Collaboration and basic measures can significantly increase cyber security

Although awareness of the paramount importance of cyber security has increased in the business world in recent years, new technological developments are causing an escalating danger. In particular, the rapid rise of AI is making criminals even more sophisticated and specifically business identity fraud is increasing rapidly. By taking a number of (basic) measures and good mutual cooperation, many incidents can be prevented.

By: Dimitri Reijerman

Companies are increasingly reporting highly sophisticated and personally targeted emails with, for example, fake invoices that appear legitimate at first glance. These so-called phishing emails no longer contain numerous grammatical errors and other characteristics that make these emails stand out. By using artificial intelligence, such as ChatGPT, combined with stolen company or personal data, legitimate-looking payment requests can be generated. A clear example of sophisticated business identity fraud can be read in a interview with a victim at the Digital Trust Center.

The expectation is that this problem, in addition to ransomware for example, will increase enormously in the coming years. In order to better counter attacks by criminals, cooperation is necessary. Fortunately, companies are increasingly working together by informing each other about (possible) dangers. For example, in the Netherlands, multinationals such as ASML closely with other large companies in a foundation to increase resilience.

Help for entrepreneurs to combat identity fraud

• Smaller companies can contact the National Cyber Security CenterFor example, the NCSC offers a number of basic measures that entrepreneurs can encounter. More customized advice is also available via various tools. It latest news about cyber security issues can also be found on this website.
• The Dutch government has set up the Digital Trust Center to provide companies with advice and tools to do business safely digitally. For example, there is the CyberSafe Check for SMEs and self-employed persons. Via a community companies can help each other and possibly warn each other of fraud attempts. Through the Business Email Compromise (BEC) reporting point companies can report suspicious reports of CEO fraud, salary theft and invoice fraud to TNO and the police. They try to gain more insight into trends within BEC fraud.
• The fraud helpdesk can also help SMEs with threats such as business identity fraud. For example, various tips given to combat various forms of cybercrime. In addition, the Chamber of Commerce offers information to prevent business identity fraud.
• The Brainport Eindhoven offers through the foundation Cyber Resilience Center Brainport companies in the high-tech and manufacturing industry. The platform offers threat information with action perspective, network monitoring, monthly knowledge sessions and the possibility to certify your organization.
• Cyber security is also a priority at FHI. For example, the Industrial Automation sector is organizing the Industrial Cyber Security eventIn addition, workshops on this topic are planned, something we will be happy to inform you about later.