A Poole-based cyber security firm is calling on organisations across the UK to change how they approach cyber threats, following a rise in damaging cyber-attacks.
C3IA, which operates nationally from its headquarters in Dorset, says it is no longer enough to focus only on preventing attacks. It is encouraging businesses to also prepare for how they will recover if their systems are compromised.
Government data shows that nearly half of all UK businesses and around one in three charities reported security breaches in the last year.
Rupert Irons from C3IA said that while awareness has improved, recovery can still be costly and time-consuming, even for companies with good protections in place.
“No system is perfect,” he said. “What matters is how well you respond. Companies that plan for incidents are in a much stronger position.”
The firm advises having reliable back-ups, clear protocols and good communication plans to reduce disruption.
C3IA also warned that smaller businesses are often targeted, not because of who they are, but because they are easier to breach.
The National Cyber Security Centre has recently launched two new support schemes: a Cyber Resilience Test Facilities programme and a Cyber Adversary Simulation Programme to help organisations find weaknesses before attackers do.
Irons added: “Resilience isn’t just about recovery. It’s about being able to continue operating, even during a cyber incident.”