UK organisations have been urged to review all cybersecurity practices by authorities amid an increased threat level caused by recent conflicts in the Middle East.
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) issued a warning to UK organisations stating that due to the “fast-evolving nature of the conflict” concerning Iran, cyber risk assessments will have to be closely monitored.
While the risk level for UK firms with no business in the region at present has not drastically changed, the NCSC said there is “almost certainly a heightened risk of indirect cyber threat for those organisations and entities who have a presence, or supply chains, in the Middle East”.
It also warned that the Iranian state and Iran-linked cyber actors “almost certainly currently maintain at least some capability to conduct cyber activity”.
The NCSC has advised businesses, particularly those with offices or supply chains in the region, to take steps outlined by the organisation in its heightened threat guidance.
Responding to the NCSC’s warnings, Jake Moore, the global cybersecurity advisor for ESET, said: “What’s unfolding in Iran right now is sadly a glimpse into what modern warfare actually looks like.
“Alongside the physical strikes, there are strong indications of widespread digital disruption aimed at degrading communications and increasing confusion at critical moments. Denial of Service attacks can kill communication which is vital at times such as these.”
Moore said this is a “warning sign for the future” and that it is “time businesses and critical infrastructure operators in the UK treat this as a credible threat signal to review their exposure now before a potential incident lands”.
