Business

Protecting against data breaches: Telecoms security essentials

Cybercrime costs UK businesses an estimated £27 billion annually

Computer code on a screen with a skull representing a computer virus / malware attack.
Blue Yonder is the latest prominent business to fall victim to a ransomware attack. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

In an era of escalating data breaches, protecting sensitive data is no longer optional – it’s essential.

Cyber threats are evolving rapidly, targeting businesses of all sizes and sectors.

Just last week, US firm Blue Yonder, a prominent software supply-chain provider, fell victim to a ransomware attack.

The company’s clients include major UK supermarkets such as Asda, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s and Tesco, as well as a lot of other fast-moving consumer goods suppliers.

This attack disrupted operations, impacting what is usually a smooth flow of goods to stores, highlighting the vulnerabilities in global supply chains.

The growing frequency of such attacks underscores that no industry is immune to these types of threats.

In the UK, cybercrime costs businesses an estimated £27 billion annually, with ransomware attacks among the most damaging.

While the threat landscape is daunting, businesses can take proactive steps to safeguard their data.

For instance, setting up network segmentation isolates critical systems from other parts of the network, preventing attackers from moving freely within an organisation after breaching a single point.

Another option is implementing encryption protocols to ensure your data remains inaccessible without proper decryption keys, even if a data breach occurs.

On the other hand, using common processes such as multi-factor authentication and keeping systems updated is one of the simplest, yet most effective, security measures.

Telecoms and IT providers are crucial in securing businesses against cyber threats. Companies like b4b Group offer advanced IT security and compliance services, equipping businesses with the tools and expertise they need to defend against cyberattacks.

For instance, b4b Group provides comprehensive security management, monitoring networks in real-time to detect and respond to potential threats.

This 24/7 oversight ensures businesses remain one step ahead of cybercriminals.

By integrating these services, and trusting in a reliable telecoms provider, businesses can focus on activities without worrying about security gaps.

Regulatory compliance is a fundamental aspect of IT security, ensuring businesses follow best practices and meet legal obligations.

Adherence to these regulations not only protects sensitive data and streamlines your compliance processes, but also ensures you avoid hefty penalties.

An additional layer of trust and assurance comes from b4b Group’s ISO 27001 certification – the globally recognised standard for information security management.

This certification demonstrates b4b’s commitment to implementing robust security frameworks and best practices.

It also reassures customers that their data is handled securely and in full compliance with regulatory requirements.

The growing sophistication of cyber threats demands a proactive, multi-faceted approach to security.

Many businesses are turning to new innovative technologies to stay ahead, with key trends emerging in AI-driven threat detection and quantum-resistant encryption.

Telecoms and IT security providers such as b4b Group play a pivotal role in helping businesses navigate these challenges by offering managed security services, IT compliance support, and cutting-edge threat detection tools.

With such expertise, businesses can meet regulatory requirements, protect sensitive data, and strengthen their overall security posture.

In today’s high-risk environment, the stakes have never been higher – but, with the right partner, organisations can confidently face the future and thrive in a digitally connected world.

  • David Armstrong is chief executive of the b4b Group