Report prompts warning on cyber security

[CHARITIES ARE AGAIN being urged to strengthen their cyber security practices as new figures show that the frequency of cyber attacks is increasing across all sectors. More than a quarter (26%) of charities who suffer attacks said they now experience breaches or attacks at least once a week.

Although the Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2022 report from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) revealed the frequency of cyber attacks is rising, the number of organisations experiencing an attack or breach remained the same as 2021 levels. Almost a third of charities (30%) reported cyber security breaches or attacks in the past 12 months.

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has issued a note declaring it is not aware of any current specific cyber threats to UK organisations in relation to events around Ukraine, but is encouraging organisations to follow simple steps in its guidance to reduce the risk of falling victim to an attack.

Cyber Minister Julia Lopez said: “It is vital that every organisation take cyber security seriously as more and more business is done online and we live in a time of increasing cyber risk. No matter how big or small your organisation is, you need to take steps to improve digital resilience now and follow the free government advice to help keep us all safe online.”

The report also found that almost a third of charities (32%) were using at least one managed service provider but only 13% reviewed the risks posed by immediate suppliers.

The DCMS said that the government is committed to protecting the UK from cyber threats, which is at the centre of its £2.6bn National Cyber Strategy, by investing in cyber skills, expanding the country’s offensive and defensive cyber capabilities and prioritising cyber security in the workplace, boardrooms and digital supply chains. q

Ronnie from Germany

[RONNIE IS Wales Ape & Monkey Sanctuary’s youngest chimpanzee, born on 23 July 1987 in a zoo in Germany. He grew up with his brother and, for many reasons, his brother was sent elsewhere by the zoo. Nobody wanted poor Ronnie.

The sanctuary’s Jan Garen takes up the story: “Sometime after, we were contacted and asked if we had space to take Ronnie. On 9 June 2007 after a long but smooth journey to Germany and back, Ronnie arrived here at the sanctuary in glorious Wales.

“Ronnie was quick to make friends and has built up quite the relationship with our female chimp, Nakima. They get on like brother and sister! They groom each other, play together and sleep in the same bedroom.

“Ronnie is a very cheeky loveable boy who has also learnt sign language over time. He makes certain hand movements which mean different actions but can tell you to take off your coat, glasses and hat! He has people in stitches when they visit. They find Ronnie fascinating, as do we.

“Apart from his sign language, he loves eating, blowing raspberries and sunbathing. Red peppers are a firm favourite!” q • For more info call 01639 730276, email info@ape-monkey-rescue.org.uk or visit the website at www.ape-monkey-rescue.org.uk