Although 2025 is only one month old, there have already been a number of cyber-attacks against companies in the UK. We have seen damaging attacks on government departments, healthcare, and the corporate sector. So, no company is safe.

One of the most recent and emerging threats is ‘Quishing,’ a QR code threat embedded in .pdf documents.

So, how can you help yourself?

Identify Relevant Compliance Standards
  • GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) – for EU data privacy.
  • ISO 27001 – international standard for information security.
  • Cyber Essentials Plus – UK government-backed initiative designed to help organisations protect against common cyber threats
Conduct a Risk Assessment
  • Identify critical assets (data, systems, networks).
  • Assess threats and vulnerabilities (phishing, malware, insider threats).
  • Evaluate the business impact of a cyberattack.
  • Implement mitigation strategies.
Implement Security Controls
  • Access Control: Use role-based access, least privilege, and multi-factor authentication (MFA).
  • Network Security: Firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS).
  • Endpoint Protection: Antivirus, patch management, and endpoint detection and response (EDR).
  • Data Security: Encryption, backup strategies, and data loss prevention (DLP).
  • Application Security: Secure software development lifecycle (SDLC), vulnerability scanning.
Develop Cybersecurity Policies
  • Incident Response Plan – Steps to take in case of a breach.
  • Acceptable Use Policy – Rules for employees accessing company systems.
  • Data Classification Policy – Defines sensitivity levels of data.
  • Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery Plan – Ensures resilience in case of an attack.
Conduct Employee Training
  • Train employees on phishing attacks and social engineering tactics.
  • Simulate cyberattacks to test response readiness.
  • Educate about password security and safe browsing habits.
Monitor and Test Security Measures
  • Use Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tools.
  • Conduct regular penetration testing and vulnerability assessments.
  • Audit third-party vendors for security risks.
Maintain Compliance with Regular Audits
  • Schedule internal audits to verify adherence to compliance frameworks.
  • Hire external auditors for certification (e.g., ISO 27001 and Cyber Essentials)
  • Keep documentation of security policies and compliance reports

At Unleashed, we have a wealth of experience in helping our clients to achieve cyber compliance.  If you would like to have a chat with one of our consultants, then give us a call today 0333 240 0565 or have a look at our website www.weareunleashed.com.