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.
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.
Malware, short for “malicious software,” is software designed to harm, disrupt, or spy on computers and networks. There are many types of malware:
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.
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:
Even if you don't pay the ransom, the downtime and recovering costs alone can be devastating.
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.
Social engineering exploits human psychology rather than technical vulnerabilities. Attackers manipulate people into revealing information or performing actions that compromise security.
Examples include:
The most common tools are emails, phone calls, or in-person tactics. Social engineering often works hand-in-hand with phishing or malware attacks.
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.
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.
Understanding where threats might appear can help you recognise and prevent them. Common attacks vectors include:
Cybercriminals look for the weakest link, which is often human behaviour, so awareness and vigilance are key.
Even a single incident can have significant operational, financial, and reputational consequences:
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.
Knowing the threats is only the first step. You also need to recognise warning signs and act promptly:
Practical steps:
Cyber threats are inevitable, but preparation makes a huge difference. By understanding the types of threats and knowing how to spot them, businesses can:
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.
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.
