Cybersecurity figures high with Dean’s of Huntly

They’ve taken original family recipes and turned them into mouth-watering products that are enjoyed by biscuit lovers all over the world.

Dean’s of Huntly is one of the country’s leading biscuit makers, but appreciates that in a digital world, reputation isn’t simply measured by the deliciousness of its bakes.

Not only can a data breach damage a company internally but the external effect it can have on reputation can be disastrous.

Cybersecurity is becoming one of the most important topics in the business industry and with attacks on the increase, no one can let their guard fall.

Dean’s finance director Heather Thompson said: “Cybersecurity is not simply an IT matter, but it is a risk to business, and that’s why we’ve worked closely with Clark IT on dedicated staff training to ensure that our staff can recognise and defend against cyber risks.

“With so much of our business activity now taking place online, we know how important it is to be protected from the threat of scams, data theft, and other online vulnerabilities.

“Cybersecurity is an issue that has to be taken very seriously and this training has raised awareness and enhanced our own IT security policy.”

Clark IT delivered training to every staff member who has an email address or access to a company computer to enhance knowledge and understanding around cybersecurity threats, giving a guide on measures that can help protect systems and data.

This training is now embedded in the induction programme for new staff with the Aberdeenshire-based biscuit producers seeking to keep cybersecurity at the top of the agenda.

An estimated 95% of security incidents are caused by lack of staff awareness, so educating employees to understand the level of risk goes a huge way to reducing the risk of a crippling cybersecurity attack.

Hacking software is becoming more sophisticated and moving into new areas like espionage, disinformation, market manipulation and disruption of infrastructure, in addition to threats such as data theft, extortion and vandalism.

Reducing the risk of employee error with a tailor-made education and awareness programme gets right to the root cause of many cyber security attacks – ie human – from things like phishing, ransomware and fraud.

The training comes as part of a range of IT support and services Clark IT provides to Dean’s of Huntly in a client relationship that spans more than 12 years.