Cyber threats: an urgent issue for business
Under Pressure 2 May 2025
Cyber threats: an urgent issue for business
All businesses should be taking an extra look at their cyber attack response and communication plans in light of the incident that Marks and Spencer are dealing with in the UK.
There has been lots of debate about whether the communication response was good or not from the high street brand. But in reality we are not going to know until we see how things develop. I have avoided declaring it good or bad because we have to see the impact as the days pass.
One thing M&S do appear to have failed to do is consider the ongoing consequences of the attack. When they told agency staff not to turn into work it quickly became the latest story in the attack saga but they said nothing. Why this matters to me is that the impact on people is a critical thing to respond to whether that is inside the business or outside. This includes suppliers, agencies and distributors.
As M&S were battling their problem, the Co-op was telling staff to ensure videos were kept on in meetings as they were battling hackers.
It is likely that the same approach taken with M&S has been or is being tried with other businesses. Hackers will see an opportunity to exploit and more can be expected. This is an important reminder that cyber attacks are a top risk and must be planned and prepared for.
The EU agency for cybersecurity - ENISA - said this week that there was an increasing risk across Europe which was rapidly changing and was a particularly problem within interconnected supply chains. Read more here.
So as communicators what do we need to do?
Ensure that we are in discussions about cyber resilience and that we are questioning whether current approaches and plans are sufficient.
Test those plans and consider what wider implications it could have on connected groups and individuals.
Prioritise internal communication about how to be cyber secure and what staff should be looking for.
Keep up to date with the latest threats - the National Cyber Resilience Centre in the UK provide lots of information and updates for businesses.
Don’t wait to get prepared. The threat is here and it is real.
**Breaking News**
Reform Party in the UK makes election wins including Runcorn by-election and Greater Lincolnshire mayor. This will bring significant changes to the political landscape. The expectation is for greater polarisation to become evident. More in future editions.
Independent Impact 50
Amanda is delighted to have been chosen as one of the 50 top freelance and independent communication advisors in the first listing. The Independent Impact 50 were selected by a panel of judges for the impact they make for clients and the wider industry.
Amanda said: “I am pleased to have been included among some leading independent practitioners. It is great to finally have a way of celebrating the many independent PR and communication operators.
“Going it alone is not easy but when you do what you love you never work a day in your life.” Find out more about the awards here.
Public Sector Crisis Comms Training
Amanda is running a crisis communication masterclass through the Westco Academy with a focus on those working in the public sector. The session is 10am to 1pm BST on 15 May. It will look at risk management, crisis planning, working with other agencies, the latest challenges and how to be prepared.
Find out more about the session here.
Training Updates
If you are thinking about improving your crisis communication readiness and ability to respond there is still time to update your personal development with a training session in 2025. Details of the next training sessions are provided below. If you are interested and want to find out more message office@amandacolemancomms.co.uk
In Brief:
The World Health Organisation has outlined new agreements in relation to the management of pandemics. The proposals that look at prevention and preparedness will be considered in meetings in May. Read more here.
As Americans get ready for hurricane season there is some helpful advice for families on what to consider and how to prepare from FEMA. Find out more here.
The latest crisis communication case study has been published and this time it looks at a very public ‘branding crisis’. Find it on Amanda’s website here.
A new study looking at cyber crisis has found concerning gaps between perceived readiness and the capabilities. Read more here.
The University of Hawaii has produced a video on how to prepare for a tsunami. It aims to bring all the key information together for families. Find out more here.
The World Economic Forum and University of Oxford have released a guide to help organisations become more cyber resilient. Find out what is included here.
The IT Ukraine Association has assessed how prepared Ukrainian businesses are to use crisis communication. Almost 40 per cent still required a crisis communication plan. Read more of the results here.
Diary Dates:
On 15 May Amanda will be running a three hour crisis communication masterclass as part of the Westco Communication Academy. Find out more here.
For any Emergency Planning Society members in the North West, Amanda will be speaking about the duty of candour and the importance of trust at the next learning day on 19 May.