Shared here is a personal, graphic account of what can happen to even the best protected companies when faced with a Cyber Attack. When Leading Automotive Dealer Group, Arnold Clark’s cyber defences detected suspicious activity on their network just before Christmas 2022, immediate decisions had to be made.
Key Takeaways:
- Take Prompt and Decisive Action
When Leading Automotive Dealer Group, Arnold Clark’s cyber defences detected suspicious activity on their network just before Christmas 2022, immediate decisions had to be made. According to CEO Eddie Hawthorne, quickly contacting the authorities and making the difficult decision to take all systems offline in the busiest period of the year, were crucial in mitigating the worst of the attack.
- Cyber Criminals are Professionals.
Gone are the days of teenagers hacking from their bedroom. In 2023, Cyber attackers are organised professionals with specific targets, offices, and sales objectives. Alongside the hackers themselves, Insider Threat plays a critical role: where 82% of ransomware attacks can be attributed to negligent or malicious employees.
- Vigilance and Cybersecurity Hygiene:
Arnold Clark continues to stress the importance of maintaining good cybersecurity hygiene, which doesn’t have to come with a large price tag. Avoiding suspicious links and regularly changing passwords are just some of the simple techniques that can make a big difference.
