Cyber attacks a “wake up call” for businesses – Pat McFadden

In the wake of a wave of cyber attacks on retailers, Pat McFadden (pictured), Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, will set out what action the Government is taking to improve the country’s cyber security in a speech next week.

Recognising the impact such attacks have on working people as they go about their daily lives, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster will highlight moves to “bolster our national defences” including through the Cyber Security Bill.

It follows a briefing he led with national security officials and NCSC CEO Richard Horne on Friday about the recent hacks and expert support being provided to retailers.

In the keynote speech at the CyberUK conference in Manchester next week, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster will say: “These attacks need to be a wake-up call for every business in the UK.

“In a world where the cybercriminals targeting us are relentless in their pursuit of profit – with attempts being made every hour of every day – companies must treat cyber security as an absolute priority.

“We’ve watched in real-time the disruption these attacks have caused – including to working families going about their everyday lives. It serves as a powerful reminder that just as you would never leave your car or your house unlocked on your way to work. We have to treat our digital shop fronts the same way.”

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) is working closely with organisations that have reported incidents to them to fully understand the nature of these attacks and to provide expert advice to the wider sector based on the threat picture.

They’re also urging leaders to follow the advice on the NCSC website to ensure they have appropriate measures in place to help prevent attacks and respond and recover effectively.