Cybercrime could loose you GBP60,000
Earlier this week I was speaking to a colleague about an article we both saw on the Sky news website. The article stated that cybercrime costs £266bn every year, which is apparently as much as the global drugs trade. This figure is more than twice as high as previous estimates; this is based on data gathered from 28 countries around the world, which between them account for 80% of global cybercrime.
The article mentioned that the cost of cybercrime will continue to increase as more consumers and businesses around the world move more to online shopping and Internet use. A number of companies have been hit by cybercrime; one British company told officials it had incurred revenue losses of £770m because of one attack. The UK ranked fifth in the G20 countries most affected, with an annual loss of £6.8bn as a result of cybercrime.
Last year, 93% of large corporations and 87% of small to medium sized companies suffered data breaches, with the average cost of an attack worth £770,000 and £60,000 respectively.
Recently I read that eBay have also been attacked by cybercrime; between late February and early March eBay’s databases were hacked which included eBay customers’ names, encrypted password, email address, physical addresses, phone numbers and dates of birth. eBay have urged customers to change their passwords not only on eBay but on all other password protected sites.
Since the attack the company have stated that after a number of tests the cyber breach has not resulted in any unauthorized activity for their customers.
This is only the latest in a recent string of high profile cybercrime incidents. In February, the details of 2,200 Tesco clubcards were leaked online – I hope it wasn’t mine!
I know this story is worrying but we can help you to protect yourself from cybercrime. Below we have put together five helpful tips to help you prevent Cybercrime.
- Choose strong passwords and keep them safe
- Protecting your computer with Security Software
- Install the latest operating system updates
- Ensuring that your personal information is protected
- Secure your wireless network.
If you would like to get further information on preventing cybercrime or any other help please do not hesitate to contact us on 020 3301 0003 or email info@barttech.co.uk
