Cyber Threats: Why Are Some Cyber Attacks Worse Than Others? 

Cyber Threats

Understanding the Complexities and Protecting Your Business  

Cyber threats have become an increasing concern for businesses across the globe and in Scotland especially. Attacks are becoming more frequent, more damaging and harder to detect. However, not all cyber attacks are created equal. Some have far more devastating consequences than others. In this blog, we‘ll delve deep into why some cyber attacks are worse than others, providing real-world examples and actionable advice for any Scottish businesses looking to bolster their defences.  

Increasing Cyber Threat Landscape

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has recently released alarming statistics highlighting the growing severity of cyber threats. As of December 3rd, 2024, the NCSC’s Incident Management (IM) team has intervened 430 times, up from 371 interventions last year. Among these incidents, 89 were considered nationally significant, and there were 12 critical incidents—three times more than this time last year. This stark increase underscores a troubling trend: cyber threats are becoming more frequent, and the business community’s attitude towards cyber security hasn’t changed. That’s a dangerous combination, especially when we faced more than twice as many attacks in 2024 as we did in 2023.  

The Scale and Impact of Cyber Threats

One of the primary reasons some cyber attacks are worse than others is their scale and impact. An attack targeting a small business may cause significant disruption and financial loss, but an attack on a critical infrastructure, such as a power grid or a hospital, can have catastrophic consequences on a national level. The severity of the impact often depends on the target’s importance to societal functions.

Real World Examples

To illustrate this point, let’s consider two notable examples: 

  • WannaCry Ransomware Attack (2017): This ransomware attack affected over 200,000 computers across 150 countries, including the NHS in the UK. The attack caused widespread disruption to healthcare services, leading to cancelled appointments and surgeries, and highlighting the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to cyber threats. 
  • SolarWinds Cyber Espionage Campaign (2020): This sophisticated attack involved the insertion of malicious code into SolarWinds’ software updates, which were then distributed to around 18,000 customers, including government agencies and large corporations. The breach allowed attackers to conduct extensive espionage, compromising sensitive data on a grand scale. 

 

The Nature of the Attack

Another factor that determines the severity of a cyber attack is its nature. Some attacks are designed to steal data, while others aim to disrupt services or cause physical damage. The level of sophistication and the methods used can also play a critical role.

Types of Cyber threat can include:

  • Data Breaches: These attacks involve unauthorised access to confidential information, which can lead to identity theft, financial loss, and reputational damage. Examples include the Equifax breach in 2017, where personal data of 147 million people was compromised. 
  • Denial of Service (DoS) Attacks: These attacks flood a target with excessive traffic, rendering services unusable. An example is the Mirai botnet attack in 2016, which took down major websites like Twitter and Netflix. 
  • Ransomware: This type of attack encrypts a victim’s data, demanding a ransom for its release. The WannaCry attack is a prime example of the devastating impact ransomware can have. 

Attack Vectors and Vulnerabilities

The way in which an attack is carried out, or the attack vector, significantly influences its severity. Common attack vectors include phishing emails, unsecured networks, and outdated software. Businesses with weak cyber defences are particularly vulnerable to these threats. 

Richard Horne, the NCSC’s new CEO, emphasised this point: “What has struck me more forcefully than anything else since taking the helm at the NCSC is the clearly widening gap between the exposure and threat we face and the defences that are in place to protect us.”

Actionable Advice for Businesses

To protect your business from the worst effects of cyber attacks, it’s crucial to implement robust cyber security measures. Here are some actionable steps: 

  • Invest in Cyber Security Training: Educate your employees on best practices for recognising and responding to cyber threats, such as phishing emails. 
  • Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Enhance security by requiring multiple forms of verification for access to critical systems and data. 
  • Regularly Update Software: Ensure all software is up-to-date with the latest security patches to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities. 
  • Backup Data Regularly: Maintain secure backups of your data to minimise the impact of ransomware and other destructive attacks. 
  • Develop an Incident Response Plan: Have a clear plan in place for responding to and recovering from cyber incidents, including communication strategies and roles and responsibilities. 

Conclusion 

While some cyber attacks are undoubtedly worse than others, understanding the factors that contribute to their severity can help businesses better prepare and defend against them. By staying informed about the evolving threat landscape and implementing comprehensive cyber security measures, businesses can mitigate the risks and protect their valuable assets. At Jera IT, we are committed to helping you navigate these complexities and fortify your defences against the ever-growing cyber threats. 

Stay ahead of the curve and invest in robust cyber security strategies to protect your business’s future. The cyber threats of tomorrow require the solutions of today, and with the right partner, Scottish SMEs can thrive in a secure and resilient digital environment.