security within the organisation.

MailChimp

MailChimp also fell victim to a data breach in the new year due to a social engineering attack that gave unauthorised access to over 133 users on an internal customer support tool.

Hackers gained access to employee information and credentials, but MailChimp has since identified and suspended those accounts.

Again, this is not the first time MailChimp has been hacked, as they also suffered data breaches in April and August of 2022. Such attacks highlight the importance of deploying comprehensive cybersecurity processes and protocols to stop hacking attempts before compromising information multiple times.

Norton Life Lock

Norton Life Lock also suffered a data breach in January 2023, this time due to a “stuffing” attack. Stuffing attacks are when previously compromised passwords are used to hack into accounts that use a shared password, highlighting the importance of multi-factor authentication.

“Systems have not been compromised, and they are safe and operational, but as is all too commonplace in today’s world for bad actors to take credentials found elsewhere, like the dark web, and create automated attacks to gain access to other unrelated accounts,”

Norton’s parent company, Gen Digital, sent notices to the accounts they believed could have been compromised and recommended changing passwords as well as enabling two-factor authentication. It’s a breach that once again highlights the importance of building a cybersecurity culture that extends across your entire organisation, both in the office and at home.

Hull and Yorkshire Schools

Last month saw schools in Hull suffer a major data breach that compromised the sensitive information of students and staff. The breach was caused by a phishing attack in which hackers sent emails to school employees posing as a trusted source, tricking them into revealing their login credentials.

Once the hackers gained access to the employees’ accounts, they were able to steal sensitive information such as names, addresses, and more. This information was then used for malicious purposes, causing harm to both the individuals and the schools.

The breach highlights the importance of proper cybersecurity training and awareness, as well as the need for robust security measures to protect sensitive information. It also highlights the dangers of phishing attacks, which are becoming increasingly sophisticated and challenging to detect.

How to protect your organisation

While different types of cyber attacks caused these data breaches, they all highlight the importance of proper security protocols and the role that human error can play in these incidents.

• Keep your systems regularly updated to prevent breaches from happening.
• Implementing multi-factor authentication: Regularly monitoring and testing your security systems are also essential steps organisations like yours can take to prevent data breaches.
• Invest in cybersecurity training for employees: Cybersecurity is not just the responsibility of IT departments, it is a responsibility that falls on every employee within the organisation.
• Cybersecurity training should cover a wide range of topics, from how to identify and prevent phishing attacks, using strong passwords, how to handle sensitive information, the list goes on.

At Bob’s Business, we’re building towards a world where everybody is safe online. If you’re ready to start taking cybersecurity seriously, we’re here to help. Give your team the knowledge they need to spot and stop attacks before they damage your business. Book a slot to chat with a member of our team now.

Welcome to the wonderful world of cybersecurity! As an employee starting at a new company, it’s vital to understand the importance of good cybersecurity practices. After all, human error is responsible for around 90% of data breaches in organisations.

By following your company’s cybersecurity practices, you’re helping to protect your company’s valuable information and assets from cyber threats, alongside keeping the company’s operations running smoothly and maintaining the trust of customers and partners.

And let’s be honest, following your company’s cybersecurity practices isn’t just a responsibility; they’re an ethical obligation to protect your company and colleagues’ data. If you don’t, it could lead to serious consequences like a data breach, financial losses, and damage to the company’s reputation.

Knowing where to start can feel bewildering, but don’t panic, because in this blog post we’ll be sharing ten cybersecurity practices to adopt to help protect your company.

But first…

Why are positive cybersecurity behaviours important?

Cybersecurity isn’t something that should only concern CEOs and tech team members, it’s something we should all be concerned about and, crucially, something we can all impact in a positive manner.

Human error is responsible for around 90% of data breaches in organisations, and anyone can make a mistake leading to a breach.

This is why it’s crucial for everyone in your business to understand the importance of following the company’s cybersecurity practices and the value of adopting new, secure behaviours.

It isn’t just about keeping cybercriminals out; it’s also about keeping us all accountable and ensuring we all do our part in protecting your company’s information.

Here are our top 10 behavioural practices for new hires:

Use strong and unique passwords

Using strong and unique passwords is one of the most basic, yet essential, cybersecurity practices you can adopt. You would be surprised at how many employees’ passwords are ‘password’. Is this you? If it is, then here are some tips on creating strong passwords.

A strong password should:

• Be at least 12 characters long
• Include a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters
• Avoid using easily guessable information, such as your name, birthdate, or common words.
• Avoid using the same password for multiple accounts too, as a data breach on one site could lead to a domino effect across all your accounts.

Keep your software and devices up to date

Software and device updates often include security patches to fix known vulnerabilities. If a security vulnerability is discovered, hackers will often try to exploit it before a patch is released. By keeping your software and devices up to date, you can ensure that these vulnerabilities are fixed and your devices are protected.

Be cautious when opening attachments or clicking on links in emails

Phishing scams often use emails to trick people into providing sensitive information or downloading malware. Always be cautious when opening attachments or clicking on links in emails, especially if they are from unknown senders. Take a look at our blog on how to spot a phishing email.

Use a VPN when working remotely or accessing company resources from a public network

A VPN encrypts your internet connection and helps protect your data from hackers. Public Wi-Fi networks are often not secure and can be easily hacked, so it’s essential to use a VPN when working remotely or accessing company resources from a public network.

Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks

Public Wi-Fi networks are often not secure and can be easily hacked. If you need to access company resources or sensitive information while on a public network, use a VPN to encrypt your connection and protect your data.

Use two-factor authentication whenever possible

Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your accounts by requiring a second form of identification, such as a fingerprint or a code sent to your phone. This makes it much more difficult for hackers to gain access to your account, even if they have your password.

Be mindful of your online presence

Be careful about what you post on social media, and be aware of your privacy settings. Hackers can gather information about you. Be mindful of the information you share online and use privacy settings to control who can see your posts. Take a look at our blog post on how to reduce your digital footprint.

Use anti-virus and anti-malware software

These programs help protect your computer from malware and other malicious software. They work by scanning your computer for known malware and alerting you if it finds anything suspicious. Keep your anti-virus and anti-malware software up to date to ensure that it can protect you from the latest threats.

Be aware of social engineering tactics

Cybercriminals often use tactics such as phishing and pretexting to trick people into providing sensitive information. Be aware of these tactics and be cautious when providing personal information, especially over the phone or online. To learn more about social engineering, look at this blog post.

Report any suspicious activity or breaches immediately

If you suspect your computer or network has been compromised, report it to your IT department immediately. Time is of the essence when it comes to cybersecurity breaches, the faster they are detected and dealt with, the less damage they can cause.

Download your free quick wins checklist

Ready to start reducing cyber risk in your new starters? Click the text below to download your free quick wins checklist, no details required. Alternatively, why not book a quick demo with one of our cyber risk reduction specialists?

Click here to download your quick wins checklist.

The cyber health of educational sector establishments is a growing concern in the UK, and for a good reason. In a recent survey conducted by the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre, 61% of educational institutions reported a cyber-attack in the last 12 months, a figure that rises to 78% when looking at schools alone. That’s an astonishing figure, one which highlights the state of play as we move into 2023

Furthermore, UK government statistics reveal that the education sector is the second most targeted sector for cybercrime in the UK, with incidents of fraud and data breaches reported to be on the rise.

Cases such as the cyber-attack on the University of Greenwich in 2019, which resulted in the personal data of students and staff being compromised, highlight the severity of these risks.

These statistics and cases make it clear that educational institutions must stay informed and take proactive measures to protect organisations and people against cybersecurity risks.

At Bob’s Business, we’re all about cybersecurity education, so join us as we highlight why the education sector is so at risk, and what you can do in your organisation to prevent any cyber-attacks in the future.

Why is the education sector at risk of cyber attacks?

The question of why the educational sector is particularly at risk is an important one. After all, why would a cybercriminal attack a university, foundation or academy?

The education sector is at risk for several reasons. One of the most significant factors is the large amount of personal and sensitive information collected and stored by educational institutions.

This information includes student and staff data, financial information and, often, valuable research data.

Additionally, the increased use of technology in the classroom, such as laptops and tablets, alongside the growing reliance on online platforms and applications, have created more opportunities for cybercriminals to gain access to this information.

Another reason why the education sector is at risk is that many educational institutions dedicate little to no resources to cybersecurity. In turn, this creates a fertile environment for cybercriminals to operate within, making attacks desirable and, frankly, inevitable.

Why every education sector organisation needs a robust cybersecurity programme in place

A data breach in the education sector can have serious consequences, including financial losses, reputational damage, and even legal action.

From students to staff members, the loss of personal and sensitive information can profoundly impact the individuals affected. Here’s what a cyber security programme does for your organisation:

• Protects sensitive student and staff information: A cybersecurity programme ensures that personal information such as names, addresses, and financial data of students and staff is secure and protected from potential cyber threats.
• Prevents financial losses: A data breach can cause financial losses for an institution due to potential fines, legal costs along with significant reputational damage.
• Avoids reputational damage: A data breach can harm an institution’s reputation and lead to loss of trust from students, staff, even the wider community.
• Mitigates legal action: A data breach can lead to legal action against an institution if regulations are not complied with; a cybersecurity programme helps prevent breaches and ensure compliance with relevant regulations.
• Ensures the continuity of education: Cyber-attacks on institutions can result in the shutdown of critical systems and resources that support teaching and research.
• Maintains the privacy and trust of students, staff and their families: A data breach can compromise the privacy and personal information of students, staff and their families.
• Enables institutions to comply with data protection regulations: Institutions handle large amounts of personal data and are subject to data protection regulations; a robust cybersecurity programme helps institutions to comply with these regulations and avoid potential penalties.
• Secures the intellectual property and research data of institutions: Educational institutions conduct research and develop intellectual property that needs to be protected.

Don’t believe us? Let’s take a look at a real-life case of an education sector data breach.

The University of Cambridge data breach

The University of Cambridge suffered a data breach in 2019, in which the personal information of staff and students, including names, addresses, and email addresses, were accessed by attackers.

Additionally, sensitive financial information was also compromised. The attack caused the university to shut down its entire IT network, leading to significant disruptions to the day-to-day operations of the institution.

This data breach could have been avoided if the University of Cambridge had provided sufficient cybersecurity training for its staff and students. By educating staff and students on best practices for online security, such as identifying phishing scams and creating strong passwords, the University could have reduced the likelihood of a successful cyber-attack.

Regular cybersecurity training could have ensured that all staff and students were aware of the latest threats and how to protect against them, potentially identifying and stopping the attack before it could do any damage.

How can your educational institution improve its cybersecurity?

Reducing cyber risk and building a security culture within an educational establishment won’t happen overnight, but there are a number of steps you can take today to put you on a cyber-secure footing.

One of the most effective ways is to invest in cybersecurity training for staff and students.

It won’t be breaking news for educators that education is invaluable, but it can’t be overstated how crucial it is in preventing cyber-attacks. Case in point: over 90% of breaches occur as a result of simple human error.

Training staff members and students is the most effective way to reduce the likelihood of a successful breach. However, genuinely successful training only happens when everyone receives equal training on best practices for online security, including how to identify and avoid phishing scams, how to create strong passwords, and how to use security software.

Beyond training, institutions should:

• Invest in technologies and software to detect and prevent cyber-attacks.
• Regularly review and update their policies and procedures. This includes creating a comprehensive incident response plan that outlines the steps that should be taken in the event of a cyber-attack.
• Conduct regular security assessments to identify potential vulnerabilities and take steps to mitigate them.

How can Bob’s Business help your educational institution reduce its cyber risk?

At Bob’s Business, we offer unique and engaging online cybersecurity training that makes reducing risk simple and affordable for every kind of educational sector organisation. Our training is designed to empower everyone in your team to identify and respond to cyber threats, protecting your business from the 90% of breaches that occur due to human error.

Our training is also bite-sized, interactive, and easy to fit into your busy schedule. Plus, it’s engaging, ensuring your team stays motivated and focused throughout the process.

We’ve been helping to deploy cybersecurity training and policy compliance solutions across education sector institutions, such as the University of Northampton and DMAT Schools, for over 14 years.

With features such as in-depth quarterly and annual reporting, built-in policy management, truly engaging short-form training and support for devices of all shapes and sizes, Bob’s Business is uniquely positioned to help you stop cyber-attacks.

Ready to learn more? Click here to discover our range of cybersecurity awareness training products.