According to the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), members of the public are flagging a suspicious email or website every five seconds. In a record-breaking year, the NCSC received a staggering 7.1 million reports in 2022 alone, highlighting the widespread presence of dubious online links. These figures shed light on the urgent need for increased awareness and vigilance to combat cyber threats. Let’s delve into the details of this alarming trend and the efforts being made to address it.
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), a division of the British GCHQ, has revealed that a suspicious email or website is reported by the public every five seconds. In 2022, a record-breaking 7.1 million reports were submitted, averaging one report every five seconds. Remarkably, the majority of these reports were likely filed during daytime hours, underscoring the concentrated rate at which suspicious emails and websites were flagged.
The NCSC claims to have removed 235,000 malicious website links from the Internet since April 2020, highlighting the scale of the issue. The sheer volume of reports received by the NCSC’s Suspicious Email Reporting Service (SERS) showcases the vast number of dubious links circulating online, posing a threat to unsuspecting individuals.
Launched in April 2020, the SERS is a unique service that allows concerned consumers to report suspicious emails. It serves as an essential avenue for raising awareness about potential cyber threats and provides a means for individuals to contribute to a safer online environment.
Phishing attacks emerge as the most prevalent type of cyber attack faced by UK citizens, as per the 2022 figures. Phishing involves deceiving victims into divulging sensitive information such as login credentials or payment details. Cybercriminals often capitalize on opportunistic events, leveraging crises such as the cost of living crisis to carry out their attacks.
While the overall number of attacks has risen, the NCSC reports a 17% decrease in attacks specifically targeting the brand of Her Majesty’s Government. It remains unclear whether this decline results from improved cybersecurity measures or a shift in focus towards targeting regular consumers. It is likely a combination of both factors at play.
Jonathon Ellison, the NCSC’s Director for National Resilience and Future Technology, emphasized the public’s crucial role in enhancing internet safety. The NCSC is committed to providing accessible tools, expert advice, and free resources to help individuals strengthen their defenses against cyber threats, even without specialized knowledge.
The NCSC encourages individuals who receive suspicious emails to forward them to [email protected] for further investigation, reinforcing the importance of collective efforts in combating cybercrime.webs
The alarming increase in reports of suspicious emails and websites underscores the growing threat of cyber attacks. With over 7 million reports in 2022 alone, it is imperative for individuals to remain vigilant and adopt best practices for online security. The NCSC’s ongoing efforts to raise awareness, provide accessible tools, and investigate reports are critical in combating cyber threats and making the internet a safer place for all users.
