Tradespeople are being warned not to take the threat of cyber-crime lightly, with new figures revealing almost two-thirds have fallen victim to online criminals. Here are the details;
Research from commercial insurer NFU Mutual shows that 61% of tradespeople said they had suffered cyber-crime at one time or another, with calls for the industry to step up technological security.
In a sector not typically associated with online or digital means, tradespeople can still find themselves vulnerable to online attacks. Sensitive data including payments, customer details and supplier information are all susceptible to digital thieves.
Of those surveyed, one in five tradespeople said they had fallen victim to phishing scams, 14% suffered malware or viruses on computers and more than one in 10 (12%) worryingly had customer information stolen – highlighting the problem at large.
With more than one in 10 of those surveyed (13%) saying they had been targeted in the last 12 months alone, it is an issue that weighs heavily on the minds of tradespeople. One in five say it is one of the biggest worries in the industry, with almost three-quarters (73%) of respondents admitting it was a growing concern.
With nearly a quarter (22%) claiming they were unconcerned about the issue, NFU Mutual is again urging the industry to remain vigilant to the threat.
Nick Baker, NFU Mutual’s cyber specialist, said: “While people may not associate the trades industry with digital tools, a lot of resources are used without realising they are susceptible to cyber criminals.
“Tradespeople are often sole traders or small businesses so may not have the technology or protection in place against these types of attacks and that makes them a prime target.
“It’s unsurprising our research shows almost three-quarters of tradespeople admitting the issue is front of mind for them and their business, and there are simple steps that can help mitigate the risk – things such as two-factor authentication on critical applications as well as planning for the worst.
“Using digital devices for payments, customer information or supplier details can all be vulnerable, so it is essential to take action against cyber risk, ensuring adequate insurance cover is in place and taking some simple, but effective, steps to try and mitigate this.”
Commercial insurer NFU Mutual has highlighted the following digital technology that would be at risk for tradespeople:
- The use of computers and software including email and other applications to communicate with customers, order materials and sell products
- Servers or digital storage facilities to hold customer and employee data
- A website to promote your business and sell products
- The use of online banking to transfer funds, purchase suppliers and receive payment from customers
- Internet connected devices – such as office computer networks, CCTV and lighting
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