Cyber Security in 2020 was yet again a hot topic. Here at CRIBB, we like to keep our fingers on the pulse. Each week we publish blog pieces we hope you find of interest. As 2021 approaches, we thought we would round-up our top 5 stories from the past 12 months.
Coronavirus now possibly largest-ever cyber security threat
We are all familiar with the largest story of 2020: Covid-19. Proving destructive on so many levels, the pandemic affected us all. In March, Computerweekly.com ran this story. We have always been vocal about being mindful of phishing, ransomware and other potential threats. In the wake of Coronavirus, these types of cyber-attack and more grew exponentially. The need for cyber security awareness has never been greater.
NB: You must sign-in to Computerweekly.com to read the full article.
The FBI Is Secretly Using A $2 Billion Travel Company As A Global Surveillance Tool
As part of theICEway ecosystem of companies, we have worked within the travel industry for many years. Therefore, when Forbes published this article, it grabbed our attention. Sabre stores a vast amount of travel-related information. It is in fact one of the 3 biggest companies to do so, processing over 33% of all air travel bookings in the world. The article was published in July and outlines Sabre’s relationship with the US Government. It has apparently been used to track the movements of suspected terrorists in the past. Now some suspect it is helping to track the spread of the virus.
Facebook will move UK users to US terms, avoiding EU privacy laws
Earlier this month, The Guardian ran this story. Just as Google before it, Facebook are making changes to user agreements. It’s a breaking story that we will cover in greater depth in a future blog. There won’t be any noticeable difference for now, but if more tech companies follow suit it may have huge repercussions for European companies and clients.
SolarWinds hack continues to spread: What you need to know
This article was published on cnet.com last week about a sophisticated Russian malware. Hackers targeted SolarWinds’ IT management software and compromised it, causing huge impact upon local, state and federal agencies in the US. What does this tell us? If we didn’t already know, it further demonstrates the devastation that can be caused by malicious actors.
Cyber Aware
We aren’t the only ones to issue advice on cyber security. This Government campaign started recently and you can read more about it on the NCSC website. There are 6 key actions you can instantly take to bolster cyber resilience:
- Use a separate (strong) password for email
- Use passwords comprising of 3 randomly-chosen words
- Save passwords in your browser
- Use 2FA
- Update devices
- Back up data
We have always insisted upon these points and more. Add to the list MFA, for example, plus always be mindful of non-secure websites. There are so many things you can do to remain secure. Start off simply by ensuring you can tick off the items above.
Cyber Security in 2020: Conclusion
CRIBB Cyber Security adopts a security by design approach. It has proven invaluable during this very strange year. With more people online than ever before, awareness is critical. Not sure about a website link you have been sent? Do not click on it. Received an email from an unrecognised source? Don’t open it. Simple tips but well worth following. For a more detailed strategy, contact us here at CRIBB.