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Gibraltar’s Cybersecurity Gaps

The Gibraltar Regulators Forum has released findings from its June 2024 ransomware survey, highlighting the significant risks faced by local businesses. The survey uncovered widespread concerns from local businesses about ransomware, with 79% of organisations perceiving it as a major threat. The survey also revealed that most attacks originate through email phishing and unpatched software vulnerabilities.

Who is the Gibraltar Regulators Forum?

The Gibraltar Regulators Forum is composed of key regulatory bodies including the Gibraltar Regulatory Authority, Financial Services Commission, Legal Services Regulatory Authority, Gambling Division, and Financial Intelligence Unit. 

What did the report find?

With ransomware now a major cybersecurity concern for Gibraltar-based businesses, the survey’s findings highlight both strengths and gaps in current defences. While 80% of organisations have designated cybersecurity teams, many still lack formal incident response strategies, leaving them vulnerable to sophisticated attacks.

– 79% of businesses view ransomware as a significant threat.

– 80% have assigned cybersecurity responsibilities, but only 54% have formal incident response policies.

– Most attacks start through phishing or unpatched software.

– No organisations reported paying ransoms, and many restored data from backups, highlighting the importance of effective recovery plans.

How can I protect my business?

The report recommends businesses bolster their cybersecurity strategies by formalising incident response plans and refining preventative measures. As the ransomware threat grows, continued investment in staff training, software updates, and robust policies will be critical for resilience. 

With further consultations planned, the Gibraltar Regulators Forum aims to expand the survey sample and improve preparedness across the board.

Would you like to know more about this issue?

Let us know! The GFSB runs several free training sessions for its members throughout the year and we can explore running a session on this topic. 

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