How safe is official computer data from hacker threats?

Professor Richard Benham, visiting professor in cyber security management at Coventry University, has warned that governments and banks could be "brought to their knees" by computer hackers due to a "weak link" when it comes to staff who aren't trained proficiently in cyber security.

Government computer hacking activity

Coventry University has recently launched a National MBA in Cyber Security and these comments have been made after a well-reported series of cyber-attacks against high-profile targets. Some of the hacking activity included CyberCaliphate, the pro-ISIS hacking group, seizing the reigns (albeit temporarily) of the US Central Command’s Twitter and YouTube accounts.

Although it may be seen as inconvenient for businesses to train staff on cyber vandalism, Professor Benham has highlighted the importance that the threat is not ignored – the cost of good training is small compared to what could happen potentially.

Protect your business from cyber-attacks

Professor Richard Benham warned;

"Hacking social media channels is one thing, but it's only a matter of time before a major institution such as a large bank or government service is brought to its knees by an online onslaught.

"A major breach in any one part of a bank's critical network infrastructure could cause it to fail, setting in motion a potentially devastating ripple effect throughout the markets

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"When the Associated Press had its Twitter feed hijacked with a fake tweet reporting the bombing of the White House, within minutes the Dow Jones Industrial Average plunged 143 points," he continued, adding: "Imagine the economic effects of a genuine strike."

Professor Benham warned that many organisations still remain highly vulnerable to cyber-attack and social media hackers, despite recent efforts to bolster cyber security.

He continued;

"Despite a recent push to flag up the importance of cyber security matters at board level, banks are still not especially well prepared for even this sort of attack at the periphery - never mind one that goes for the jugular," he said, before going on to suggest the lack of cyber security training for employees in these firms is dangerous.

"Most employees, without proper training of the necessary 'cyber-hygiene' required at work, are a significant weak link.

"In most cases only a small number of people in the organisation are sufficiently expert in cyber security issues - a problem that doesn't just affect banks.”

For more information on how to protect your company from cyber-attacks, contact AVC Computer Support on 01902 375304 or contact us via the website.