Experts warn of 'incredibly severe' threat of cyber attacks by Russia and North Korea

In today’s digital age, the threat of cyber attacks has become an increasingly pressing concern for households and businesses alike. And according to two top cyber security bosses at BT, the risks are more severe than ever, with Russia and North Korea posing an “incredibly severe” threat.

Speaking to the Guardian, BT’s chief executive, Philip Jansen, and its chief security officer, Mark Hughes, warned that the UK is facing a rising tide of cyber attacks from hostile nation-states, with Russia and North Korea being the most prominent threats.

“The level of sophistication and the level of investment in cyber capabilities by nation-states has increased dramatically over the last few years,” Jansen said. “We’re seeing more and more attacks, and they’re getting more and more sophisticated.”

Hughes added that the attacks are not just limited to government targets, but also extend to businesses and households. “The threat is incredibly severe,” he said. “It’s not just nation-states attacking each other, it’s also criminals using nation-state tools and techniques to attack businesses and individuals.”

The warnings from BT’s cyber security bosses come amid a rising number of high-profile cyber attacks in recent years. In 2017, the WannaCry ransomware attack affected over 200,000 computers across 150 countries, causing widespread disruption and financial losses. And in 2018, the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) was targeted by a major cyber attack, which compromised patient data and disrupted healthcare services.

The threat of cyber attacks is not limited to the UK alone. In 2019, the US government accused North Korea of conducting a series of cyber attacks on American companies, including a $81 million heist from Bangladesh’s central bank. And in 2020, the US Department of Homeland Security warned that Russia had launched a wave of cyber attacks against US targets, including the energy sector and election infrastructure.

The rise of nation-state cyber attacks has led to a growing demand for cyber security measures among businesses and households. According to a report by Cybersecurity Ventures, the global cyber security market is projected to grow to over $300 billion by 2024, up from just $175 million in 2018.

But despite the growing awareness of the threat, many households and businesses remain unprepared for a cyber attack. According to a survey by the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), only 40% of UK businesses have taken steps to protect themselves from cyber attacks, while 75% of UK households have not taken any measures to secure their home networks.

The consequences of a successful cyber attack can be severe. In addition to financial losses, cyber attacks can also result in the theft of sensitive data, reputational damage, and even physical harm. For example, a cyber attack on a hospital could result in the disruption of medical services, putting patient lives at risk.

So what can households and businesses do to protect themselves from the threat of cyber attacks? According to BT’s Philip Jansen, the first step is to take action to secure their networks and devices. This includes using strong passwords, keeping software up-to-date, and using security software such as firewalls and antivirus programs.

Jansen also recommends that businesses invest in advanced cyber security measures, such as intrusion detection systems and encryption technologies. “You need to have a good security posture, which means you need to have the right controls in place, and you need to be monitoring your networks and systems all the time,” he said.

Mark Hughes adds that education and awareness are also key to preventing cyber attacks. “The human factor is still one of the biggest vulnerabilities in cyber security,” he said. “People still click on links they shouldn’t, or they give away sensitive information. So, it’s important to educate employees and individuals about the risks and how to protect themselves.”

In conclusion, the threat of cyber attacks from Russia and North Korea is a growing concern for households and businesses alike. The rise of nation-state cyber attacks has led to a growing demand for cyber security measures, but many households and businesses remain unprepared for a cyber attack. By taking action to secure their networks and devices, investing in advanced cyber security measures, and educating employees and individuals about the risks, households and businesses can protect themselves from the severe consequences of a successful cyber attack.