Welcome to the final part of our Cyber Security Awareness Month series!

So far, we've explored why cybersecurity matters and the type of threats that can impact your business. In this final blog, we'll focus on the most important part- how to stay safe online and protect your people, data, and reputation.

Just as workplace health and safety depends on good habits and awareness, digital safety relies on everyday actions. The goal isnt to eliminate all risk (thats impossible), but to build resilience, so your organisation can prevent, detect, and recover from incidents effectively.

The 5Cs of Cybersecurity

A practical way to strengthen your organisation's cyber resilience is to follow the 5Cs of Cybersecurity- a simple framework that covers the foundations of good cyber hygiene:

1. Control
2. Compliance
3. Confidentiality
4. Continuity
5. Capacity

Lets explore what each one means in real terms.

Control

Just like in physical safety, control is about knowing who can access what. Not everyone in your organisation needs to every system or file.

Implementing role-based access ensures that staff only see the data relevant to their job. Combine this with:

• Strong password policies (encouraging unique, complex passwords).
• Multi- factor authentication (MFA) to add an extra layer of protection.
• Regular access reviews to remove inactive or outdated accounts.
• Control also means setting up technical barriers- like firewalls and endpoint protection- to reduce unauthorised access.

Remember: prevention starts with limiting opportunity.

Compliance

Cybersecurity isnt just good practice; its a legal requirement.

Under the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018, organisations must take "appropriate technical and organisation measures" to protect personal data.

Compliance also builds trust with customers and partners. It shows that your organisation takes data protection seriously and follows recognised best practices.

To stay compliant:

• Review your data protection policies regularly.
• Carry out risk assessments and document your controls.
• Train staff on handling personal information responsibly.
• Follow guidance from the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).

Compliance doesn’t just protect you from fines- it protects your reputation.

Confidentiality

Confidentiality ensures that data is only accessed by authorised people.
Breaches of confidentiality can happen in many ways- from phishing attacks to misplaced laptops.

To protect your data:

• Encrypt sensitive files and communications.
• Use secure platforms for file sharing and storage.
• Encourage a “need-to-know” approach to information access.
• Train staff to recognise phishing and fake login pages.

Simple habits make a big difference: locking screens when away from desks, shredding printed documents, and verifying requests before sharing information.

When confidentiality is compromised, trust is broken. Safeguarding information is key to maintaining confidence with your clients, learners, and staff.

Continuity

Even with strong defences, no system is 100% secure. That’s why continuity planning is essential.
It’s about ensuring your business can keep operating- or recover quickly- if something goes wrong.

Ask yourself:

• Do you have regular backups stored securely (ideally off-site or in the cloud)?
• Have you tested your incident response plan?
• Would staff know who to contact and what to do if systems were compromised?
• Are you insured or financially prepared for disruption?

Having backups and a clear plan means you can bounce back faster and limit the impact on customers. Continuity is the bridge between prevention and recovery.

Capacity

The final “C” is all about people.
Even with the best technology, your organisation is only as strong as the awareness of your team. Human error remains the biggest cause of cyber incidents.

Building capacity means:

• Providing regular cyber awareness training.
• Encouraging staff to report suspicious activity early.
• Creating a no-blame culture- mistakes happen, but quick reporting prevents bigger problems.
• Staying up to date with the latest scams and guidance from trusted sources like the NCSC.

Empowered staff are the best protection against cyber threats.

Good Cyber Hygiene: Simple Steps to Stay Safe Online

Cybersecurity doesn’t have to be complicated. Many of the best defences come down to good digital habits:

• Use strong, unique passwords- and never reuse them. Consider a password manager.
• Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on all important accounts.
• Keep systems and software updated- patches fix known security weaknesses.
• Back up data regularly- to a secure, separate location.
• Be cautious with links and attachments- stop, think, verify before clicking.
• Secure your Wi-Fi- use strong passwords and avoid public networks for sensitive tasks.
• Limit personal device use on business networks.
• Monitor access and review who has permissions to sensitive systems.

These may sound simple, but collectively they reduce your risk significantly.

Building a Culture of Cyber Awareness

Creating a cyber-secure workplace is not just about policies- it’s about culture. Everyone should feel responsible for keeping information safe.

Here’s how to embed that culture:

• Start conversations about digital safety in team meetings.
• Celebrate good practice- acknowledge staff who spot phishing attempts.
• Include cybersecurity in induction and refresher training.
• Encourage openness- if something goes wrong, reporting it quickly helps the whole team.

Just like health and safety, cybersecurity should be part of daily behaviour, not an afterthought.

The Bigger Picture

Cybersecurity isn’t just about avoiding fines or preventing downtime- it’s about trust, resilience, and professionalism.
In the same way that workplace safety protects people from harm, cybersecurity protects the data, systems, and relationships that keep your business running.

By following the 5Cs of Cybersecurity, practising good hygiene, and fostering a culture of awareness, you can protect your organisation from today’s most common digital threats- and build resilience for whatever comes next.

Welcome back to our Cyber Security Awareness Month series! In our first blog, we explored why cybersecurity is crucial for every business, from legal obligations to real-world incidents in the UK. Now that we understand why cybersecurity matters, it’s time to focus on what we’re protecting against: the various cyber threats that can impact organisations like yours. 

Cyber threats are evolving constantly. They don’t just affect big tech companies- they target businesses of all sizes, including small enterprises, charities, and financial institutions. Understanding the types of threats, where they appear, and how they work is the first step in staying safe. 

Common Cyber Threats Explained

1.Phishing

Phishing is one of the most common and effective cyberattacks. Attackers send emails, text messages, or social media messages that appear to come from legitimate sources, like banks, suppliers, or government agencies. The goal is to trick recipients into sharing sensitive information, such as login credentials, bank details, or personal data. 

Example: An employer receives an email that looks like it's from HMRC, warning of overdue taxes, and asking them to log in via a link. Clicking the link and entering login details gives the attacker access to the organisation's systems. 

Red flags: urgent language, unexpected attachments, suspicious links, poor grammar, or unfamiliar sender addresses. 

2. Malware

Malware, short for “malicious software,” is software designed to harm, disrupt, or spy on computers and networks. There are many types of malware: 

• Viruses- replicate themselves and infect files or programs. 
• Trojans- disguise themselves as legitimate software but carry a harmful payload. 
• Spyware- secretly monitors activity, like keystrokes or browsing habits.

Malware can be delivered through email attachments, downloads, or infected websites. Once installed, it can slow systems, steal data, or provide remote access to attackers. 

3. Ransomware

Ransomware is a type of malware that locks files or systems until a ransom is paid, usually in cryptocurrency. As we saw in Blog 1, ransomware can cripple organisations, cause lost revenue, and damage trust. 

UK examples: 

• In 2023, Royal Mail’s operations were disrupted for weeks after a LockBit ransomware attack, costing the company an estimated £10 million. 
• In 2025, Marks & Spencer faced a ransomware incident affecting online orders and click-and-collect, with estimated losses of £300 million. 

Even if you don't pay the ransom, the downtime and recovering costs alone can be devastating.  

4. Data Breaches

A data breach occurs when sensitive information is accessed or disclosed without permission. This could be personal data, financial records, or internal company information. Breaches can happen due to hacking, human error, or lost devices. 

Example: In 2024, a Scottish nursery suffered a data breach after employees were tricked by phishing emails, exposing children’s and parent’s personal information. 

Data breaches can lead to reputational damage, regulatory fines, and loss of client trust. For training providers, safeguarding learner and staff information is critical. 

5. Social Engineering

Social engineering exploits human psychology rather than technical vulnerabilities. Attackers manipulate people into revealing information or performing actions that compromise security.  

Examples include: 

• Impersonating a senior manager and requesting a bank transfer. 
• Convincing staff to install software or click malicious links. 

The most common tools are emails, phone calls, or in-person tactics. Social engineering often works hand-in-hand with phishing or malware attacks. 

6. Insider Threats 

Not all cyber threats come from outside. Insider threats originate from employees, contractors, or partners. These threats may be intentional (malicious insiders stealing data) or accidental (staff clicking a phishing link or misconfiguring a system). 

Example: a staff member accidentally uploads sensitive learner records to a shared public folder. Even though no hacker was involved, the data is now exposed. 

7. Supply Chain Attacks

Supply chain attacks occur when attackers compromise third-party vendors or service providers to gain access to their clients. This is increasingly common as businesses rely on multiple external services. 

Example: The Marks & Spencer's ransomware attack in 2025 began through a third-party contractor, highlighting the need to assess and secure not just your systems but also those of your suppliers. 

Where You Might Encounter These Threats

Understanding where threats might appear can help you recognise and prevent them. Common attacks vectors include: 

• Email inboxes: Phishing emails and malware attachments are most common. 
• Public Wi-Fi: Unsecured networks can expose sensitive data during transmission. 
• Third-party software: Vendors or cloud services may be exploited to access your systems. 
• Devices: Laptops, USB drives, or personal devices can be infected if not properly secured. 
• Social media: Scammers may impersonate colleagues or companies to extract information. 

Cybercriminals look for the weakest link, which is often human behaviour, so awareness and vigilance are key. 

The Real Impacts of Cyber Threats

Even a single incident can have significant operational, financial, and reputational consequences: 

• Operational: Systems can be shut down, causing delays, missed deadlines, or service interruptions. 
• Financial: Recovering, fines, and lost revenue can quickly escalate, as shown by Royal Mail (£10 million) and M&S (£300 million). 
• Reputational: Customers and partners may lose trust, impacting long-term relationships. 
• Regulatory: Non- compliance with GDPR or industry standards can result in penalties and investigations. 

Cyber security isn't just an IT issue- it affects every aspect of business operations. For training providers and other service-based organisations, protecting learner, staff, and client data is as important as safeguarding physical health and safety. 

How to Stay Alert

Knowing the threats is only the first step. You also need to recognise warning signs and act promptly: 

• Emails or messages that demand urgent action or seem unusual. 
• Unexpected attachments or links in messages. 
• Requests for sensitive information from unknown or suspicious sources. 
• Software prompts or pop-ups asking for admin access without explanation. 
• Unusual system behaviour, like slow performance or unexpected shutdowns. 

Practical steps: 

1. Verify senders before responding to unexpected messages. 
2. Hover over links to check URLs before clicking. 
3. Report suspicious emails or activity to IT or your security contact. 
4. Keep software updated and use antivirus programs. 
5. Educate your staff and colleagues regularly- humans are your first line of defence. 

Preparing Your Organisation

Cyber threats are inevitable, but preparation makes a huge difference. By understanding the types of threats and knowing how to spot them, businesses can: 

• Minimise the risk of breaches. 
• Reduce the impact of successful attacks. 
• Protect sensitive data and maintain trust with clients and learners. 

Remember, cybersecurity is not just a technical challenge; it's part of a safety culture, similar to fire drills or first aid. Awareness, vigilance, and training are critical to building resilience. 

Looking Ahead

In our next blog, we’ll focus on practical steps to protect your organisation. Well introduce the 5 Cs of Cybersecurity, explore good cyber hygiene, and provide tips for building strong defences. 

By combining awareness of threats (Blog 2) with understanding why security matters (Blog 1), you’ll be better equipped to keep your systems, staff, and learners safe. 

October marks Cyber Security Awareness Month, a time to reflect on how much our work and personal lives depend on digital systems- and how vital it is to keep them secure. 

To raise awareness of cyber security, were launching a three-part blog series to help you understand the importance of cybersecurity, recognise common threats, and take practical steps to stay safe online. 

Just as we train teams to recognise physical hazards in the workplace, we must also learn to identify and prevent digital risks. Cyber threats don't just target big tech companies- they can affect any business, large or small, especially those that rely on online systems, email, or digital data. 

The Growing Importance of Cyber Security

In 2025, digital safety is no longer optional. Every business holds sensitive information. Whether its client details, training records, or financial data, that information is valuable to cybercriminals. 

According to the UK Government’s 2025 Cyber Security Breaches Survey, 43% of UK businesses experienced some form of cyberattack or data breach in the past tear. That figure rises to over 70% for medium-sized organisations. The most common threats include phishing emails, ransomware, and unauthorised access- many of which begin with a simple human mistake. 

While this shows progress compared to previous years, it highlights a key truth: cyberattacks remain one of the most consistent risks to UK businesses. 

Real- World Consequences

Cybersecurity breaches aren't just technical incidents- they have real-world impacts that affect operations, finances, and customer trust.  

In April 2025, Marks & Spencer (M&S) suffered a ransomware attack, which affected online orders, app services, and click-and-collect operations. Hackers gained access via a third-party contractor using social engineering tactics, including SIM swapping. M&S did not pay a ransom, but the attack caused weeks of operational disruption, empty shelves in some stores, and delayed service restoration. The company estimated the financial impact at around £300 million, and personal customer data such as names, contact details, and order histories were accessed. 

In late 2024, a Scottish nursery was hit by a cyber incident that exposed sensitive information belonging to children, parents, and staff. Hackers gained unauthorised access to the nursery’s internal systems after staff members were targeted with phishing emails, tricking them into revealing their login credentials. The breach resulted in the leak of personal details including names, addresses, emergency contacts, and in some cases, health or allergy information. 

Legal Obligations and Accountability 

Cyber security isn't just best practice- it’s a legal obligation. Under the UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018, businesses must take “appropriate technical and organisational measures” to protect personal data. 

That means ensuring information is processed securely, access is controlled, and staff are trained to handle data responsibly. A failure to do so can lead to financial penalties and lasting reputational harm. 

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) also recommends following core cybersecurity design principles, such as understanding your context, making compromise difficult, and planning for incident response. These steps don’t just satisfy compliance- they strengthen your overall resilience. 

The Human Factor 

Technology alone can't solve the problem. The majority of breaches stem from human error- clicking a suspicious link, sharing login details, or failing to update software. That's why awareness is your first line of defence. 

Just as you train staff to spot trip hazards or follow safety procedures, cyber awareness training helps teams identify warning signs, handle data responsibly, and react appropriately when something seems suspicious. 

Encouraging open communication is also key. Employees should feel comfortable reporting mistakes or concerns without fear- because quick reporting can prevent a small issue from becoming a major breach. 

What to Expect from this Series 

This post sets the scene for our Cyber Security Awareness Month blog series. Over the coming weeks, we'll be diving deeper into: 

• Recognising Cyber Threats- We'll look at the most common types of attacks, from phishing and ransomware to insider threats, and how to spot them early. 
• Building Cyber Resilience- We'll share best practices, including the 5Cs of Cyber security, and practical tips for creating safer digital habitat. 

Our aim is simple: to make cybersecurity understandable, approachable, and part of your everyday safety culture. 

Final Thoughts 

At Raeburn Training, we believe safety is holistic. Whether it’s protecting people from physical harm or safeguarding sensitive data from digital threats, awareness and prevention go hand in hand. 

By understanding why cybersecurity matters- and taking responsibility for it- every organisation can create a safer, more secure future.