NCSC Warns Retailers Over Surge in Ransomware Attacks and Urges Stronger Access Controls

In its latest blog post, the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has expressed concern over a recent rise in cyber incidents affecting retailers, particularly those involving ransomware. The NCSC points out that attackers are increasingly using sophisticated social engineering methods, such as posing as IT staff, to gain unauthorised access to critical systems. These incidents have caused significant disruption to operations and highlighted weaknesses in internal processes, such as password resets and identity verification.

The NCSC’s blog stresses the importance of strengthening identity and access management, especially in relation to help desk procedures and remote access. It advises retailers to review their authentication processes, implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible, and ensure staff are properly trained to identify and respond to suspicious activity. Taking these steps can greatly reduce the risk of falling victim to such targeted cyber attacks.

Now, more than ever, strengthening resilience and enhancing defences against these threats is essential. Intertek can help support organisations with a comprehensive range of cyber assurance services, ranging from cyber essentials assessments and phishing campaigns up to ransomware resilience, dark web scanning and AI red teaming and governance support - AI & Cybersecurity Certification and Testing Services