Recruitment: The first step in preparing for a Cyber Attack

In a progressively digital world, the threat of cyber-attacks looms heavily over businesses of all sizes and industries. The recent cyber-attack on Capita serves as a stark reminder of the potential financial and operational consequences that companies can face when their cybersecurity measures are breached. To counter these threats, organisations are recognising the urgent need to bolster their cybersecurity teams. Harnessing the expertise and guidance from cyber-recruitment agencies to acquire skilled professionals capable of effectively safeguarding digital assets, represents a strategic move toward a more secure and resilient future.


Capita, a prominent outsourcing firm, was subject earlier this year to a significant cyber-attack that has left the company handling substantial financial consequences. The breach gave the Black Basta ransomware group unauthorised access to a proportion of Capita's internal systems, providing them with personal data of staff and external clients. The aftermath of the cyber-attack has left Capita facing potential financial losses estimated at up to £25 million. These costs involve a range of factors such as recovery, legal and regulatory compliance, reputation and customer trust and operational disruption.

Responding to a cyber-attack involves a thorough investigation, system restoration, and implementation of enhanced security measures. This process demands significant financial resources, as Capita must now work diligently to identify the extent of the breach, mitigate its impact, and ensure future resilience. Cyber-attacks can also have detrimental effects on a company's daily operations; Downtime, loss of productivity, and delays in service can lead to missed opportunities and hinder growth prospects.

Aside from corporations, government bodies and public services are also being targeted by complex cyberattacks and data leaks. Northern Ireland confirmed last week that multiple police officer’s personal information had been disclosed due to ‘human error.’ The credibility of the UK’s electoral regulator is also currently under scrutiny. A malicious cyber-attack that comprised the data of 40 million voters, remained unnoticed for a year. While the Electoral Commission cannot confirm definitively, they’ve detected signs of Russian involvement which they heavily suspect due to their previous interference with other European elections.

Robust Cyber Security starts with Human Talent.

As stated in the 2022 Cyber Security Workplace Study[1], there is a global cybersecurity gap of 3.4 million people. In the study, 43% of respondents also indicated that the reason they have a shortage of cyber security staff in their organisation is due to not being able to find talent.

James Turley, Director of TurleyWay recruitment explains that whilst it is often the larger companies and breaches that make the news, cyber criminals are targeting business of all sizes and the impact of a breach can be critical to a business. He reiterates that it is vital for all businesses to take a proactive approach to cyber security and any investment made should be seen as future proofing. With an array of software tools and products available it is very easy to assume that technology will solve all problems and mitigate all risks. The reality is that such solutions can be easily evaded, and a smarter approach would be to bring in individuals with genuine expertise and knowledge who can provide multi-layered levels of protection.

The cyber-attack on Capita serves as a cautionary tale for businesses worldwide. The potential financial ramifications of a breach underline the importance for organisations to prioritise cybersecurity as an integral part of their operations. Assembling and investing in a robust Cyber Security Team, is not just a proactive defence strategy; it’s an imperative in today’s digital landscape. As technology continues to advance, the resilience of a company’s digital infrastructure will play an increasingly pivotal role in its long-term success and the sustainability.