Reportedly, only 25% of companies can detect data hacks or data leaks

According to some research, as little as 25% of companies have the technology installed to detect hacking and data breaches.

This is a shocking fact, but not at all surprising; and it’s a reminder of how the huge cyber hacks like the TalkTalk one from 2015 ended up happening. They, as many have been in the past, were just too slow to realise a hack had occurred, and by the time they knew, hundreds of thousands of customers had already had their data accessed.

If only a quarter of businesses can detect these hacks, we’re set for a bleak future when it comes to cybersecurity.

Cybersecurity lagging behind

When it came to the TalkTalk hack, the public were understandably outraged that such a large and well-known company could allow hackers to slip in so easily. Security specialists were not impressed with the reportedly inadequate security TalkTalk had installed – which included a failure to even encrypt their data.

According to some research, around 40% of companies have outdated cybersecurity that it could take them days – if not weeks – to analyse all the data needed to even see if a data hack or breach has occurred. By the time those companies come to do anything about it, it would probably be too late! Sadly, only around one in five companies had enough cybersecurity measures to detect breaches reasonably fast enough for a real-time response.

Is this really good enough?

Too little, too late

In a day and age where technology is ever-advancing, cybersecurity must continually develop as well. When locks can be picked, alarm systems can be installed. When cars can be stolen, immobilising technology can be used. In the same way, where technology advances, criminals are paying attention and learning how to wield it; so, why aren’t big companies doing their part and adapting too?

Off the back of a cyber hack, we often see the organisation that’s hit then finally step-up their cybersecurity; but why didn’t they just have sufficient cybersecurity in the first place?

Investing a small amount of money, time and effort in up-to-date technology that’s readily available could prevent nationwide data hacks that could cause unlimited damage, and cost a fortune. The first hacking scandal known to humankind ought to have prompted all companies to take action, especially the ones who hold customers’ bank details and / or sensitive information.

Once the damage is done, it’s often too late…

Data breaches are very hard to rectify as no one really knows for sure how far the leaked data can go. Once it’s on the internet, it might well be there forever.

On the World Wide Web, anyone in this world could have accessed it, downloaded it, shared it or copied data with a click of a button. Personal data leaks are extremely problematic as people with access to it can impersonate the victim or use the information leaked to gain even more private and sensitive information. For the victim, this can be deeply distressing and could affect them financially if their bank details are accessed.

Companies who hold personal information have a duty under the Data Protection Act to look after the information it has in a fair and safe manner. To do this, they need to have up-to-date technology to prevent cyber hacks, otherwise their legal duty may as well be as good as breached!

In the long run, it really is worth protecting consumer date.

How punishable is the misuse of private information?

Medical data still the most commonly breached information