It’s time for another selection of news reports from around the world. May saw even more cyber-attacks in travel and healthcare, sectors in which CRIBB Cyber Security has operated for many years. The time for cyber awareness is most certainly now. Contact us if you feel that your own security infrastructure requires an evaluation and we’ll be happy to help. In the meantime, read on for the pick of the stories from Cyber security news May 2021.
Cyber-attack on Air India
This story from BBC News revealed that an attack on Air India’s data servers affected around 4.5 million customers worldwide. The data breach, first reported back in February, saw passport and ticket information plus credit-card data compromised. This information was registered between 26 August 2011 and 20 February 2021, although Air India insisted that neither CVV nor CVC numbers were stored on the server.
Top Tip: How to safeguard against data breaches
Follow these best practices to minimise the risk of data breaches:
- Promote cyber awareness and offer regular cyber security training
- Carry out regular risk assessments
- Install up-to-date security software and implement regular updates
- Back-up your data and use encryption
- Make sure that all third party suppliers / vendors follow robust security protocols
Arne Schoenbohm fears cyber-attacks on German hospitals
Earlier in the month, Reuters reported on comments made by the German cyber security chief. Following attacks on a U.S. fuel pipeline and the Irish health service, Schoenbohm is concerned hackers will now target Germany. Specifically, he envisions “a greater danger at hospitals”. He points to remote working, believing that the huge shift towards this opens up opportunities for hackers.
A surge in cyber-attacks will bring many firms to closure
The Express online ran this story on the Hiscox Cyber Readiness report 2021 this week. In it, 43 per cent of companies report having been targeted with over a quarter experiencing five assaults or more. One in six businesses attacked (17 percent) also reveal how the financial impact has threatened the company’s future.
Irish state suffers its most significant cyber-crime incident
Another May story on BBC News looked at a cyber-attack on Irish health service computer systems. The NCSC reported a ransomware attack, which led to the health service temporarily shutting its IT system down. A number of hospitals suffered severe disruption, including the Rotunda in Dublin, which cancelled all gynaecology clinics. Ossian Smyth, Health Service Executive, said of the incident: “It is… possibly the most significant cyber-crime attack on the Irish State.”
Cyber security news May 2021, offering yet further proof of the need for strong security frameworks. Make sure you follow best practices and that all staff are aware of the risks. Every organisation is a potential target for cyber criminals, so do all that you can to protect your systems and data.
This just in…
CRIBB Cyber Security, IoT certification body
As you may have read in our previous blog, we are now IoT certified. This is an incredibly important development, as IoT continues to grow at a tremendous pace. Many of us now have more than one phone, plus a tablet – or two – and we all know someone who has a smart appliance (or five).
We will speak about our newfound status with CRIBB’s Patrick Carolan this week. You will be able to read what he has to say in our next blog…