March has sped by, and we’ve got the news to show for it. From Google’s new AI updates to a surge in cybercrime without the policing to accompany it, our experts at Daffodil IT have compiled everything you need to know for your business in Sheffield.
Inadequate police staffing for cybercrime
Cybercrime in the UK has now expanded to a rate that exceeds the growth of the policing resources allocated for it. According to TechRadar, it’s growing 3 times faster than police staffing, meaning each staff member is responsible for more cases than ever before.
Although regulatory changes are advancing through parliament, intending to strengthen national cyber resilience. “The Cyber Security and Resilience Bill is expected to become law this year, and [the] Government is also looking at new legislation for banning and preventing ransomware payments,” said Craig MacKenzie, current Head of High Profile and Private Crime at Forbes Solicitors.
This proposed legislation is expected to strengthen national defences against cyberattacks, while separate measures under consultation could limit or ban ransomware payments. This proposed measure is intended to reduce incentives for criminals by making payments more difficult or unlawful in certain circumstances.
However, others complain that police staffing should rise alongside the rate of cyberattacks, and that pressure is piled on the organisation to take on bigger responsibilities.
Google’s AI updates
In March, Google focused on implementing various new AI tools to help improve usability in users’ day-to-day lives. By embedding AI across Search, Workspace, Chrome, and mobile devices, AI is becoming increasingly more integrated into workflows.
Key information includes deeper integration across emails, documents and calendars, providing a more personalised, context-aware AI output. Personal Intelligence is being expanded, collaborating with your Gmail and Photos accounts to provide more personalised results.
On top of this, they have built AI directly into tools like Docs and Sheets for AI Ultra and Pro subscribers and added an Ask Maps AI chatbot into Google Maps. See more changes here.
78% of UK manufacturers experienced a cyber incident in the last year
Most UK manufacturers have experienced a cyberattack in the last year, with more than half reporting a loss of revenue as a result, according to a survey by ESET.
95% reported a direct impact on their business, 44% cite supply chain impacts, and 39% highlighted missed customers or supplier commitments. The survey shed light on the fact that many organisations still treat cybersecurity as an IT issue rather than a strategic business decision.
According to ESET, 46% of respondents cited AI-enabled attacks as a top concern, followed by phishing (42%), ransomware (40%), and unauthorised system access (38%).
However, surprisingly, many still opt for reactive IT support, with 21% favouring this. The cost of reactive support can be fatal to your business. See why our experts recommend proactive IT support today.
You’re all caught up!
Looking for managed IT support in Sheffield or want to be kept in the loop? We can help. Whether you’re based in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, or further afield, let us take you for a coffee to discuss how we can help your business thrive!
