Four in Ten Businesses Fall Victim to Cyber Attacks – A Career Path in Logistics Can Help Protect the Public

• Using research from Gov.UK, Generation Logistics highlights new research surround cyber security, and how a career in logistics can help
• 83% of cyber attacks come from phishing attempts, and 31% of businesses say they are targeted at least once a week
• Consumers are being targeted in energy scams following the recent increase in energy prices

Recent findings have revealed that four in ten (39%) businesses and one in four (26%) charities have fallen victim to cyber attacks and security breaches in the past 12 months¹.

The research from Gov.UK, highlighted by recruitment campaign Generation Logistics, reveals the severity of the malicious cyber campaigns, and how they are impacting businesses and consumers alike. Furthermore, the role of logistics to help combat cyber security crimes against the public and businesses has also been revealed.

Of the 39% businesses that reported a cyber attack in the past year, the research found that the most common threat are phishing attempts (83%). These are designed to trick employees and the general public into providing personal information, and usually are sent in the name of an employee in a position of authority in a company.

Adding to this, 31% of businesses and 26% of charities estimate they were attacked at least once per week, and according to Comparitech², cyber attacks are causing $1.08mil (£976k) in damage to UK businesses on average.

But it’s not just businesses that are being affected. Since energy prices rose on October 1st, there have been a staggering 1,500 reports made to the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) about scam emails, pretending to be energy rebates from Ofgem, the independent energy regulator for Great Britain^3.

The report also shows that nine in 10 (86%) UK businesses view cyber security as a high priority, an 12% increase since 2021. The cyber security workforce has also grown by 50%, supporting 46,700 skilled jobs, but 58% of UK businesses continue to outsource their IT and cyber security roles. It is critical therefore that the logistics industry attracts as many security professionals as possible, and this is where Generation Logistics comes in.

Generation Logistics is therefore looking to plug this skills gap as it calls out for cyber security professionals to help secure the logistics industry, amongst other roles. The campaign is encouraging people of all ages to consider a career within the logistics sector, and recognise its benefit to people across the UK.

The stats from this report show that cyber attacks happen frequently and cause real damage to businesses and everyday people alike. A career in logistics spans further than what people may think, and it can put you at the frontline to help reduce these cyber security attacks and make positive change. Roles include cyber security analyst, SOC Manager or penetration tester, all of which work to help protect people’s personal data and minimise cyber security attacks in businesses.

Phil Roe, President at Logistics UK, commented: “The number and severity of cyber attacks within our country is growing at a scarily-fast pace. This affects so many industries, from healthcare to banking, as well as the logistics sector. The country is in desperate need of employing workers to tackle this ongoing issue, which can have huge detrimental effect on the country, varying from data-phishing to stopping our supermarkets from getting stocked up.

“Through Generation Logistics, we will raise awareness of the many opportunities available, but also highlight the accessibility of those opportunities at all levels – from school levers to those seeking a career change later in life. We’re excited to encourage the next generation of cyber professionals within logistics, as we work hard to keep the country running.”

For anyone who is wishing to pursue a career within logistics, take this quiz to see which role in logistics could be fitting with your future: https://generationlogistics.org/find-your-future/

1. Data from Gov.UK’s 2022 Cyber Security Breaches survey
2. Data from Comparitech’s UK cyber security and crime statistics 2022
3. Data from Action Fraud

Generation Logistics Notes

Generation Logistics is an industry led, government-backed initiative to increase industry awareness and find the next generation of logistics industry talent.          

Working in collaboration with companies and trade associations from across the sector, the campaign will challenge perceptions and demonstrate the breadth and diversity of the career opportunities available.

For more information visit www.generationlogistics.org.