Hospitality most cyber-secure industry in the UK

After analysis of Government data from the 2022 Cyber Security Breaches Survey, Scams.info found the sector saw 5,176 data breaches in the 12 months to December 2022, the lowest number of any industry and 60 times less than the IT industry

Offering tips on the best ways businesses can protect themselves from data breaches at work, Reboot web development and cyber security expert Ledi Sallilari said: “The importance of cyber-security training is invaluable.

“Implementing safe practices when working online can play a vital part in keeping the data of your company, clients and employees safe from attack. 

Human error 

“The main cause of online security breaches can be largely put down to human error. Avoid easily guess-able passwords that use identifying information (such as your dog’s name) and opt for the longest passwords possible.

“If there is an option for your password to be between 8-24 characters, go for 24.”

The figures showed the IT/communications industry was the most at risk of falling victim to cyber breaches with 320,060 during this period while finance/insurance firms saw the second highest number with 305,785.

Double check 

Shortly behind food and hospitality, which was the most cyber-secure of all the sectors observed, the entertainment, service and membership organisations industry also saw a small number of breaches with 6,238.

Additionally, the food and hospitality industry saw an average of 0.04 cyber-breaches per employee compared with 66.17 for IT businesses.

Sallilari added: “Be aware of phishing attacks, and do not open any emails you do not recognise. Some hackers may even impersonate your boss, so it’s always best to double check directly with the alleged sender themselves before actioning anything from a suspicious email.”