EY Survey: ‘Cyber crime tops list of fraud concerns for UK businesses’

UK businesses see cybercrime as a bigger threat than their international counterparts, with 74% of respondents to EY’s latest survey stating this area poses a high risk to their organisation compared to 49% globally

Businesses are also more concerned with the cyber threat from their own employees (36%) than from organised crime (26%)

Despite the UK performing better than the global average on serious fraud and corruption, 14% of UK businesses still reported a significant fraud in the last two years while 18% of executives consider bribery and corruption to be widespread

Despite the recent introduction of the UK Bribery Act, 46% of respondents in the UK agree it’s acceptable to offer entertainment to retain business compared to 29% internationally

EY’s 13th Global Fraud Survey has found cyber crime to be one of the biggest concerns for UK businesses. Specifically, 74% of respondents stated cyber crime to be a high risk to their organisation compared to 49% globally (second only to Brazil at 76%).

The survey included in-depth interviews with more than 2,700 executives across 59 countries (of which 50 respondents were from the UK), including chief financial officers, chief compliance officers, general counsel and heads of internal audit.

UK businesses view cyber crime as a bigger threat than their international counterparts, with 74% of respondents to EY’s latest survey stating this area poses a high risk to their organisation compared to 49% globally

Globally, nearly 40% of all respondents believe that bribery and corruption are widespread in their country. However, in contrast this figure drops to 18% in the UK.

Despite the UK performing well on serious fraud and corruption, the survey does highlight that almost half (46%) of UK executives are willing to offer corporate entertainment in order to retain business. This is far higher than the global average of 29%.

John Smart, head of EY’s UK Fraud Investigation and Dispute Services (FIDS) practice, commented: “The rest of the world is playing ‘catch up’ with the UK in recognising cyber crime as a serious threat. High-profile cyber crime incidents and a number of Government initiatives may have played an important role in ensuring high awareness of this issue among business leaders here in the UK.”

Smart continued with a warning> “The conversation now needs to move on to how businesses respond to these dangers,” he urged. “Awareness is just the beginning. Business leaders need to ensure robust incident response strategies are in place. When a data breach does occur, many companies fail to investigate how and why an attack has taken place which can leave networks compromised and exposed as the full extent of the breach is never uncovered.”

The cyber threat from within

The research also found that businesses perceive employees to be a bigger concern (36%) than organised criminals (26%) when it comes to sources of cybercrime.

Paul Walker, head of Forensic Technology and Discovery Services at EY, explained: “The results may not necessarily indicate mistrust between employers and employees when it comes to cyber crime issues. The issue is whether employees take cyber crime as seriously as management do.”

Walker added: “Employees are sometimes seen as the weak link with individuals susceptive to phishing e-mails, where spoof e-mails are sent out in an attempt to gain passwords or confidential information, downloading viruses and transferring files to unauthorised personal devices.”

Encouraging picture on fraud compliance

The UK is performing significantly better than the rest of the world when it comes to getting the basics right around fraud and corruption. According to the survey, 94% of respondents agree that senior managers in the UK have strongly communicated a commitment to anti-bribery policies – roughly 10% more than the global average.

Despite the UK performing better than the global average when it comes to serious fraud and corruption, 14% of UK businesses still reported a significant fraud in the last two years

UK businesses are also top of the preparation table, with 88% having attended some form of bribery and corruption training. Furthermore, the UK is third globally when it comes to whistleblowing procedures, with 82% of respondents stating that their organisation has a whistleblowing hotline.

Despite these important processes being in place, 14% of UK businesses still reported a significant fraud in the last two years while 18% of executives consider bribery and corruption to be widespread. This may demonstrate that a culture of good compliance is failing to work its way down organisations.

Confusion over the Bribery Act

John Smart commented: “Overall, the UK continues to demonstrate a strong commitment to integrity and anti-bribery/anti-corruption compliance. This is supported by legislation such as the Bribery Act. UK companies take their responsibilities seriously in this area, and the results of our survey show a significant level of self-enforcement.”

In conclusion, Smart stated: “However, the fact that 46% of UK businesses said it was OK to offer entertainment to retain business shows there is still confusion regarding what is and is not acceptable. If gifts or entertainment are being offered as a quid pro quo or with a direct link to retaining business they are probably bribes. With the summer events season approaching, it’s more important than ever for companies to be extra vigilant around entertainment and satisfy themselves that what they offer is both appropriate and reasonable.”

IHS Research Note: Canon’s acquisition of Milestone Systems

In the latest Research Note from IHS, Jon Cropley (principal analyst for IHS) notes Canon’s acquisition of Milestone Systems and the market for video management software.

Canon has signed an agreement to acquire Milestone Systems, which is a major supplier of video management software. It’ s planned that Milestone will continue to operate as an independent organisation.

Canon is currently a small player in the video surveillance market, but it has big ambitions. Back in August 2013, the company’s CEO Fujio Mitarai spoke about security cameras becoming an “important pillar” for the company and the market having “limitless possibilities for growth.”

This acquisition shows that Canon is serious in its intentions.

When it comes to surveillance, Canon currently only sells security cameras. The acquisition of Milestone allows it to offer customers a security solution combining cameras and either video management software or network video recorders.

It also provides the company with access to Milestone’s large customer base, particularly in regions outside of Canon’s home market of Japan.

IHS estimates that Milestone was the largest supplier of video management software in 2013, commanding over 7% of a global market worth over $900 million.

Canon is a strong brand in the consumer electronics market. It is well-known as a supplier of digital cameras, camcorders and professional broadcast cameras. It plans to leverage this brand reputation in the video surveillance market.

Wilson James appoints Gemma Quirke as managing director of Security Services

Security and logistics specialist Wilson James has appointed Gemma Quirke as its new managing director for Security Services, adding to the strength of the company’s dedicated security team.

Previously HR director for the business, Quirke has served in the security sector for over 15 years. Throughout this time, Quirke has worked closely with industry bodies including Skills for Security, the British Security Industry Association and the Security Industry Authority.

All the while, Gemma Quirke has been extensively involved in the development of security employment policy and played a key role in helping to raise the standards of professionalism across the industry.

Commenting on the appointment, Quirke stated: “I’m very excited about the security sector’s ongoing development and the direction in which it is heading. There is a great opportunity for the sector to continue to develop and be recognised for the professionalism and expertise it provides. This is something that we are very proud of at Wilson James.”

Gemma Quirke: the new md of Wilson James’ security business

In conclusion, Quirke added: “I look forward to working with my fellow directors to ensure we continue making great contributions to this ever-evolving and vital business sector.”

Management of strategic direction

Quirke’s role will be specifically focused on managing the strategic direction for security at Wilson James in conjunction with Ron Dickin (customer liaison director) and executive director Stuart Lowden.

Lowden explained: “This is a great opportunity for us to maximise the diverse skills and knowledge that we have across the security sector in Wilson James. Gemma’s experience brings a different dimension to the security team, enabling continuous development in the solutions that we provide to our clients which will help them address their security needs.”

Mark Dobson, CEO at Wilson James, added: “Gemma has the experience and knowledge to take Wilson James’ security operation on the next stage of its journey. She will being a fresh approach to the industry, and an expertise and know-how that will be of great benefit to our clients.”