10 February 2020 - Security Buyer Magazine

Badly trained spam – Only a quarter of Brits train their spam filter

British email users want to have as little to do with spam as possible! Only a quarter of Brits (25%) mark suspicious emails as spam or move them to the ‘Spam’ Folder, while the majority (55%) delete potential spam unread. Nearly 7% read the email first and then delete it and 4% simply leave the spam unopened in their inbox. Fewer than 1% of users say that they reply to the spam. These are the findings of a representative survey of 2,000 people in the UK commissioned by German email service providers GMX. The results come as GMX introduces a new feature ‘Improved Spam Detection’ to their email service that asks users to help make spam detection more effective by ticking a box in their email settings to allow GMX to scan and read their emails – both unwanted email and/or desired email – using Artificial Intelligence (AI) software. Users are also encouraged to ‘train’ their personal spam filter by marking potentially suspicious emails as ‘spam’ before deleting them. The correct handling of potentially dangerous emails by users is an important element of GMX’s new spam detection feature. According to the survey, 42% of British email users now say they are prepared to have their emails automatically analysed by their email provider using AI. The new optional feature can be found under ‘Email/Settings/Spam Detection’ where the user is able to tick a box to give their consent for the new function to be activated. Consent can be revoked at any time. Jan Oetjen, Managing Director of GMX, comments: “A user who clicks on an email and marks it as spam clearly tells the spam filter: ‘I consider this email to be spam and this sender to be potentially dangerous’. This evaluation not only trains the user’s own personal spam filter to reject similar emails, so that they get fewer spam in their inbox in future, but GMX can also apply these findings to the entire GMX mail system, so helping other users. This is particularly important for the rapid detection of new malicious spam attack methods.” Correct handling of spam If spam is simply deleted, then the email provider will not benefit from the email user’s spam rating. Replying to spam or phishing messages is the worst possible response. This proves to the spam sender that the email address is active and encourages them to send more spam. It is better to mark suspicious emails as spam directly in the webmail application or in the app of the mail provider and to move them to the spam folder. Third-party apps or alternative mail clients often cannot pass on the necessary information to the email provider’s system. For more security news visit here.

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Nearly two-thirds of UK organisations complacent about protecting customer data

UK News Desk / Editor

A new Kaspersky study has lifted the lid on the scale of cyber-complacency amongst UK businesses. Alarmingly, nearly two-thirds (65%) of IT security decision-makers agree that their organisation is complacent about the protection of its customers’ data. The study revealed that many organisations are failing to take the necessary steps to prevent data breaches, despite many respondents acknowledging they would impact revenue and customer trust. In an ever-evolving cyberthreat landscape, there is great pressure on those tasked with maintaining IT security to put in place policies and solutions that keep organisations and the data they hold secure. Alongside the threat to privacy, the financial risk for businesses is immense, with data showing the average cost of a data breach now to be around £3m per incident. Despite the inherent risks of being complacent, many IT security decision-makers are failing to implement effective measures to protect customer data from cyberattacks. For instance, more than half (57%) say they do not currently have a cybersecurity policy in place – rising to more than two-thirds (71%) of medium-sized businesses (250 to 549 employees). Just four-in-ten (41%) businesses surveyed believe their organisation is protected with robust endpoint security. Alongside security, consumer confidence is vital to the growth and maintenance of increasingly interconnected businesses. The majority of IT security decision makers (69%) are concerned they would lose customers following a data breach, while 74% of survey respondents believe that being perceived as cyber-complacent would be damaging to business. However, this concern is not translating into appropriate action, with cyber-complacency having an affect on the regularity of risk assessments carried out by UK businesses. With the nature of threats constantly evolving, Kaspersky recommends that companies conduct a cyber-risk assessment at least every six months to ensure policies and safeguards are up to date and fit for purpose. As shown in a recent Kaspersky report –The true cost of cyber-complacency: UK businesses cannot afford failure when protecting customer data – only 38% of respondents in this new survey do this in practice, making it unsurprising that almost half (47%) experienced at least one cyberattack in the last 24 months. David Emm, Principal Security Researcher at Kaspersky, said: “Being complacent with cybersecurity, and customer data, can be incredibly costly. Along with losing sensitive information, a data breach affects business revenues, customer confidence and reputations. “There have been many examples in recent years of household brands suffering data breaches, showing that even the most renowned businesses are at risk. For many organisations, the ramifications of a breach could be irreversible. This is why we urge business and organisations of all sizes to adopt robust cybersecurity policies, taking expertise where needed to ensure they have the best preventative measures in place.” With 61% of IT security decision-makers thinking it is likely that their organisation will face one or more cyberattacks over the next two years, Kaspersky recommends the following advice to help protect organisations. They should conduct regular cybersecurity assessments to review policies and services – ideally every six months. Invest in and regularly update robust endpoint security solutions that offer effective protection against the latest cyberthreats and organise frequent cybersecurity training for IT staff, so they are aware of the organisation’s policy and solutions. For more security news visit here.

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Supplying safety critical products to the rail industry

Exclusives, News Desk / Editor

The UK railway industry has set out its plans for the future of the rail sector, including completion of major projects, clean air policies and a long-term plan for infrastructure renewals and enhancements. With more investment and commitment predicted for the industry. Andy Hewitt, Product Manager for ASSA ABLOY High Security and Safety Group, Rail Products, looks at what is needed to supply the best products and solutions for rail projects. As a group we have been supplying security and safety solutions to the rail sector for over 100 years and as such we’re aware of the many complexities involved specifying products for rail projects, which are very different to securing a building. Considerations around ease of use, product quality and wider issues around supplying on-scale and on-time all impact on a project’s delivery, but ultimately safety and security must be the key consideration. Safety Critical Any locking systems or safety products supplied to the railway industry are classed as ‘safety critical’ items and therefore must conform to specific Rail Standards for Safety Critical Items. In addition, the company supplying these products must be accredited as a safety critical supplier by an independent body. ASSA ABLOY High Security and Safety Group (previously Pickersgill – Kaye) was one of the first companies to be accredited back in 1994 and has remained an accredited supplier ever since. Products supplied for use on rolling stock is by, its very nature safety critical, securing doors that are used daily by the rail users must operate reliably and safely. ASSA ABLOY products are not only supported by the exacting requirements of industry standards but are also backed up by years of experience gained working within the industry and having a detailed knowledge of changes to legislation put in place to protect both the public and the experienced rail staff. Product Development The security, access and safety needs on the UK’s railways is constantly changing and therefore products and solutions must continually adapt to meet these needs. Locking systems in particular are subject to high usage and the dynamics of a moving train, shock and vibration at speeds of up to 140mph, this must be taken into consideration when designing products for this sector. An example of how this has developed is in the change from traditional slam door trains where the door could be, and sometimes was, opened when the train was moving at speed, to the replacement of all slam doors with power operated doors. These doors cannot be opened unless the train is stationary and only then when the guard or driver allows. Another development High Security and Safety Group has been working on is the enhanced safety of Diesel Locomotive driver doors, where previously fingers being trapped was a concern, the new design has significantly reduced this. The Group has designed, manufactured and fitted a prototype locking system that drastically reduces the chances of fingers becoming trapped. The prototype is now in-service undergoing assessment, not only by train drivers, but by the locomotive operators’ safety representatives and the train drivers’ unions. Investment is continuing into the UK railway network, whether that’s on large-scale projects like HS2 or enhancements to existing systems. The products and solutions which ensure the safety and security on these projects, must not only adhere to the relevant safety requirements but should come from suppliers with an established heritage and understanding of the sector. For more security news visit here.

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ESF flies the flag for Northern Ireland in Finland

Exclusives, News Desk / Editor

NewtownAbbey-based Environmental Street Furniture (ESF) will be representing Northern Ireland at an upcoming Department for International Trade (DIT) Physical Security at Public Areas seminar, which will be held at the British Embassy in Helsinki. ESF is the only company from the region invited to attend and present. The seminar focuses on physical security and critical national infrastructure protection and will be an opportunity for ESF to showcase their comprehensive security product range to an array of Finnish stakeholders, including buyers, distributors and end customers, ultimately raising the company’s profile in the country. As well as showcasing their range of products, Business Development Manager at ESF, Paul Hamilton, will be presenting at the seminar, giving examples of the company’s extensive security projects, including the recent completion of the Coca Cola Arena in Dubai. Speaking about the seminar, Paul said, “We are delighted to have been invited to present at the DIT Physical Security Seminar in Finland. This is a great opportunity for ESF to discuss the myriad of challenges that public areas face in today’s society. We will be able to share our expertise of the best products to use and how to minimise the effects of an attack including hostile vehicle attacks.” Paul will also be stressing the importance of perimeter security in all aspects of the built environment, from car parks and public facilities, to pedestrian zones and residential areas and believes ESF’s know-how in this security arena will allow them to offer beneficial advice for those seeking physical security solutions. In 2019, ESF acquired Co. Down-based security company, Sentry Posts, adding further security products and services to their already detailed portfolio to customers throughout the UK, Ireland and further afield. ESF also supplies street furniture, solar and themed products to 22 countries globally. For more security news visit here.

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ISC West to hold VIP International Club Lounge for attendees

UK News Desk / Ghyslaine Cordrey

ISC West is the largest converged security industry trade show in the United States. At ISC West, participants have the chance to network with over 30,000 security professionals through new Products & Technologies, encompassing from access control & robotics from over 1,000 exhibitors & brands. By registering for this event, you gain access to the VIP International Club Lounge. Access to the ISC West VIP International Club Lounge includes: Complimentary access to the Exhibit Hall (valued at $150) Early access to Show Floor on Thursday 29 March and Friday 20 March Meeting tables and lounge space Complimentary refreshments Networking opportunities VIP Concierge located in International Lounge to assist with Show Questions Special VIP Ribbon Click here to register! ISC West will be running between March 17 – March 20, 2020 Sands Expo, Las Vegas Exhibit Hours: March 18, 2020 Wednesday 10:00 am – 5:30 pm March 19, 2020 Thursday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm March 20, 2020 Friday 10:00 am – 3:00 pm Conference Hours (SIA Education@ISC): March 17, 2020 Tuesday 8:30 am – 5:00 pm March 18, 2020 Wednesday 8:30 am – 5:00 pm March 19, 2020 Thursday 8:30 am – 5:00 pm Learn more about the event by visiting the show website. For more security news, click here.

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