Cyber expert outlines threats for 2022 [CYBERCRIME CONTINUES to be a huge problem for charities
around the world, and since the pandemic struck at the beginning of 2020, many cyber criminals have changed the way that they operate. According to Charity Digital’s cybersecurity expert Paul Rubens, that is because the change in working practices, such as the move to home working, has presented many security vulnerabilities that the criminals have been quick to exploit. Paul has predicted that this year the cybersecurity landscape will continue to evolve, as many organisations return to pre-pandemic work practices, while still retaining some of the flexible working arrangements they adopted in 2020. That means it’s important to understand what the top cyber security risks of 2022 are likely to be, and what your charity can do to mitigate the risks. Paul’s list of the main threats for 2022 include: • Phishing for SaaS credentials • Ransomware double trouble • Covert crypto-mining According to Paul: “More than 75% of targeted cyberattacks start with someone at an organisation opening a malicious email. What’s changed over the past 18 months is that many employees working from home have become used to using applications running in the cloud – known as software-as-a-service or SaaS apps – instead of programs running on their charity’s own computers. Many of these SaaS apps contain confidential data about service users or donors.
“The after-effects of the pandemic, such as the shift towards hybrid working environments, make it much more likely that these attacks will succeed because employees have become used to interacting with colleagues over email, when previously they may have talked in person.” On the subject of ransomware, he explains: “The first half of 2021 saw a 102% increase in ransomware attacks compared to the beginning of 2020, so it’s a security problem that’s only getting more prevalent. To make matters worse, ransomware groups are increasingly adopting an even more troubling approach to their criminal activities: doubling down on the threat that they pose. Not only do they encrypt their victims’ data and demand a ransom payment to regain access to it, but now they often add extra pressure by threatening to publish all the data online if the ransom is not paid.” The third threat is ‘covert crypto-mining’. Paul explains: “A single Bitcoin is worth substantially more today than it was in 2018, so it’s likely that there will be a rise in malware that silently installs Bitcoin mining software onto victims’ computers. This software hijacks the computer’s processing power and puts it to work to generate Bitcoins, consuming electricity and slowing down the computer as it does so. Once the Bitcoin mining software is running on the computer, it may also install other malware such as keyloggers to try to steal passwords and other confidential data.” To read the full article, which also contains Paul’s advice on countering the threat, visit charitydigital.org.uk. q
Former police horses are among those given sanctuary [SINCE 1976 Devon Horse
and Pony Sanctuary have rescued, rehabilitated and cared for many horses, ponies and donkeys – including local Dartmoor ponies. Since 1993 they have also taken in, when asked, retired police horses from the Metropolitan Police or the Avon and Somerset force. Those horses have come to the end of their working lives for one reason or another and the sanctuary provides them with a safe and ‘forever’ future. The police don’t have the resources to look after their retired horses, so all funds to keep those animals have to be raised by supporters of Devon Horse and Pony Sanctuary. They are away from the stresses of police life in a wonderful location on the edge of Dartmoor. Every animal can give something back to help alleviate the stresses of life, so in reality helping them can also help us. Said the sanctuary’s Chris Hills: “This amazing place provides a haven of tranquillity, and we welcome visitors who may also need a little help and support to come and enjoy time with our horses and ponies. “Your legacy gift will help us to give the very best care and attention to our rescued horses, ponies and donkeys, both in the physical and emotional sense. We would like more people in need to spend time with these amazing animals and benefit as we and our amazing band of volunteers do every day and gain a little respite from the rigours of daily life.” q • For further information visit www.dhaps.org.uk.
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