BULLETIN 01732 759725 4 A cause for concern SecurityGen, a global provider of security solutions and services for the telecom industry says that mobile operators need to reassess security vulnerabilities in the key GTP (GPRS Tunnelling Protocol) protocol and bolster GTP security within their networks as they continue to invest in and roll out 5G. The warning comes after the company’s latest report, GTP vulnerabilities: A cause for concern in 5G and LTE networks, based on 150 telecom security assessments of 39 live mobile networks during 2022 and 2023 found that nearly 77% of networks had no cyber-security measures in place against GTP-based attacks. Only 23% had a high level of cyber-security measures to keep successful GTP-based test attacks to a minimum. www.secgen.com Hybrid work success Audio solutions manufacturer Shure commissioned IDC to conduct a comprehensive study that investigates the hurdles organisations are facing as they implement hybrid working. When compared to global metrics, the UK leads in embracing effective hybrid work systems but falls short in recognising the vital role of high quality audio. While globally, 72% of financially successful organisations invest in professional audio gear, the UK lags in this area. The report asserts that high quality audio isn't merely a tech issue; it's a human-centric concern that IT professionals must address. Investments in quality audio solutions can help dismantle the recurring cycle of workplace frustration, thereby enabling UK organisations to not just adapt but thrive in this new era of hybrid work. UK-focused data also reveals that although businesses are adopting hybrid work models more readily than their European counterparts, they are grappling with issues like poor communication and low attention levels during virtual meetings. IT professionals point to insufficient audio equipment as a core challenge. www.shure.com Cyber-engaged businesses have increased revenue growth A report published by cyber security consultancy Savanti finds that increasing numbers of UK businesses are struggling to understand how to combat cyber-crime, putting them at increased risk of cyber-attacks resulting in crippling costs such as multi-million pound ransoms, litigation and reputational damage. The Effective Board Governance of Cyber Security: A source of competitive advantage report highlights that global cyber-attacks increased by 38% in 2022, compared to 2021. In terms of numbers, across all UK businesses, there were 2.4 million instances of cyber-crime in the last 12 months. Although boards are increasingly concerned about cyber security, ranking it as one of their top priorities, many struggle to understand what to do, with the majority (59%) of directors saying their board is not very effective in understanding the drivers and impacts of cyber risks for their organisation. However, the report notes that large enterprises with digitally-savvy, cyber-engaged executive teams have significantly higher revenue growth, valuations and net margins and effective cyber security also brings many top line benefits, including greater success rates when tendering for new clients, improved data insights, investor confidence and maintenance of shareholder value during mergers and acquisitions. https://savanti.co.uk/ Bad remote work habits NordVPN’s National Privacy Test research shows that when travelling, 96% of respondents do not feel that compromised IoT devices can be a threat. 86% might mix personal and work devices, 77% of employees would charge their device on a public charging station in case the charger is lost, and 20% of Brits do not worry about unsafe public/private networks when working remotely. On the plus side, Brits are good at creating strong passwords and dealing with suspicious streaming service offers (95% each). They also know what kind of sensitive data they should avoid sharing on social media (91%) or the risks of saving their credit card details on their browser (85%). https://nordvpn.com Paper vs digital communications Across Europe, an increasing number of brands and organisations are switching their customers from paper to digital communications for cost-saving reasons, but are using misleading, unsubstantiated environmental messaging as the justification. According to Two Sides, this is greenwashing. The majority of consumers assume that digital communications are environmentally friendly. However, the environmental impact of digital is all too often overlooked. The ICT industry accounts for 5% to 9% of electricity use, which equates to more than 2% of global greenhouse gas emissions. If left unchecked, the ICT footprint could increase to 14% of global emissions by 2040. In Europe, the print and paper sector is one of the lowest industrial greenhouse gas emitters at 0.8%. The Two Sides Trend Tracker survey shows that over half (55%) of consumers agree that when a service provider wants to switch them from paper to electronic bills and statements because ‘it is better for the environment’, the real reason is to save costs. This increased from 49% in 2021. Even when consumers are forced to go digital, 62% agree (up from 54% in 2021) they should not be charged more for choosing a paper bill or statement. The survey also revealed that 76% of European consumers (up from 74% in 2021) agree that they should have the right to choose how they receive communications, printed or electronically, from financial organisations and service providers. www.twosides.info GTP vulnerabilities: A cause for concern in 5G and LTE networks EFFECTIVE BOARD GOVERNANCE OF CYBER SECURITY – A source of competitive advantage Richard Brinson and Rachel Briggs OBE THE FUTURE OF CYBER SECURITY SERIES – Part 2
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDUxNDM=