Tag: ransomware

Human error is costing UK businesses billions as AI cyber-attacks continue to soar

CYBERSCOTLAND WEEK 23 – 28 FEBRUARY 2026

Whilst many businesses invest in state-of-the-art computers and up-to-the-minute software to keep them safe online, the digital experts at West Lothian’s Workflo Solutions are warning the most exploited vulnerability for many businesses is actually human error. And so to mark CyberScotland Week, which runs from Monday 23rd until Saturday 28th February, they are urging everyone to tighten up their protection. 

Cyber-attacks that target small to medium-sized businesses have increased sharply in recent years, propelled by advances in AI technology.

From phishing scams and ransomware to credential theft and web-based intrusions, hackers are harnessing the power of AI to increase the speed, scale and sophistication of these devastating online attacks, stealing sensitive data for financial gain with greater ease than ever before.

And according to Workflo Solutions, many employees are simply not keeping pace with these fast-moving developments. As a result, they are putting businesses at significant risk.

It is estimated that more than 95% of data breaches in the UK are caused by human error. Significant incidents – categorised as those costing at least £500 – average nearly £195,000 per business, amounting to a staggering £14.7billion worth of damages per year to the UK economy.

The most common human errors include falling for phishing scams, using weak or compromised credentials, misconfiguring security settings, and falling victim to social engineering.

Commenting ahead of CyberScotland Week, Workflo Solutions’ managing director Michael Field urges businesses to stay vigilant; “CyberScotland Week is an opportune time to remind businesses of the need to create a strong security posture through their staff:

  • Create a culture where cyber security feels simple, relevant and part of everyday work.
  • Keep training short, frequent and practical by using real examples of phishing, social engineering and reconnaissance that staff might encounter.
  • Reinforce good habits through reminders, clear policies and easy routes to report suspicious activity. 
  • Lead by example and reward secure behaviour so employees feel responsible and motivated to protect the organisation.

“As AI becomes more integrated into everyday systems and business processes, the overall attack surface continues to grow, creating new entry points for exploitation within interconnected digital environments.

“It is therefore vital that we come together during CyberScotland Week to raise awareness, boost resilience and reduce the risk of human error.” 

To give businesses an extra helping hand during CyberScotland Week, Workflo Solutions is offering 200 businesses a free dark web domain audit.

By heading to www.workflo-solutions.co.uk and signing up for this free service, businesses will be notified if any of their company email addresses or passwords have been breached, enabling them to take proactive steps to reverse these vulnerabilities and avert a potential damaging attack.

OTHER EVENTS:

Tech entrepreneur appointed CEO of University spin-out

Edinburgh Napier launches spin-out to tackle growing ransomware threat

Tech entrepreneur Pete Jaco has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of a University spin-out geared to tackling the multi-billion pound ransomware market.

MemCrypt was spun out of research at Edinburgh Napier’s School of Computing with substantial backing from Scottish Enterprise, who supported the launch and early-stage funding requirements.

Jaco now takes the reins as the business steps up plans to launch innovative products to help customers and technology partners combat the threat posed by cyber criminals.

The co-founder of the Scottish Tech Army, who was awarded the British Empire Medal for his services to charity during the Covid-19 response, Jaco joins Chief Technology Officer Dr Peter McLaren (above) on the MemCrypt management team.

Edinburgh Napier’s Professor Bill Buchanan will continue to support MemCrypt as the company’s Chief Scientist while Dr Owen Lo will take the role of Technology Lead.

Ransomware – malware that encrypts files, giving the attacker scope to demand a ransom to restore access – is increasingly becoming the attack of choice for cyber criminals as it has a high chance of financial return coupled with a low chance of detection, and the threat is increasing daily.

MemCrypt, which follows earlier Edinburgh Napier cybersecurity ventures ZoneFox, Symphonic Software and Cyan Forensics in making the leap from research lab to the market, built early traction through its pre-launch involvement with Innovate UK’s CyberASAP programme accelerator.

MemCrypt also benefited from intensive, hands-on support, guidance and advice through Scottish Enterprise’s High-Growth Spinout Programme as it developed its value proposition, business plan and investment strategy. It also secured via the programme early-stage grant funding and, more recently, a substantial six-figure investment in the form of a Convertible Loan Note.

Jaco has worked in the UK SME start-up industry for over 20 years as CEO, non-executive director, advisor, and chair, supporting companies including Becrypt, Digital Shadows, Immense and CyberOwl.

He is also a member of the Industry Advisory Board for the Department of Culture, Media and Sports funded London based cyber security accelerator, The London Office for Rapid Cybersecurity Advancement (LORCA) and serves as a board advisor to the Scottish Government’s Digital Directorate’s CivTech GovTech innovation programme. He is also a member of the Scottish Cyber Innovation Hub advisory group managed by ScotlandIS Cyber, Scotland’s Cyber cluster.

Jaco said of his appointment: “I am delighted to join the MemCrypt team to help bring some truly innovative technology to market to help organisations across all sectors address the growing threat of ransomware.

“It is a privilege to work with Bill Buchanan and the Edinburgh Napier team to launch their fourth cyber security spin-out. We welcome the financial support of Scottish Enterprise which will help us to establish the company, build our first product demonstrators and accelerate our market engagement.”

Victoria Carmichael, director of Strategic Investments at Scottish Enterprise, said: “Edinburgh Napier has a track record of producing successful cybersecurity spinouts. We’ve backed MemCrypt and its predecessors with advice and investment and believe the company is poised to repeat that success under Pete’s leadership.

“Scotland’s spin-outs and start-ups will make a huge contribution to the country’s economic recovery. Having created a package of early-stage support to prevent their development being derailed by the pandemic, Scottish Enterprise continues to play a leading role in helping them fulfil their potential.”

Fiona Mason, Head of Business Engagement and IP Commercialisation at the University, said: “I’m delighted to see this level of support being given by Scottish Enterprise to one of our newest spin-outs. We value the recognition that SE has given and look forward to supporting the team as the company develops further.”

Cyber-crime: experts braced for another attack


Another major cyber-attack could be on the way as soon as Monday, IT security experts have warned. Friday’s global hit infected more than 125,000 computer systems across the world, spreading to at least one hundred countries. The effects of that ransomware attack are still being tackled and industry experts now fear a further attack could be imminent. Continue reading Cyber-crime: experts braced for another attack