In a recent study conducted by Databarracks, it was revealed that cyber threats have had a significant impact on organizations over the past year. The study found that more than half of organizations experienced cyber incidents, with larger companies being more susceptible to these attacks. This increase in cyber threats has directly led to job losses, with 37% of UK IT, resilience, and cyber security professionals reporting dismissals as a result of cyber-attacks.
Databarracks’ Data Health Check (DHC) from the previous year identified cyber-attacks as the leading cause of downtime and data loss for organizations. This trend has continued into 2024, with cyber incidents remaining a top concern for businesses of all sizes. However, the data shows that larger companies are five times more likely to experience data loss due to cyber incidents.
Chris Butler, Resilience Director at Databarracks, emphasized the personal impact of cyber-attacks on employees, stating that job losses resulting from these incidents are not uncommon. The repercussions of a cyber-attack can range from IT and security staff being directly dismissed in response to the breach, to broader layoffs due to business disruption. This challenges the notion that cyber-attacks are victimless crimes, as they can have a significant impact on individuals within an organization.
Butler also highlighted the increased risk and threats faced by IT teams in maintaining the continuity of their organizations. This added pressure can take a toll on the wellbeing of employees across the business, who may be concerned about the future of their company and their job security. Butler stressed the importance of keeping staff well-trained and informed to effectively respond to cyber incidents, as they are the first line of defense for any organization.
The findings from the Data Health Check 2024 underscore the urgent need for businesses to enhance their cybersecurity measures and invest in employee training to mitigate the impact of cyber-attacks. The full DHC report provides further insights and recommendations for organizations looking to strengthen their resilience against cyber threats in an increasingly digital landscape.
For more information and to access the full DHC report, visit https://www.databarracks.com/resources/data-health-check-2024.