Teesside cybercrime expert urges people to be vigilant after record attacks in UK
New research suggests it's happening once every minute
A Teesside cybercrime expert is urging people to be vigilant after a record number of attacks across the UK.
New research from the Intitution of Engineering and Technology (IET) says official data suggests it's happening once every minute.
Jayne Black, from Eaglescliffe, is a policy manager there, and she said: "One of the reasons is that technology really does permeate every aspect of our daily lives from ordering online to living room. There's just so many ways that we're exposed to targeted attacks and an example of this might be fake QR codes in public places and people being targeted in that way.
"The effects of these attacks are very wide-reaching socially and economically. My sympathies really are with anyone who's been attacked and I'd suggest they go to organisations who can support them with that impact as well further."
It comes as the UK is facing, what's being described as, an 'unprecedented' wave of cybercrime with millions at risk.
New research shows one in three adults have already seen record levels of hacking attempts this year.
The warning, issued by the IET, to mark the start of Cyber Security Awareness Month, follows a spate of high-profile breaches at Jaguar Land Rover, Heathrow Airport, Gucci, Balenciaga, Alexander McQueen, Marks & Spencer and Co-op.
They say one in seven (14%) UK adults, rising to one in five among those aged 25–34, already falling victim to cybercrime. More than half (56%) admit they are fearful of being hacked in the future, while 74% believe hackers are becoming more inventive and 67% say they are now harder to detect.
The IET’s top tips to boost your security and keep hackers away:
- Create strong, unique passwords
• Use long, randomly generated passwords or secure passphrases (e.g., three unrelated words).
• Never reuse passwords across accounts.
• Pay extra attention to your email password. If compromised, it can be used to reset access to other services.
- Use a password manager (and modern authentication where possible)
• A reputable password manager can generate, securely store, and monitor your passwords.
• Consider password-less authentication methods such as passkeys, hardware security keys, or biometrics when supported.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
• Turn on 2FA for all critical accounts.
• Use authenticator apps or hardware tokens rather than SMS codes when possible.
- Protect your devices and SIM card
• Secure phones, tablets, and computers with strong passcodes, biometrics, and automatic screen locks.
• Enable a PIN code on your SIM card to reduce the risk of account takeover if your phone is lost or stolen.
- Keep systems up to date
• Install the latest updates for your operating system, apps, and security software promptly.
• Avoid using devices that no longer receive security updates.
- Back up important data
• Regularly back up files to encrypted external drives or trusted cloud services.
• Ensure backups are secure and can be restored in case of ransomware or device failure.
- Stay alert to phishing and social engineering
• Be cautious with emails, messages, and calls even if they seem timely or expected.
• Avoid clicking suspicious links or attachments and verify requests for sensitive information.
- Practice safe network and app use
• Avoid using unsecured public Wi-Fi for sensitive activities; use a trusted VPN if necessary.
• Review and restrict app permissions (e.g., access to contacts, location, camera, or microphone).
- Monitor and prepare for account recovery
• Set up account recovery methods and designate trusted contacts for critical accounts.
• Enable login alerts and regularly check for unusual activity.
• Act quickly if you detect suspicious behaviour.