Stay Ahead of the Game: Why Your Business Needs Cyber Essentials

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The average cost of dealing with a ransom attack on an organisation or business can be £4.10 million. The cost of a cyber attack or a data breach in the UK has increased by 8.1% over the last year.

A ransom attack on a business can take up to 237 days to identify and another 89 days for containment. Cyber threats are very real, costly, and are always becoming creative and invasive. 

So, how should a business or organisation address potential cyber vulnerability? Cyber Essentials is intended to help you address potential threats you face in cyber security.

Read on to learn more about why Cyber Essentials are so important to you.

What Is Cyber Essentials?

As early as 2014, the British government reckoned the serious threat related to cyber security. Through the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, developed Cyber Essentials.

Cyber Essentials has multiple goals for organisations, including:

  • Guarding against common cyber threats
  • Addressing common online threats to cybersecurity
  • Identifying vulnerabilities
  • Reducing the chances of an attack

The threats included addressing phishing, hacking, and illegal password retrieval. Cyber Essentials is set for organisations to work through a checklist to evaluate their cyber security protocols. 

Then it helps to address weak areas of their cyber security plan.

Cyber Security Threat Landscape

The world of cyber security is evolving at a breakneck pace. As soon as you think you’ve addressed one possible threat, another can appear.

But an organisation can’t address its cyber security needs without having a good understanding of the possible threats that are out there. 

As businesses rely more and more on technology, with  information and data in a computer or on a cloud, the risks increase.

One of the keys to a solid cyber security plan is that it can evolve and adjust as your needs change over time.

Five Technical Controls of Cyber Essentials

As Cyber Essentials was developed, the goal was to help organisations look at five key areas of their IT infrastructure. 

An organisation starts with a self-assessment questionnaire to consider how their IT infrastructure will hold up in these five areas. Then the business can go on to address its needs in each area. 

Let’s take a closer look at these five areas. 

1. Firewalls

As the name suggests, a firewall is like a cyber wall that prevents access to private networks. When a cyber attacker attempts to get into a network to access information or data, the firewall, if done right, should prevent them from gaining access. 

Your IT infrastructure can be built to identify who has access to your networks and their information. It can even delineate where certain users can go on the network. 

2. Secure Configurations

Computer networks have servers that help organise information and where to go when looking for information. A key to quality cyber security is your server configurations. They help to prevent access where it shouldn’t be granted. When you have quality server configurations, you reduce your network’s vulnerability. This prevents your network from releasing information when it shouldn’t and helps to prevent unauthorised actions into your network.

3. User Access Control

Most organisation networks are built with users in mind. They also have network administrators who oversee and have more access, ability and control over things within the IT infrastructure. Any organisation has to be thoughtful about who and how many people have administrator privileges. The more people with total access, the more risk of hackers getting in. You want limited access to computers, applications, and networks for anyone without administrator status.

4. Malware Protection

Malware is malicious software. It’s a type of software used by hackers to cause harm to computers and networks. Malware can be particularly dangerous and costly to organisations. 

It can:

  • Damage files
  • Steal confidential information
  • Lock files
  • Prevent access

It’s a common practice for hackers to use malware to invade a network and hold it hostage until paid to release it. You need your IT infrastructure set up to prevent malware invasions. 

5. Patch Management

The world of cyber security is constantly evolving. You find ways to protect your IT infrastructure; then hackers work to invade in new ways. 

It requires your cyber security plan to be prepared to address changes and needs as they arise. If a weakness develops, you can patch the issue to remain secure. 

Types of Cyber Essentials Certification

There are two types of Cyber Essentials certification. There’s the Cyber Essentials certification and Cyber Essentials Plus. Both certifications start with Cyber Essentials requirements with a self-assessment questionnaire.

Your IT expert completes the assessment questionnaire answering questions about the five areas and your IT infrastructure. Many organisations will seek professional assistance to guide them through the assessment questionnaire. 

Once complete, an external certifying body evaluates the assessment and decides if your IT infrastructure qualifies for Cyber Essentials certification.

Benefits of Cyber Essentials Certification

A Cyber Essentials certification shows your organisation has done what needs to be done to protect against the most common types of cyberattacks. 

Those who’ve suffered through a cyberattack can tell you that you’ll suffer business loss. You could face potentially great expense if you’re a victim of a cyber attack. 

Although Cyber Essentials is often required to bid on government contracts, show your organisation has done everything possible to protect itself from the risks of cyberattacks. You gain the trust and confidence of those you do business with. Your credibility and reputation with a Cyber Essentials certification show you care about IT security. You get more business while assuring existing customers you take securing their data and information seriously.

Protect Your Organisation With Cyber Essentials

Without a careful cyber security plan, your organisation can face a significant risk of a cyberattack. Cyber Essentials certification helps ensure you have a solid security plan.

Get a free consultation for your Cyber Essentials certification. Contact us today to get started. 

 

Why We Need Corporate Digital Forensics Now More Than Ever

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Did you know that modern forensics dates back to the 1800s?

Fast forward to today, and forensics has been revolutionized by technological advances. In addition to fingerprints and DNA, we now have smartphone records and other digital elements that can be used as evidence within a court of law. While digital forensics is new within the grand scheme, a corporate digital forensics industry can’t be ignored.

Are you wondering why it’s so important? Keep reading to learn all about why we need corporate digital forensics now more than ever.

What Does Digital Forensics Involve?

There are several types of digital forensics, including those relating to smartphones and laptops. If it’s an electronic device of some kind, then chances are information can be obtained from it. A single photo on a smartphone can reveal plenty of information, such as the date, the time, and even the exact location where the photo was taken.

Laptop and desktop computers have records that relate to browser history, deleted files, time logs, and so much more. The wealth of information a forensic expert can get from a device is almost unlimited. Even a device damaged by fire or water can often have valuable data still hidden inside of it.

Once a forensic expert gets the information, then it’s possible for them to testify in a court of law. This can end up making a world of difference in the results of a given case.

Aside from court matters, there are many different situations in which a digital forensic expert can help. For instance, there may have been a deliberate or accidental disclosure of sensitive data. It’d be important to get to the truth of this matter so you can act accordingly.

Other situations include employee internet misuse or abuse, intellectual property theft, data breaches, and even industrial espionage. Don’t forget about the range of white-collar crimes that happen on a regular basis, such as embezzlement, Ponzi schemes, and many others.

Third-Party Digital Forensics Is Essential

Did you know that an attack by hackers occurs every 39 seconds? Many people and businesses assume it will never happen to them. The truth is, almost anyone can turn into a target at the drop of a hat, including small and large businesses.

By investing in third-party digital forensics, you can gather evidence that you’ll need for insurance claims. It may even come in handy in a court of law.

By learning what went wrong, businesses can also protect themselves more effectively in the future. The good news is that you don’t have to wait for a cyberattack to occur to prevent cybercriminals. Instead, you can schedule a digital forensics consultation and get priceless advice.

This can help you reinforce your business from the ground up.

These kinds of services are essential because they provide every business with valuable tools and knowledge. That way, you won’t always have to rely on the police for everything.

Plus, you can see results much more quickly instead of waiting around for the authorities to handle whatever issues have cropped up. It’ll also go a long way towards freeing up the police’s time.

Some people prefer not to get the authorities involved at all. In this situation, a corporate digital forensic expert can allow you to handle delicate matters in a way that works best for you and your needs. This includes finding out if your competitors are spying on your activities, whether your employees are getting harassed online, and so much more.

The Importance of Digital Forensic Accreditation and Experience

Whether you want to resolve cyberattacks or ensure that there are no glaring holes in your security, it’s a good rule of thumb to seek out a digital forensic provider that has both accreditation and experience. The last thing you’d want is for an inexperienced team to meddle in your electronic devices and gain access to your sensitive data. Having an amateur do the job could end up making a bigger mess of things.

Instead, you should always research various companies before enlisting them for help. One way you can narrow down your list of potential providers is by seeing what past clients have said about them on review sites. You can get an even more reliable impression when you ask for a recent referral and speak with someone on the phone.

Referrals allow you to ask a range of crucial questions while also getting a much better idea of what to expect from a given company. Since digital forensics is fairly new in the grand scheme of things, many providers won’t have the necessary experience. However, you shouldn’t settle for anything less than the best, such as the services offered by Sytech Digital Forensics.

Sytech can even provide you with an experienced expert witness who can provide valuable testimony in a court of law. You can’t find services like this just anywhere. If you try to cut corners and get digital forensic results from a provider that doesn’t have accreditation, then the evidence may not hold up in court.

Are You Ready for the Future of Digital Forensics?

Now that you’ve learned all about why we need corporate digital forensics more than ever, you can make sure you seek out the services of a third party with proper accreditation and experience. That way, you can rest easy, knowing that you’re in good hands.

We can provide you with various reliable digital forensics and cyber solutions. These include everything from computer and mobile phone forensics to penetration testing and incident response. Our clients know they can always count on our attentive expertise.

Please contact us for a free digital forensic consultation. We look forward to assisting you.

A Tale of Two Courtrooms: Giving Evidence in the Crown Court vs Magistrates Court

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Appearing in court is a nerve-wracking affair.

It’s intimidating even if you aren’t the defendant being charged with a crime: Back in 2016, a watchdog found that more than 10,000 criminal cases had to be dropped because witnesses simply didn’t show up on the day.

Whether you’re due to appear in Crown Court or Magistrates’ Court, we’ve compiled this easy guide to break down the jargon and explain what will happen on the day.

Keep reading to learn how to prepare the right way.

Types of Offence in the UK

In English law, all criminal offences fall into three categories:

  • Summary-only offences
  • Triable either-way offences
  • Indictable-only offences

The difference is in the type and severity of the alleged crime committed. You might call a summary offence a “petty” crime, such as a motoring offence, criminal damage case, or an instance of minor assault.

In 2020, 74% of cases in the UK were summary offences, while 23% were triable either way. The remaining 3% were indictable offences.

Indictable-only offences are serious crimes, such as murder, manslaughter, FGM, and rape. Either-way offences are those that fall somewhere between summary and indictable incidents. They’re often crimes that have a broad spectrum of possibilities, such as assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

As you’d imagine, the maximum punishment for summary offences is far more lenient for more serious crimes – most summary offences carry a 6-month maximum penalty of £5,000. Indictable offences are punishable with up to life in prison.

Magistrates’ Court vs Crown Court

The key difference between the Magistrates’ and Crown Courts is the type of offences. In virtually all cases, summary offences are tried at Magistrates’ Court.

Crown Court, presided over by a judge with a jury present to deliver a verdict, deals with either-way and indictable offences.

In other words: Serious crimes are tried before a judge and jury, while lesser criminal cases are tried before a panel of judges.

What Is A Magistrates’ Court?

Magistrates’ Court is a lower court that handles most summary offences. Usually, a Magistrates’ Court is presided over by three judges, who hear a case and pass a judgement – though it’s not unheard of for only two judges to be present.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) is responsible for prosecuting criminal cases in the UK.

Giving Evidence in Magistrates’ Court

Cases heard in Magistrates’ Court are typically resolved far more quickly than in a Crown Court. Often, you’ll only be required to attend court for a day, and we’ve compiled a list of tips for you on how to give evidence in a clear and concise manner.

You will be asked questions by the panel of judges directly and may be cross-examined by the defending lawyer. 

What Is A Crown Court?

The Crown Court primarily handles indictable offences, as well as either-way offences that are triable only as indictable offences because of the circumstances of the incident.

Giving Evidence in Crown Court

Cases that go to Crown Court are heard before a jury and the most severe criminal cases can take months to reach a verdict. If you’re required to give evidence before the Crown Court, you may find yourself waiting around for a long time to be called up.

Sometimes, certain witnesses are ruled out as unreliable or not needed by the CPS or defendant’s lawyers – but usually, if you’re there, you will appear before the court.

Witnesses wait in a separate room from defendants and their families to prevent conflicts. On the day, a representative from the Citizens Advice Witness Service will help you find your way around.

They will listen to and address any concerns you may have, and accompany you when you give evidence.

What Is an Expert Witness?

Expert witnesses are people with extensive knowledge of specialist topics. They may include forensic experts, cyber security specialists, data analysts, and coroners.

Ultimately, it’s up to the courts to decide who can and cannot give evidence as an expert witness. And importantly, an expert witness cannot offer up their own opinions, claiming them as fact – that’s hearsay and isn’t admissible as evidence.

Expert witnesses are expected to provide independent opinions in accordance with the questions they are asked. They don’t speculate on areas beyond their expertise and don’t provide advice to the courts on how to proceed.

Prior Considerations Before the Court Day

Before you go to court, you will need to take care of a few administrative tasks. That can include hiring a babysitter and informing your boss or manager that you’re required to give evidence in court. Your employer can’t refuse your request for time off, but they aren’t required to pay you for it.

However, you are able to claim expenses from the government.

If you suffer from a disability or require a translator to help with your statement, you can contact the CPS for assistance, which will be provided to you.

Finally, if you’re considered a vulnerable witness, the CPS will offer additional protections, such as shielding your identity to prevent a defendant from knowing who you are.

Etiquette in the Courtroom

Regardless of whether you give evidence at Crown Court or Magistrates’ Court, you must observe courtroom etiquette. This includes matters such as:

  • Dressing in formal attire
  • Treating your witness statement seriously
  • Being clear and precise in your testimony
  • Answering questions directly when asked
  • Staying on topic

It’s important that you don’t volunteer information or meander when you’re asked about a matter. You’re giving evidence in court to answer specific questions that may (or may not) be deliberated over by a jury.

Prepare for Court Testimony

Whether you’re headed for Crown Court or Magistrates’ Court, knowing how to prepare in advance helps calm your nerves and ensures you’ll give fair and accurate testimony.

If you need assistance to prepare for court, we can help. At Sytech Forensics, we offer consultancy and training for court appearances to ensure our clients give professional testimonies. Click here to arrange a free consultation.

 

Cyber Attacks and Business Growth: How to Avoid Being the Next Victim

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A recent report by the UK government found that two in every five businesses (39%) have experienced a cyber attack or security breach in the last 12 months.

The report found that fewer businesses are using security monitoring tools to identify suspicious activity, highlighting how many businesses are unaware of the attacks and breaches they are facing. The report also found that 17% of businesses in the UK, do not have up-to-date anti-virus software.

These statistics highlight the threat that many businesses are not prepared to deal with the ever-present threat of cyber attacks. The bottom line is that cyber attacks directly affect a business’s growth.

In this blog post, we will highlight the impact of cyber attacks on UK businesses and share practical advice on how your business can take steps to prevent cyber attacks from occurring. Let’s get started.

Impact of Cyber Attacks on UK Businesses

According to the National Cyber Security Centre, hundreds of businesses and organisations in the UK reported cyber incidents in 2022. Several dozen of these were deemed significant enough to require a national-level response. These incidents included various malicious cyber activities including ransomware, malware, reconnaissance, disruption of systems and services, data exfiltration, and network intrusions.

Efforts to defraud UK businesses have a direct impact on their growth. Recent data indicated that the cost of a data breach in the UK is on the rise, jumping 8.1%. At more than £4.5 million, the average total cost of a data breach in the UK is the fourth-highest in the world, higher than countries such as Germany, Japan, and France.

The majority of UK businesses who have experienced a data breach say that they have experienced more than one. There are many reasons for the recurrence of breaches. These include employees without adequate cybersecurity training, unpatched vulnerabilities in a company’s network, and human error.

How to Avoid Cyber Attacks

While the threat of cyber attacks is very real in the UK, the good news is that there are many steps businesses can take to reduce the likelihood they will be affected. Let’s take a closer look at some of these.

Partner With an Expert

As a business, you shouldn’t have to face up to the threat of cyber attacks alone. Here at SYTECH, we are digital forensic experts, helping businesses to recover, analyse, and investigate detailed files, internet history, hidden files, and more.

We offer a range of services to UK businesses. For example, our computer forensic experts are here to investigate your computer data, recovering and examining digital data.

As your dependable digital forensics support, we also offer mobile phone forensics and specialist forensics. We are also available to act as your expert witness in court cases. 

Ensure Your Systems and Software Are Updated

Cyber attacks often occur because a business’s security software and systems are outdated, which results in vulnerabilities being exposed. Cybercriminals and hackers are therefore able to take advantage.

We recommend that businesses in the UK invest in a patch management system. This system keeps track of all system and software upgrades, which ensures that a business’s systems are up-to-date and secure.

Set Up a Firewall

A firewall, in computing, refers to a network security system. This system monitors and controls both incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. Effectively, it establishes a barrier between an untrusted network and a trusted network.

If your business doesn’t already have a firewall, it’s important to set one up. This is one of the most efficient strategies a business can take to protect itself. Any brute force assaults on your business’s systems or network will be blocked before any significant harm can be caused.

Make a Backup of Your Data

Data backups are a critical aspect of data security. There are many good reasons for this, including because preventive measures don’t always work. Many businesses who end up losing their data are simply unable to recover from the impact and end up closing down. 

Therefore, we recommend that you always have your business data backed up in the case of a disaster, such as a cyber attack. This will help to avoid a significant slowdown and the loss of important information and data.

Keep Track of Who Has System Access

In addition to cyber attacks, physical attacks on computers are also possible. Therefore, it’s important to have control over who has access to your network.

For example, it is possible that a person may enter your place of business and insert a USB key with infected data into a computer, resulting in them infecting your network or giving them access. It’s a good idea to install a perimeter security system. This is a way to prevent break-ins and cybercrime.

We also recommend that employees use separate passwords for each program they use and change them frequently. This will help keep your business safe from both internal and external threats.

How to Avoid Being a Victim of a Business Cyber Attack

As this blog post highlights, the risk of cyber attacks in the UK is very real. Cyber attacks pose a serious threat to a business’s growth. The above information and steps will help your business protect itself and reduce the risk of a damaging cyber attack.

SYTECH are leading experts in recovering, analysing, and investigating cyber security issues for UK businesses. We offer unrivalled experience and expertise. If you would like to learn more about how we can help your business, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team.