Key indicators of cyber attacks exposed after M&S, Harrods, and Co-op breaches
In recent weeks, UK retailers have been grappling with significant cyber attacks, with major players such as Harrods, M&S, and the Co-op being forced to restrict or partially shut down business operations.
These high-profile attacks have shed light on the increasing risk faced by businesses today, prompting a wider discussion about how to spot and prevent such threats.
M&S, for example, has already experienced a decline in share prices, leading to millions in losses as a result of the disruption.
As businesses struggle to mitigate the impact of these breaches, it’s essential for organizations to better understand how to identify potential signs of hackers before the damage escalates.
Marc Porcar, CEO of QR Code Generator PRO S.L., emphasizes the importance of proactive cybersecurity strategies. He explains, “The majority of hacking attempts can be avoided by proper cyber protection and cyber safety awareness.”
With that in mind, here are four key warning signs that businesses should look out for to prevent the worst-case scenario:
One of the most common red flags is unusual login activity. If businesses start receiving notifications about failed login attempts or logins from unfamiliar locations, this could signal an attempt by hackers to gain access to company systems.
If employees are locked out of their accounts without cause, it’s a sign that hackers may have already taken control.
To combat this, businesses should ensure that employees use strong passwords, implement multi-factor authentication (MFA), and reset passwords immediately if suspicious activity is detected.
Another warning sign of a cyber attack is the presence of malware or ransomware, which can manifest as unexpected file changes, unauthorized software installations, or suspicious outgoing communications.
These signs often suggest malware infections or an active cyberattack. To prevent damage, businesses should regularly back up data, implement File Integrity Monitoring (FIM), and ensure that antivirus and anti-malware software is up to date.
Any alerts from these systems should be investigated immediately.
If systems start running slow or experience poor performance, this could indicate a cyberattack, particularly Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks or malware. Unexpected spikes in network traffic, especially outside business hours, can also signal a breach.
To prevent this, businesses should invest in managed cybersecurity services, conduct regular penetration testing, and maintain up-to-date firewalls and intrusion detection systems to protect their networks.
A surge in phishing or spam emails targeting employees could indicate that hackers are probing the system for vulnerabilities. These emails may appear legitimate and ask employees to click on a link or download an attachment that could contain malware or prompt them to share sensitive data.
Businesses can mitigate this risk by providing employees with proper phishing awareness training and implementing strong email filtering systems to prevent phishing attempts from reaching inboxes.
Porcar concludes, “Business owners and employees should remain vigilant and alert to potential cyber threats at all times, and all cyber protection software should remain updated.”
While the recent attacks on M&S and the Co-op highlight the vulnerabilities businesses face, they also underscore the importance of staying proactive when it comes to cybersecurity.
Companies can protect their enterprise and minimize risks significantly with the right tools, awareness, and response strategies.
With cybercrime becoming an ever-present threat, ensuring that employees and business systems are properly trained and protected is now more crucial than ever.