CYBER CRIME
ARE YOU DDoS READY?
Joanna Potbury, Associate at DMH Stallard LLP and Graham Fox, Director of Redspam LLP, both Gatwick-based organisations, discuss the risks businesses currently face regarding Cyber Crime, and steps which can be taken by businesses to protect themselves. JOANNA POTBURY Cyber crime is an epidemic, affecting more individuals and
data as well as exposure to civil liability from third parties whose
organisations than ever before. It now takes many forms including
data has been stolen. It is critical
hacking, identity fraud, denial of service attacks, harassment by
that organisations have plans in
electronic means or phishing.
place to protect data, systems and
While media headlines focus on hack attacks on big brand names, the threat is very real for the smaller business, who often may not have
client information. Businesses also need to be aware
the knowledge, time and resource to implement the processes and
and alert to the risk that cyber
technology solutions required to reduce the risks of a cyber attack and
crime in the form of data theft may
the resulting damage.
not always be an external threat
Earlier this year, the Daily Telegraph reported that a poll of British businesses suggested that only 28% had reported an attack, citing fear of reputational damage. That is of course only one aspect of the risk
but may come from within the business itself: from disaffected or departing employees. We have acted in several cases where employees have taken business critical and confidential data to use for their own
associated with an attack. Even if you do not report externally, you
purposes or for rival businesses who are in competition with their
need to be able to demonstrate that you have taken effective measures
employer.
internally to resolve and contain the breach, particularly when personal
We have extensive experience in dealing with all aspects of cyber
data is involved. Such attacks can lead us into the realms of data
crime and prevention. We are also sensitive to the reputational risks.
protection regulation, where we see risks of prosecution the loss of
You can contact us at any time for a confidential discussion.
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