The Biggest UK Cyber Attacks of 2024 (So Far)
The Biggest UK Cyber Attacks of 2024 (So Far)
In 2024, the UK witnessed a surge in cyber threats across key industries, with over 500 potential threats detected every second, according to BT data. This has led to increased awareness of the critical importance of cyber security.
Earlier this year, the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill was introduced in the King’s Speech, emphasising the urgent need for stronger cyber defences. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most significant cyber incidents that have made headlines this year.
1. Southern Water
Date: February 12, 2024 Sector: Essential Services/ critical infrastructure
On February 12, Southern Water disclosed a data breach stemming from illegal access to their IT systems. While the breach did not disrupt operations, personal data of 5-10% of their customer base and some current and former employees were compromised.
2. The Billericay School
Date: May 2024 Sector: Education
During the half-term holiday, this Essex school experienced a cyber attack that compromised its IT systems. Sensitive information, including student medical notes, parent contact details, and staff data, was potentially accessed. The school declared a "critical incident," and operations were temporarily disrupted.
3. NHS (Synnovis Laboratory)
Date: June 3, 2024 Sector: Healthcare
A ransomware attack on Synnovis, a pathology lab servicing NHS organizations in South East London, caused significant disruption. Blood testing services were delayed, and sensitive patient data was potentially compromised, highlighting vulnerabilities in critical healthcare infrastructure.
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4. CrowdStrike
Date: July 19, 2024 Sector: Technology
A faulty update to CrowdStrike's Falcon Sensor security software resulted in a massive IT outage, impacting approximately 8.5 million Microsoft Windows devices worldwide. Organizations, including UK healthcare providers, faced disruptions in accessing vital systems. This incident underscores how even cybersecurity companies are not immune to operational risks.
5. Transport for London (TfL)
Date: September 1, 2024 Sector: Transport
TfL detected suspicious activity on their IT systems, uncovering a cyber attack that exposed the personal information of 5,000 customers, including names, contact details, and potentially financial data. While the breach didn’t impact physical transport services, it raised concerns about safeguarding critical transport infrastructure.
Preventing Cyber Attacks at the Organisational Level
To enhance resilience, organisations should adopt strategies such as:
Having a Backup and Disaster Recovery Plan in place ensures that organisations can recover quickly and minimise operational disruptions in the event of an attack.
Cyber threats are a growing reality, but with the right measures, their impact can be mitigated.
At Intersys, we specialise in delivering tailored IT and cyber security solutions that empower businesses to thrive in an increasingly digital and connected world. With decades of expertise, we provide robust managed IT services, advanced cyber security, and innovative software development to organizations across various sectors.
Whether you’re looking to safeguard your systems, optimise your operations, or drive innovation, the team at Intersys are here to help. Contact us today to discover how we can partner with you to achieve your technology and security goals.
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