30/04/2024
Cyber security for charities
In March 2024 the Northern Ireland Cyber Security Centre (NICSC) held a CyberNI week where a range of events were held to raise awareness of cyber security.
According to research from the NICSC, one in four charities have experienced a cyber attack in the last 12 months. That is why it is more important than ever to take steps to prevent cyber criminals from getting hold of your accounts, data, and devices.
The CCNI shared a presentation offering advice and tips on how charities can best protect themselves from cyber security issues and crime.
The top cyber security threats for charities listed by the CCNI include:
- Ransomware: Malicious software that makes data or systems unusable until the victim makes a payment.
- Phishing: Often untargeted, mass emails sent to many people asking for sensitive information (such as passwords) or leading to deployment of malware.
- Supply chain: Third-party services involving the granting of remote access or exchange of client / staff data without the setting of minimum security standards.
An emerging threat called ‘Quishing’ is on the rise, where actors send phishing emails containing a pdf of png image of a QR code. The requirement to scan a QR code increases the likelihood of a recipient using a personal device outside of an organisation’s web or antivirus protection.
Guidance: CyberNI Week 2024 | The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland (charitycommissionni.org.uk)
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