Bira (The British Independent Retailers Association, representing cookshops and housewares stockists among its members) and the Cyber Resilience Centre for the West Midlands have launched a new cyber support hub. Available for businesses across the UK, the platform will support retailers as they face the rising numbers of cyber-attacks.
A recent report published by PwC revealed that cyber-attacks on retail clients had increased by over 30%, while Bira highlights further reports that suggest cyber-attacks on retailers occurred roughly one in every eight days in 2021.
The new Cyber Security Hub empowers retailers to strengthen their cyber security and adopt basic practices, with tips on two-factor authentication, the use of passwords, application and software updates.
“I’m thrilled to be able to announce the launch of our new cyber support hub for Bira’s members, as I’ve seen first-hand through my policing career the devastation that cyber-attacks can cause,” comments detective inspector Michelle Ohren, head of cyber and innovation at the Cyber Resilience Centre for the West Midlands.
She continues: “Cyber security is not just for large companies; I can’t state that enough. We see many businesses regularly suffer cyber-attacks that can take them offline for days, weeks and sometimes permanently. It may be as simple as hackers gaining unauthorised access to your store’s social media account, and revoking your access, leaving you unable to access the account. During which time the hackers are able to post content with dangerous links.
“This would be unknown to your customers, who would then potentially buy through your platform, with the money being deposited in fraudulent bank accounts. This leads to your customer being left with no product or service. Whilst this may seem unlikely, it’s quite the opposite, and sadly just one of the ways cybercriminals can launch an attack on your business.”
Andrew Goodacre, Bira ceo adds: “With increased levels of online shopping it is vital for retailers to have good cyber security in place. Shoppers expect their details to be secure and good security will retain consumer confidence. This Hub is an excellent way of informing and helping independent retailers.”
* For more details, visit the Cyber Aware Hub at bira.co.uk/cyber-security-hub
* The Cyber Resilience Centre for the West Midlands is one of nine cyber resilience centres that have been stood up as a network to support businesses across England and Wales, giving every region its own cyber resilience centre.
Top: Cyber security has become increasingly important with the rise of online shopping.
