Grantham-based IT and cyber security consultancy Datcom, joined forces with the East Midlands Police this week in an event to help identify new trends in cyber crime and to help East Midlands business enhance their cyber security.

According to Detective Inspector Matt Carson, speaking at the event on behalf of The Cyber Resilience Centre, 95% of all cyber security breaches are due to human error and from individuals who are simply not aware of the threat.

In recent campaigns the police found that around 70% of infection cases that get reported can come from a single click, unwittingly made on an infected file or link, which then downloads malware to harvest sensitive data and even attack backup files, potentially putting the whole network at risk.

"Don't click on the pdf!" was the overriding message from DI Carson to businesses in attendance at the webinar event.

While small businesses account for 43% of cyber attacks, school and local authorities are also common targets.

The National Cyber Security Centre recently reported a rise in attacks on the UK's education sector, whereby ransomware, a type of malware can be downloaded onto a school's network making data or systems unusable until the victim makes a payment, which can have a significant impact in an education environment.

However, there is support on hand to help prevent against attacks. East Midlands Police work closely with local business and is rolling out a cyber threat monitoring system - Police Cyber Alarm.

Police CyberAlarm is designed to help organisations monitor the attacks against them with monthly reports of suspicious activity. The information gathered is used to build a better picture of the threats and collect evidence to help prosecute cyber criminals.

Ian Hickling, National Coordinator Police CyberAlarm commented: "We encourage business to contact their local Cyber Resilience Centres, Police Cyber protect teams and Cyber Service providers so they can keep up-to-date with the types of threats emerging. It is also important to raise awareness internally among staff as to the types of suspicious files they may come across.

Managing Director of Datcom, Andrew Townsend commented: "Datcom has for almost ten years been supporting local businesses and the increased cyber security threat is very real.

"While cyber criminals grow more sophisticated in their attacks, the pandemic has compromised security systems with many more people working from home, making some security systems less robust.

"We would like to thank the East Midlands Police for sharing their insights today and also for their practical advise for businesses to help safeguard against attacks."