Britain to Warn Companies Cyber Security Must be 'Absolute Priority' Amidst Recent Attacks
The British government is set to warn all UK companies that cyber security must be treated as an "absolute priority" in light of recent attacks on prominent retailers such as Marks & Spencer, the Co-op Group, and Harrods. This warning comes after a series of high-profile cyberattacks have hit British businesses, public bodies, and institutions in recent years, causing significant disruption and financial losses.
Cabinet office minister Pat McFadden will lead a briefing with national security officials and Richard Horne, the CEO of the National Cyber Security Centre, about support being provided to the affected retailers. He will also use his speech at next week's CyberUK conference in Manchester to urge businesses to take cyber security more seriously.
"In a world where the cybercriminals targeting us are relentless in their pursuit of profit - with attempts being made every hour of every day - companies must treat cyber security as an absolute priority," McFadden is expected to say. "The recent attacks on Marks & Spencer, the Co-op Group, and Harrods are a wake-up call for all businesses. We cannot afford to be complacent in our approach to cyber security."
The Impact of Recent Attacks
The 141-year-old Marks & Spencer stopped taking clothing and home orders through its website and app on April 25 following problems with contactless pay and click and collect services over the Easter holiday weekend. The attack is believed to have been conducted by a hacking collective known as "Scattered Spider", according to technology specialist site BleepingComputer.
BREAKING: Marks & Spencer hit by cyberattack, causing website and app disruption
A Growing Concern for British Businesses
British companies, public bodies, and institutions have been hit by a wave of cyberattacks in recent years, costing them tens of millions of pounds and often months of disruption. The government is now urging businesses to take cyber security more seriously in order to protect themselves against future attacks.
"The threat from cybercrime is becoming increasingly sophisticated and relentless," McFadden will say at the CyberUK conference. "We need all businesses to treat cyber security as an absolute priority, not just a nicety or an afterthought. We cannot afford to be complacent in our approach to cyber security."
New Legislation to Bolster National Defences
The government is also introducing new legislation - the Cyber Security Bill - to bolster national defences against cyber threats. McFadden will highlight this move at his speech, saying that it is an important step towards making Britain a safer and more secure place for businesses and individuals.
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