cybersecurity

The Future of Cybersecurity: Transforming Defences with AI

In a world where cyber threats are growing in scale and sophistication, artificial intelligence (AI) is proving to be a transformative force in cybersecurity. From detecting anomalies in real-time to predicting potential vulnerabilities, artificial intelligence and machine learning (ML) are reshaping how organisations protect their systems, data, and operations.

Yet, while AI’s promise is immense, its integration into cybersecurity is not without challenges. At Cyber365, we help organisations navigate this evolving landscape, ensuring they adopt AI-driven solutions responsibly, effectively, and in alignment with their unique needs.

Because trust matters, leveraging artificial intelligence in cybersecurity should involve more than adopting new technologies—it must also focus on building resilience and staying ahead of emerging threats.

The Role of AI in Modern Cybersecurity

AI and ML are not just buzzwords; they are powerful tools that address some of the most pressing challenges in cybersecurity today.

1. Enhanced Threat Detection

Traditional cybersecurity systems rely heavily on predefined rules and signatures to identify threats. While effective against known risks, this approach struggles to detect novel or rapidly evolving attack vectors. Artificial Intelligence changes the game by:

  • Analysing Behavioural Patterns: Artificial intelligence-driven tools can identify anomalies in network traffic or user behaviour, flagging potential threats before they escalate.
  • Detecting Zero-Day Attacks: By recognising patterns that deviate from the norm, artificial intelligence can identify previously unknown vulnerabilities that attackers might exploit.

2. Real-Time Response

Speed is critical in cybersecurity. Delayed responses can result in significant damage, from data breaches to operational downtime. AI-powered systems:

  • Automate Threat Mitigation: AI can respond to threats in real-time, such as isolating compromised endpoints or blocking malicious IP addresses.
  • Prioritise Alerts: AI analyses threat severity to ensure that cybersecurity teams focus on the most critical incidents first.

3. Predictive Analytics

Artificial intelligence excels at forecasting potential vulnerabilities and attack patterns, enabling organisations to take proactive measures. For example:

  • Vulnerability Scanning: ML algorithms can identify weak points in systems before attackers exploit them.
  • Threat Intelligence: AI can aggregate and analyse global threat data, offering insights into emerging risks specific to an organisation’s industry or geography.

Challenges in Adopting Artificial Intelligence for Cybersecurity

The Future of Cybersecurity Transforming Defences with AI

While AI offers transformative benefits, its integration into cybersecurity is not without hurdles:

1. Overreliance on Technology

Organisations sometimes view AI as a silver bullet, overlooking cybersecurity’s human and procedural elements. This overreliance can lead to gaps in defence when attackers exploit non-technical vulnerabilities, such as social engineering or insider threats.

2. Data Quality and Bias

AI systems are only as good as the data they are trained on. Poor-quality or biased data can result in inaccurate threat detection, exposing organisations to risks.

3. Complexity and Cost

AI-driven solutions often require significant investment and technical expertise, making them challenging for smaller organisations to adopt. These tools may not deliver their full potential without proper implementation and monitoring.

Because integration matters, Artificial Intelligence adoption must be part of a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy.

Cyber365’s Role in Responsible AI Integration

At Cyber365, we recognise Artificial Intelligence’s transformative potential in cybersecurity but also understand the need for a balanced approach. Our mission is to help organisations leverage AI responsibly, ensuring it complements—not replaces—other critical elements of a robust security framework.

1. Assessing Readiness

Before adopting AI solutions, organisations must understand their current cybersecurity posture. Cyber365’s Risk Assessments and Cyber Resiliency Reviews provide a clear picture of existing strengths, weaknesses, and gaps, helping organisations determine where AI can add the most value.

2. Tailored AI Integration

Not all AI tools are created equal, and not every organisation needs the exact solutions. Cyber365 works closely with clients to:

  • Identify AI technologies that align with their specific risks and operational needs.
  • Ensure seamless integration with existing systems and processes.
  • Provide training for teams to use and manage AI-driven tools effectively.

3. Balancing Technology with Human Expertise

Artificial Intelligence is a powerful ally, but human expertise remains irreplaceable. Cyber365’s Cyber Awareness Training and Incident Response Workshops ensure that employees at all levels are equipped to work alongside AI, recognise its outputs, validate findings, and address gaps.

4. Continuous Improvement

AI-driven systems require ongoing monitoring and updates to remain effective. Cyber365 helps organisations establish processes for reviewing AI performance, updating threat models, and adapting to evolving risks.

Case Study: Artificial Intelligence in Action

A financial services provider partnered with Cyber365 to strengthen its cybersecurity defences after experiencing multiple phishing attacks. While the organisation had invested in traditional security tools, these measures were insufficient against increasingly sophisticated threats.

Challenges Identified:

  • Manual threat detection processes delayed responses to incidents.
  • A growing volume of alerts overwhelmed the IT team.
  • Limited predictive capabilities hindered proactive risk management.

Solutions Implemented:

  1. AI-Driven Threat Detection: Cyber365 helped the organisation deploy an AI-based monitoring system, which reduced false positives by 40% and identified anomalies in real-time.
  2. Incident Response Training: Teams received tailored training to act effectively on AI-generated alerts, improving response times.
  3. Risk Assessment and Policy Updates: A comprehensive review ensured that AI tools were aligned with the organisation’s overall risk management framework.

Results Achieved:

  • Threat response times improved by 60%.
  • IT teams gained valuable insights into emerging attack patterns.
  • The organisation experienced a 25% reduction in phishing-related incidents within six months.

This case demonstrates how artificial intelligence when integrated responsibly, enhances security outcomes without adding unnecessary complexity.

The Future of Artificial Intelligence in Cybersecurity

As AI continues to evolve, its role in cybersecurity will only grow more significant. Future advancements may include:

  • Autonomous Threat Hunting: Fully automated systems that proactively search for vulnerabilities across networks.
  • Adaptive Defences: AI dynamically adjusts security measures based on the evolving threat landscape.
  • Deeper Integration with IoT: Enhanced protections for the Internet of Things, ensuring that connected devices are not weak links in the security chain.

However, as these technologies mature, so too will cybercriminals’ tactics. This underscores the importance of staying ahead through continuous improvement and responsible artificial intelligence adoption.

Conclusion: A Balanced Approach to Artificial Intelligence in Cybersecurity

Artificial intelligence is reshaping the cybersecurity landscape, offering unprecedented capabilities for detecting, preventing, and responding to threats. But technology alone is not enough. A balanced approach—where AI complements human expertise, processes, and a robust security framework—is essential for long-term resilience.

At Cyber365, we help organisations navigate this balance, ensuring that AI-driven solutions enhance security without introducing unnecessary complexity or risk. Security is not just about innovation—it is about integration, responsibility, and trust.

Are you ready to explore AI’s potential for your organisation? Contact Cyber365 today to learn how we can help you adopt artificial intelligence responsibly and effectively.

Category: Cybersecurity Tags: , ,

Cyber Insurance: Progress or a Barrier to Business Growth?

As cyber threats grow more frequent and sophisticated, cyber insurance has become a crucial safeguard for businesses seeking financial protection against the fallout of data breaches, ransomware attacks, and other cyber incidents. However, obtaining coverage is no longer as simple as signing a policy. Insurers increasingly demand that organisations implement robust cybersecurity measures before they qualify for coverage.

While this trend can potentially elevate cybersecurity standards across industries, it also presents significant challenges—particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which often lack the resources to meet these stringent requirements. Are these demands driving progress or creating insurmountable barriers?

At Cyber365, we have worked with businesses of all sizes to help them navigate the evolving landscape of cyber insurance. By enabling organisations to meet insurer requirements affordably, we strike a balance between raising standards and reducing barriers.

The Rising Demands of Cyber Insurance

Cyber insurers today are not just financial risk mitigators but risk evaluators. Insurers now require organisations to demonstrate a baseline cybersecurity maturity level to minimise their exposure. This often includes:

  • Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Ensuring systems and sensitive data are accessible only through multiple verification methods.
  • Regular Vulnerability Assessments: Conducting ongoing checks to identify and address security gaps.
  • Incident Response Plans: Having a documented plan for containing and recovering from cyber incidents.
  • Employee Cyber Awareness Training: Educating staff on identifying threats like phishing and social engineering.
  • Endpoint Protection: Implementing tools to detect and block malware at device entry points.

The Opportunity: Higher Industry Standards

These requirements undoubtedly encourage organisations to improve their security posture. By enforcing cybersecurity best practices, insurers help to raise the bar, making industries less vulnerable to cybercrime. This is a positive development for larger enterprises, as they often already have the resources to meet these standards.

The Challenge: Barriers for SMEs

For SMEs, however, these requirements can feel like an insurmountable hurdle. Meeting insurer expectations often involves costly technology upgrades, policy development, and training initiatives—expenses that can strain smaller budgets. Many SMEs face a difficult choice: risk operating without cyber insurance or invest heavily in compliance efforts they may struggle to afford.

Because access matters, SMEs need affordable solutions to bridge the gap between insurance requirements and their current capabilities.

How Cyber365 Helps Organisations Meet Cyber Insurance Standards

At Cyber365, we understand the challenges SMEs face in meeting rising insurance demands. Our mission is to make cybersecurity accessible and achievable for businesses of all sizes. Here is how we help:

1. Affordable Risk Assessments

Our Cyber Risk Assessments provide a cost-effective way to identify vulnerabilities and prioritise improvements. By evaluating your existing systems and processes, we highlight the areas insurers care about most, ensuring you meet their expectations without overspending on unnecessary upgrades.

2. Tailored Cyber Resilience Strategies

With Cyber365’s Cyber Resiliency Reviews, we develop customised action plans that align with insurer requirements and your organisation’s needs. Our approach ensures you achieve compliance efficiently, focusing on practical solutions that fit within your budget.

3. Employee Cyber Awareness Training

Many cyber incidents result from human error, and insurers know this. Our Cyber Awareness Training for All Staff equips your team with the knowledge to recognise and respond to threats, reducing the likelihood of costly breaches and satisfying insurer expectations.

4. Policy and Procedure Development

Insurers often require documented policies, such as incident response plans and data protection protocols. Cyber365 assists in developing and implementing these policies, ensuring they are compliant, actionable, and relevant to your operations.

5. Practical Workshops for IT Teams

For organisations needing to strengthen technical defences, our workshops—such as Deploying a CSIRT or Incident Management Training—help IT teams build the skills required to manage threats effectively.

Balancing the Debate: Progress or Barrier?

So, are rising cyber insurance requirements a step forward or a barrier to entry? The answer lies in perspective.

A Step Forward for Industry Standards

By requiring organisations to implement robust cybersecurity measures, insurers are driving a cultural shift toward cyber resilience as a priority. This reduces overall risk across industries, benefiting businesses as well as their customers, partners, and employees.

For larger organisations, these requirements are often viewed as an opportunity to formalise and enhance existing practices. With their more significant resources, they can leverage insurer demands to strengthen their defences further.

A Barrier for SMEs

However, these requirements can feel punitive for SMEs, forcing them to divert limited resources to meet standards that may not align perfectly with their specific risks. SMEs are often at the mercy of a “one-size-fits-all” approach that does not account for their unique circumstances or constraints.

Because equity matters, the focus should be on creating scalable, affordable solutions that make robust cybersecurity accessible for all businesses, regardless of size.

Practical Steps for Navigating Cyber Insurance Demands

For organisations struggling to meet cyber insurance requirements, a structured approach can help:

1. Start with a Risk Assessment

Before investing in technology or training, understand where your vulnerabilities lie. Focus on addressing high-priority risks first. Cyber365’s assessments provide clear, actionable recommendations tailored to your organisation.

2. Prioritise Critical Measures

Work with your insurer to identify the most important coverage requirements. Implementing MFA or conducting regular vulnerability assessments may carry more weight than less urgent measures.

3. Leverage Affordable Training

Cyber awareness training is one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce risk and satisfy insurer expectations. Cyber365’s training programs are designed to be accessible and impactful, ensuring every employee becomes valuable to your defence strategy.

4. Focus on Long-Term Resilience

While meeting insurer requirements is essential, do not lose sight of your broader cybersecurity goals. A resilient organisation continuously improves, adapting to new threats and challenges.

Case Study: Helping SMEs Navigate Insurance Demands

A small professional services firm approached Cyber365 after struggling to secure cyber insurance. The firm’s insurer required several measures, including MFA, a documented incident response plan, and staff training.

Challenges Identified:

  • Limited budget to implement multiple changes quickly.
  • Staff unfamiliar with cybersecurity best practices.
  • Lack of internal expertise to develop policies.

Solutions Provided:

  • Conducted a Cyber Risk Assessment to identify the most urgent gaps.
  • Implemented MFA on high-risk systems.
  • Delivered a Cyber Awareness Training Program to educate staff on phishing and other threats.
  • Developed a practical, cost-effective Incident Response Plan aligned with the insurer’s requirements.

Results Achieved:

The firm secured its cyber insurance policy competitively while significantly reducing its exposure to cyber threats. The insurer even noted the firm’s commitment to improving its cybersecurity posture, strengthening its relationship for future renewals.

Bridging the Gap Between Standards and Accessibility

Cyber insurance requirements are driving much-needed progress in cybersecurity, but they must not become a barrier for smaller businesses. Organisations can meet insurer expectations by focusing on affordable, scalable solutions while building a solid foundation for long-term resilience.

At Cyber365, we are committed to confidently helping organisations navigate these challenges. Through tailored risk assessments, customised training, and practical workshops, we enable businesses of all sizes to achieve compliance, strengthen their defences, and thrive in a digital-first world.

Because security should be accessible to all, not just the most prominent players in the game.

Are you ready to meet rising insurance demands without breaking the bank? Contact Cyber365 today to take the first step toward affordable, robust cybersecurity.

Category: Cybersecurity Tags: ,

The Drawbacks of Focusing on Compliance Over Risk-Driven in Security

In the fast-evolving world of cybersecurity, many organisations fall into the trap of focusing on compliance-driven over risk-driven security strategies. Meeting regulatory requirements is undoubtedly important, but a compliance-first approach often creates a false sense of security. The problem? Compliance does not necessarily equal security.

At Cyber365, we have empowered numerous organisations across industries to move beyond a ‘checkbox’ mentality and adopt risk-driven security strategies. This approach gives you the control to protect your organisation more effectively in an increasingly complex threat landscape, focusing on real-world vulnerabilities rather than regulatory requirements alone.

We believe that true cybersecurity resilience comes from addressing risks specific to your organisation—not just ticking boxes to meet compliance standards.

The Problem with Compliance-Driven Security

Compliance frameworks, such as GDPR, HIPAA, and ISO 27001, provide important guidelines for protecting data and maintaining security. However, organisations often expose themselves when prioritising compliance over actual risk management. Here’s why:

1. Compliance is Reactive, Not Proactive

Compliance frameworks address known threats and risks that regulators have identified. Cyber threats, however, evolve constantly. A compliance-driven approach focuses on meeting yesterday’s standards, leaving organisations vulnerable to today’s and tomorrow’s emerging threats.

2. A Checkbox Mentality

Compliance-driven security often creates a “checkbox” culture where organisations focus on passing audits rather than building a strong security posture. While policies and procedures may look good on paper, they may not address the organisation’s unique vulnerabilities and operational realities.

3. Limited Contextualisation

Regulatory requirements are broad, applying to industries rather than individual organisations. Compliance frameworks may overlook critical risks specific to your organisation’s operations, assets, or industry-specific threats.

4. False Sense of Security

Organisations focusing solely on compliance may feel secure after passing an audit, only to discover that their systems are still vulnerable to real-world attacks. Compliance does not guarantee that your defences are adequate or that your organisation is prepared to respond to a breach.

Because true protection matters, organisations must move beyond compliance to adopt risk-based strategies.

Why Risk-Driven Security is Essential

A risk-driven approach prioritises understanding and addressing the unique threats facing your organisation. Rather than focusing solely on meeting regulatory requirements, risk-driven security is about identifying vulnerabilities, mitigating risks, and building resilience.

1. Tailored to Your Organisation

Unlike compliance frameworks, which take a one-size-fits-all approach, risk-driven security strategies are customised to your specific operational context. You can focus on protecting the most critical assets and processes by assessing your unique risks.

2. Proactive and Adaptive

A risk-driven approach helps organisations anticipate and prepare for future threats rather than reacting to past incidents. By continuously monitoring and evaluating risks, you stay ahead of evolving threats and reduce your exposure to emerging vulnerabilities.

3. Holistic Protection

Risk-driven strategies go beyond technical solutions, addressing people, processes, and technology vulnerabilities. For example, employee training, incident response planning, and supply chain security are all critical components of a risk-based approach.

4. Aligns with Business Goals

Risk-driven security aligns with your organisation’s strategic objectives, effectively allocating resources. Rather than spending on generic compliance measures, a risk-based strategy focuses on investments with the most significant impact.

The Hidden Costs of Compliance-Driven Security

Compliance-driven security can appear cost-effective in the short term, but the hidden costs of a checkbox mentality often outweigh the benefits:

  • Increased Vulnerabilities: Organisations may overlook critical risks outside regulatory frameworks by focusing only on compliance requirements.
  • Missed Opportunities: A compliance-first approach can lead to inefficiencies, with resources spent on meeting standards that do not directly improve security.
  • Reputational Damage: Passing an audit may satisfy regulators, but it does not protect against the reputational damage of a breach. Customers expect more than compliance—they expect security.

Because trust matters, a risk-driven approach protects not only your systems but also your reputation.

Moving from Compliance to Risk-Driven Security

With our extensive experience, Cyber365 is well-equipped to guide organizations in transitioning from compliance-driven strategies to risk-based approaches that effectively address real-world threats. Our Risk Assessments and Cyber Resiliency Reviews are specifically designed to provide actionable insights, empowering organizations to build robust security frameworks tailored to their unique needs.

Step 1: Identify Your Risks

Our Risk Assessments are comprehensive, analysing your organisation’s vulnerabilities across people, processes, and technology. We go beyond regulatory requirements to uncover hidden risks that could disrupt operations or expose sensitive data.

Step 2: Prioritise Action In a risk-driven approach, not all risks are equal. This approach helps you prioritise mitigation efforts, ensuring that resources are allocated where they are most needed. Cyber365’s assessments provide a clear roadmap, allowing you to address high-priority vulnerabilities first.

Not all risks are created equal. A risk-driven approach helps you prioritise mitigation efforts, ensuring that resources are allocated where they are most needed. Cyber365’s assessments provide a clear roadmap, allowing you to address high-priority vulnerabilities first.

Step 3: Build Resilience

Through our Cyber Resiliency Reviews, we help organisations develop strategies to maintain continuity during a cyber incident. This includes creating incident response plans, training employees, and implementing solutions to minimise disruption.

A Balanced Approach: Compliance Meets Risk Management

It is important to note that compliance and risk management are not mutually exclusive. A balanced approach ensures that your organisation meets regulatory requirements while addressing real-world vulnerabilities.

How Cyber365 Helps You Achieve Balance

  • Policy and Procedure Development: Ensure your policies align with regulatory standards and your organisation’s risk profile.
  • Customised Training: Equip your team with the knowledge to identify and respond to threats, from phishing attempts to ransomware attacks.
  • Incident Response Planning: Develop and test response plans aligning with your organisation’s risks.

Because resilience matters, we provide the tools to protect your organisation from regulatory penalties and real-world threats.

Case Study: The Pitfalls of Compliance-Only Security

One organisation we worked with had passed its regulatory audit with flying colours. However, a ransomware attack just weeks later revealed significant gaps in its security posture.

What Went Wrong:

  • The organisation had policies that satisfied compliance requirements but did not reflect day-to-day operations.
  • Employees were unaware of phishing risks and inadvertently clicked on a malicious link.
  • The organisation lacked an effective incident response plan, leading to prolonged downtime and reputational damage.

How Cyber365 Helped:

  • Conducted a Risk Assessment to identify vulnerabilities not addressed by compliance measures.
  • Delivered Cyber Awareness Training to educate employees on recognising and responding to threats.
  • Developed an Incident Response Plan tailored to the organisation’s operations.

The result? The organisation emerged stronger, with a security framework beyond compliance to address real risks.

Build Resilience, Not Just Compliance

Compliance-driven security may satisfy regulators, but it does not guarantee protection. A risk-driven approach addresses your organisation’s unique vulnerabilities, creating a proactive, adaptable, and resilient security posture.

At Cyber365, we specialise in helping organisations move beyond the checkbox mentality. We empower you to face today’s threats with confidence through tailored risk assessments, customised training, and resilience-building strategies.

Because your security should be more than compliant—it should be robust.

Are you ready to move from compliance to resilience? Contact Cyber365 today and start building a security framework that protects what matters most.

Category: Cybersecurity Tags: ,

Have We Become Too Dependent on Technology for Cyber Defence?

Organisations are pouring vast resources into technological defences in the fight against cyber threats. Firewalls, endpoint detection, advanced encryption, and AI-driven monitoring tools are essential components of a robust cybersecurity strategy. However, the question remains: Are we over-reliant on technology for cyber defence while neglecting the human element?

At Cyber365, we have seen how technology alone cannot solve the cybersecurity puzzle. The most robust defences are built on a foundation of cutting-edge tools and informed, vigilant people. As the Software Engineering Institute (SEI) at Carnegie Mellon University emphasises, effective cybersecurity requires a balanced approach where technology and human capability work harmoniously.

We believe that the first line of defence is not a system or software but a well-trained, cyber-aware workforce.

The Problem with Technology-First Cyber Defence

Technology is a powerful ally in protecting against cyber threats. Automated tools monitor systems 24/7, machine learning algorithms detect anomalies, and encryption secures sensitive data. These advancements are crucial in the modern cybersecurity landscape. However, an over-reliance on technology introduces vulnerabilities of its own:

1. A False Sense of Security

Many organisations assume that investing in the latest cybersecurity technology is enough to keep threats at bay. However, even the most sophisticated systems can be bypassed if employees are not trained to recognise and respond to risks. For example, a phishing email can compromise credentials, giving attackers access to systems the technology is designed to protect.

2. Neglecting Human Factors

Cybercriminals know that the easiest way to breach an organisation is not through technology but through its people. Social engineering attacks, such as phishing and pretexting, exploit human psychology rather than technical vulnerabilities. Without adequate training, employees remain the weakest link in the cybersecurity chain.

3. Technology Without Context

While technology excels at detecting anomalies, it cannot always determine context. A well-trained human can discern whether an unusual email is legitimate or part of a broader phishing campaign. Relying solely on technology removes this critical layer of decision-making.

Because vigilance matters, organisations must recognise that no technology can replace the need for a skilled, informed workforce.

The Role of Human Defences in Cybersecurity

At Cyber365, we advocate for a balanced approach where technology and human capability complement each other. Employees are the gatekeepers of an organisation’s systems and data, and their actions often determine whether an attack succeeds or fails.

Trained Employees as the First Line of Defence

Well-trained employees act as the eyes and ears of an organisation’s cybersecurity strategy. They can:

  • Recognise Threats: Spot phishing attempts, suspicious links, and other common tactics used by cybercriminals.
  • Respond Proactively: Take immediate action to contain potential threats, such as reporting phishing emails or disconnecting infected devices from the network.
  • Support Incident Response: Provide valuable context and insights during an investigation, such as describing how a breach occurred or identifying compromised accounts.

The Cost of an Untrained Workforce

A lack of cyber awareness training can lead to costly consequences. Consider the following:

  • Phishing Scams: A single employee clicking on a malicious link can compromise an entire network.
  • Weak Passwords: Without training, employees may reuse passwords or choose easily guessed ones.
  • Poor Incident Reporting: Employees unaware of what constitutes a cyber threat may fail to report suspicious activity, allowing attackers to operate undetected.

Cyber365’s Cyber Awareness Training addresses these gaps, ensuring employees know to act as a robust first line of defence. Because prevention matters, investing in training reduces the likelihood of human error and strengthens the organisation.

Technology and Human Elements: A Balanced Approach toward Cyber Defence

Effective cybersecurity is not a choice between technology and people but a partnership. Technology provides the tools to monitor, detect, and respond to threats, while trained employees provide the context, vigilance, and adaptability that technology cannot replicate.

1. Proactive Training

Organisations should implement regular, comprehensive training programs to ensure all employees understand their role in cybersecurity. Cyber365 offers tailored training solutions, including:

  • Cyber Awareness for All Staff: Focused on everyday threats like phishing and password hygiene.
  • Incident Response Workshops: Preparing teams to act decisively during a cyber-attack.
  • CSIRT (Computer Security Incident Response Team) Training: Building skilled teams capable of managing incidents effectively.

By integrating training into the organisational culture, businesses foster an informed and actively engaged workforce that protects the company.

2. Leveraging Technology Strategically

Technology remains a vital component of any cybersecurity strategy. However, it must be deployed in a way that complements human efforts. For example:

  • Phishing Simulations: Use software to test employees’ ability to recognise phishing emails, then provide targeted training based on the results.
  • Incident Management Tools: Equip teams with tools to coordinate responses and track incidents efficiently. Cyber365’s workshops on deploying incident management systems help organisations integrate these tools seamlessly.
  • Threat Intelligence Platforms: These platforms provide employees with real-time insights into emerging threats, enhancing their ability to act proactively.

Case Study: The Impact of a Balanced Approach to Cyber Defence

One organisation partnered with Cyber365 to address recurring phishing attacks that had bypassed their email filters. The company had invested heavily in advanced filtering technology but lacked a robust employee training program.

Challenges Identified:

  • Employees frequently clicked on phishing links, assuming the email filters would catch all threats.
  • Incident reporting was inconsistent, delaying responses to potential breaches.

Solution Implemented:

Cyber365 conducted a Cyber Awareness Training program for all staff and a CSIRT Workshop for the IT team. Employees learned to identify phishing attempts and report incidents promptly, while the IT team gained hands-on experience in managing incidents effectively.

Results Achieved:

  • Phishing attempts decreased significantly as employees became more vigilant.
  • Incident response times improved, reducing the impact of potential breaches.
  • The organisation achieved a more robust security posture by integrating training with its existing technology.

This case demonstrates the power of combining technological defences with a well-trained workforce.

Insights from the Software Engineering Institute

The Software Engineering Institute (SEI) echoes the importance of a balanced approach in its organisational guidance. SEI emphasises that cybersecurity is a holistic effort, requiring:

  • Leadership Involvement: Cybersecurity must be prioritised at the board and executive levels to align resources with risks.
  • Cross-functional collaboration: IT teams, risk managers, and frontline employees must work together to create a unified defence strategy.
  • Continuous Improvement: Both technology and training require regular updates to address emerging threats.

Cyber365 incorporates these principles into its training programs and workshops, ensuring organisations build resilience at every level.

Strengthen Your Cyber Defence Strategy!

Cyber threats are not going away, and attackers will continue to exploit the human element. While technology is essential, it cannot replace the vigilance and adaptability of a well-trained workforce.

At Cyber365, we help organisations achieve the balance they need to thrive in today’s threat landscape. Our tailored training programs and workshops empower employees to act as the first line of defence, complementing even the most advanced cybersecurity technologies.

Because cybersecurity is a shared responsibility, it is time to prioritise the human element in your cyber defence strategies. Equip your team with the knowledge they need to protect your organisation and ensure that technology and people work together seamlessly.

Are you ready to strengthen your cybersecurity strategy? Contact Cyber365 today to build a balanced, resilient defence.

Category: Cybersecurity Tags: ,

Hackers are checking into hotel systems

It’s official, ‘hackers are checking into hotel Systems’, have you been Phished[1]?

Criminals are after your data so they can steal credentials and use them to get money, and this time it seems the gang associated with these attacks are the same as the ones who took USD 1Billlion from banks.

So how do they do it?

The first step is not hacking a computer but socially engineering[2] a person![3]

Step 1 – A phone call is received at a hotel reservation desk by a pretend hotel guest to discuss a problem confirming a reservation. They say they have a question, and can they help?

Step 2 – The caller says they have information about the reservation and would like an email to send to the reservation desk so the hotel can help them.

Step 3 – The caller sends an email to the reservation desk with an attachment.  The hotel opens the attachment, which has malicious software called ‘Malware’.  The malware is designed to find the sensitive information the caller wants and downloads more Malware tools to assist in its search.

Step 4 – The hotel system is now compromised and send all the information that the caller needed to them and the malware can stay on the system if they want to download future reservation information.

While this story was about a hotel chain, the same approach can be used for many businesses alike, and this is called a ‘Phishing Scam’.  There are different types of Phishing scams, depending on the intended victim.

Help me protect myself from a Phishing Scam!

All staff should be trained on how to spot a potential scam, for example, not posting information on social media such as vacation plans, phone numbers, your address.

[1] The fraudulent practice of sending emails purporting to be from reputable companies in order to induce individuals to reveal personal information, such as passwords and credit card numbers.

“an email that is likely a phishing scam”

[2](In the context of information security) the use of deception to manipulate individuals into divulging confidential or personal information that may be used for fraudulent purposes.

[3] https://whatismyipaddress.com/hacking-hotels


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Category: Safety Tags: ,

The UK might fine Marriot Hotel 99 Million Pounds for data breach

The UK might fine Marriot Hotel £99Million for Data Breach!

Following on from our previous article, it looks like countries are submitting claims against the Marriot Hotel Chain according to the Register UK.[1]

The UK’s Information Commissioners office is the first to file a claim for fining the hotel chain.

If other countries follow suit, it could be a very costly affair, not to mention the reputational damage to the hotel chain.

The Chief Executive of Marriot International stated:

“We deeply regret this incident happened. We take the privacy and security of guest information very seriously and continue to work hard to meet the standard of excellence that our guests expect from Marriott.”

Marriot had admitted to half a billion individuals data had been stolen.

Hotel guests who have previously made a reservation to stay at any of the following, Marriott or Starwood hotel (among others, the group also owns the Sheraton, Ritz-Carlton, and Renaissance brands) should go to the Starwood web page about the data breach.

Tips

Your data may be used by criminals who want to use your identity for financial gain.  Go to the website and check if the breach is relevant to you.

Some password managers and Antivirus products automatically tell you if they find your credentials being used elsewhere. This can include credit card information, email addresses and passwords for sites that you need a login.

Be proactive and get good security awareness advice

[1] https://www.theregister.co.uk/2019/07/09/marriott_hotels_ico_fine_intention_99m_starwood_breach/


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Category: Safety Tags: ,

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