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Fri, 20 Mar 2026 15:10:59 GMT

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Resilience by Eco November 2025 Newsletter

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Scottish businesses warned to wake up to rising cyber threat

iol.eddie.black@integrityoffice.co.uk (Eddie Black) — Wed, 05 Mar 2025 14:16:18 GMT

Scottish companies could be put out of business if they don’t take the rising threat of cybercrime seriously.

That was the stark message to business bosses when Resilience, part of Annan-based Eco Group, marked Cyber Scotland Week by hosting a cyber security event for Scottish businesses and organisations.

There have been high profile cyber attacks in recent years on Scottish organisations such as on the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) in 2020, and on the NHS Dumfries and Galloway last year.

The number of attacks on public bodies in Scotland is also on the increase with 16 attacks in 2024, up more than 50 per cent on previous years, according to Scottish Government figures.

Resilience, which operates with an in-house team of cyber experts, pledges to bring a new approach to protect businesses and organisations from the fast-changing techniques used by criminals.

Without the latest protection businesses who fall prey to cyber criminals can at best have their operations suspended, costing them thousands and sometimes millions of pounds, at worst they can be shut down and put out of business completely.

SMEs are soft targets because their security is often weaker and they offer an easy way in to their supply chain for those seeking to disrupt operations and demand payments.

Those who attended the event at Easterbrook Hall, The Crichton Campus, Dumfries, heard that there are 2,300 substantial cyber attacks every day in the UK, with each breach having an average cost to business of £4.3m.

In the last 12 months, 39 per cent of UK companies have suffered a major cyber breach, and that number is rising fast.

Manufacturing companies, which often use legacy systems, are the businesses most frequently hit, accounting for 25.7 per cent of all sectors to be the victim of a cyber breach, followed by Finance (18.2 per cent); Energy (11.1 per cent); Retail (10.7 per cent); Health (6.3 per cent), Public Administration (4.3 per cent) and Education (2.8 per cent).

Hacking has now grown to a $12 trillion a year industry. Some hacking operations employ as many as 200 people with managers, developers, negotiators and even HR departments, operating like a legitimate business complete with targets and KPIs.

Ryan Moffat, head of Resilience, is a leading expert in his field. He has worked with Police Scotland as an ethical hacker, is a Cyber Essentials Ace Practitioner and has five years hands-on experience of working in the industry.

As a graduate of one of the UK’s leading cyber security courses at Abertay University in Dundee, Ryan keeps up to date with all there is to know about the fast-evolving world of cybercrime from every angle - the criminal, the police, the business owner - and knows how best to defend businesses against it.

Ryan said: “State-sponsored cybercriminals from a range of countries want to disrupt operations in the UK. They will target any business with thousands of automated attacks in the hope of one getting through and giving them access into an organisation and all their data.

“I know of cases where businesses are receiving 10,000 phishing attacks every day.

“We are not talking big corporate organisations. We are talking small and medium sized operations because cyber criminals know these organisations are likely to have more weak spots in their defences.

“The criminals want to access as much information about you and your business as possible - who your customers are, who your suppliers are, they want to disrupt your entire operations.

“It only takes one person to click on a link and they are into your data and your systems with access to information on all your people and all your business connections.”

The absolute key for businesses is to not let the cyber criminals into their systems in the first place. To achieve that, not only must an organisation’s cyber security be watertight, but every person who works there must be trained to know when an email, a text, a social media message is safe, and when it’s a fraud.

That involves training every member of a team about the threats, what damage they can do, and crucially how to spot and prepare for AI, phishing and Multi Factor Authentication (MFA) attacks and prevent the cyber criminals from winning, which is where Resilience come in.

“Every single person has a part to play in maintaining cyber security. It’s vital that everyone in an organisation knows what is safe and what isn’t,” said Ryan who brings the latest thinking and research to his role to help ensure businesses have the latest, most effective protection.

Helen Templeton, who has more than 20 years’ experience in the IT industry and is a lecturer at Dumfries and Galloway College, also brings her expertise to the Resilience team and was able to share her own experience with those at the event.

Drena Thomson, of Armstrong Group, speaking after the event, said: “I have attended four cyber events from different companies, but this one was very informative. It brought awareness of the new rules coming into place and information about AI. It wasn’t what I expected, it was engaging and different.”

Resilience is part of Eco Group which, led by founder and MD Eddie Black, specialises in Contract Manufacturing, Organic Brand Manufacturing, and Services to Manufacturing across a diverse range of industries.

From its impressive, self-built, 3,000-square-metre HQ in Annan, Eco companies offer an array of innovative products and services tailored to meet the needs of commercial, industrial, public sector, and residential customers throughout the UK.

To contact Resilience call 01228 594682 , email info@resiliencebyeco.co.uk or visit https://www.integrityoffice.co.uk/resillence

Cumbrian businesses warned to wake up to rising cyber threat

iol.eddie.black@integrityoffice.co.uk (Eddie Black) — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 15:28:02 GMT

Cumbrian companies could be put out of business if they don’t take the rising threat of cybercrime seriously.

That was the stark message to business bosses when Resilience, part of Eco Group, was officially launched at a special event held at Carlisle United Football Club.

Resilience, which operates with an in-house team of cyber experts, pledges to bring a new approach to protect businesses and organisations from the fast-changing techniques used by criminals.

SMEs are soft targets because their security is often weaker and they offer an easy way in to their supply chain for those seeking to disrupt operations and demand payments.

Those who attended the launch event heard that there are 2,300 substantial cyber attacks every day in the UK, with each breach having an average cost to business of £4.3m.

In the last 12 months, 39 per cent of UK companies have suffered a major cyber breach, and that number is rising fast.

“I know of cases where businesses are receiving 10,000 phishing attacks every day.

“The criminals want to access as much information about you and your business as possible - who your customers are, who your suppliers are, they want to disrupt your entire operations.

“It only takes one person to click on a link and they are into your data and your systems with access to information on all your people and all your business connections.”

Kieron Peacock, Managing Director of Peacock Precision, who was among more than 30 business leaders who attended the event, said: “Seeing first-hand how hackers can steal data in seconds was both shocking and eye-opening.

“Cyber threats are constantly evolving. Protecting our company and clients has never been more important, and Resilience is a game-changer in safeguarding against cyber threats.”

To contact Resilience call 01228 594682, email info@resiliencebyeco.co.uk or visit https://www.integrityoffice.co.uk/resillence

Cyber security business launches to help organisations combat rising threat

iol.eddie.black@integrityoffice.co.uk (Eddie Black) — Fri, 14 Feb 2025 14:38:20 GMT

A NEW cyber security business is launching this week to help organisations in Cumbria and south-west Scotland combat the rising threat of cybercrime.

Resilience, part of Eco Group, launches in Carlisle on Friday and pledges to bring a new approach to protect businesses and organisations from the fast-changing and ever more complex techniques used by cyber criminals.

Without the latest protection businesses who fall prey to cyber criminals can at best have their operations suspended costing them thousands, and sometimes millions of pounds. At worst they can be shut down and put out of business completely.

Resilience is also keen to highlight that it’s SMEs who are among the most vulnerable, and it stresses how important it is for those businesses to get up to speed with the latest protection before it’s too late.

Cyber criminals launch thousands of phishing attacks on a single organisation every day. They are looking for one weak spot, one person in an organisation who falls for their scam.

Ryan Moffat, head of Resilience, said: “State-sponsored cybercriminals from a range of countries want to disrupt operations in the UK. They will target any business with thousands of automated attacks in the hope of one getting through and giving them access into an organisation and all their data.

“I know of cases where businesses are receiving 10,000 phishing attacks every day.

“The criminals want to access as much information about you and your business as possible. Who your customers are, who your suppliers are, they want to disrupt your entire operations.

“It only takes one person to click on a link and they are into your data and your systems with access to information on all your people and all your business connections.”

A graduate of one of the UK’s leading cyber security courses at Abertay University in Dundee - Ryan keeps up to date with all there is to know about the fast-evolving world of cybercrime from every angle - the criminal, the police, the business owner - and knows how best to defend businesses against it.

Resilience is already supporting clients against cyber criminals in a range of sectors including healthcare, professional services, travel and logistics.

Resilience’s official launch takes place at Carlisle United Football Club on Friday (February 21), at 7pm when guests will have the opportunity to take part in three dynamic activities relating to cyber security as well learn from insightful demonstrations.

The launch was due to take place last month but was postponed to ensure the safety of attendees and staff in light of Storm Éowyn.

Why you need a White Hat Hacker on your side - to keep your business safe

iol.eddie.black@integrityoffice.co.uk (Eddie Black) — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 14:51:05 GMT

IF you are a business owner, stop and think for a second.

Who do you want by your side to protect you and your business from the ever growing menace of cyber crime which can destroy all you have worked for at the click of a button?

Think outside the box for a minute, like you ask your teams to do. You might just come up with the answer.

Someone who knows all the ins and outs, all the tricks of this malicious trade, but is also, most definitely, one of the good guys.

Step forward Ryan Moffat.

A White Hat Hacker, Ryan’s sole role is to keep your business safe.

He’s one of only a handful of graduates each year from a leading UK Ethical Hacking programme.

Ryan, who is leading Eco Group’s new Resilience division, keeps bang-up-to-date with all there is to know about the fast evolving world of cyber crime from every angle - the criminal, the police, the business owner - and knows how best to defend your business against it.

The even better news is - you can hire him, which is where the Resilience name comes from as by utilising Ryan’s expertise businesses can ensure they combat any cyber crime threat and maintain continuous operations.

When you think about cyber crime, if your attitude is: “it will never happen to me, it only happens to big businesses” you would be burying your head in the sand. You couldn’t be more wrong.

The big cyber crimes hit the headlines - and we’re all shocked when we read and hear about them.

But smaller businesses are being successfully targeted every day. You just don’t get to hear about it.

Ryan said: “It is estimated that there are approximately 10,000 attacks on UK small businesses every week.

“For every attack on big business you hear about there are thousands of attacks on smaller businesses.”

Security systems are notoriously weaker in smaller businesses so cyber criminals know there are easy, and potentially rich, pickings.

Once malicious hackers are into your system they can reach bigger targets through your data and communication trails.

They can shut your entire business down in a matter of seconds.

Imagine for a minute trying to run your business without any access to technology.

Exactly.

You can’t.

That’s why you need the very best expert young minds on your side - so you don’t even have to worry about it.

Ryan said: “As part of cybersecurity education, I have delved deep into the realms of offensive security, learning the intricacies of vulnerability and penetration testing, and digital forensics.

“This education was’t just about acquiring knowledge; it was about understanding the mindset of cybercriminals to better defend against their tactics.

“Students like myself, studying ethical hacking, gain practical skills in identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities, ensuring the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of information and systems.

“This field requires a continuous learning mindset due to the ever-evolving nature of security threats and the technologies designed to counteract them.”

Now Ryan has finished his final year exams at Abertay University in Dundee he is available to utilise the very latest learning in how to combat cyber criminals to help keep your business safe.

Ryan is working for Eco Group which supports businesses throughout the UK in the public, private and third sectors from its bases in Carlisle, Cumbria and Annan in Dumfries and Galloway.

Heading up Eco’s Resilience division he advises businesses and organisations on the best way to avoid a cyber attack.

He will consult with you, agree the range of his scope, and then put your security systems to the test, and report back on his findings.

Follow-up advice will include steps you and your business can take to ensure any issues are tackled head-on and your business is kept safe.

Ryan said: “Once business owners have put themselves through this testing and fixed any weaknesses I hope they will be able to rest a lot easier.

“As a business owner it’s an investment to test your systems and, if there are any weaknesses, to put fixes in place.

“But it’s a drop in the ocean compared to the money you will lose if you have to put all your operations on hold or, worse still, lose your entire business at the click of a button.”

What Is White Hat Hacking?

White Hat Hacking, also often referred to as ethical hacking or penetration testing, involves the legal utilisation of hacking skills to identify vulnerabilities in a computer system. The primary aim of ethical hacking is to improve the security posture of an organisation by proactively discovering and addressing security weaknesses before malicious hackers (black-hat hackers) can exploit them.

White Hat Hackers employ the same techniques and tools used by malicious hackers but with the permission of the authorised entity to improve or protect the system. These activities are conducted within legal boundaries and ethical standards. The process typically involves stages such as planning, reconnaissance, scanning, gaining access, maintaining access, and covering tracks, all aimed at identifying potential data breaches and weaknesses in the system's security infrastructure.

White Hat Hacking is a critical component in cybersecurity as it provides insights into possible security flaws from an attacker's perspective. Individuals in this field are expected to adhere to strict ethical guidelines, ensuring that their activities do not harm the system or its users. White Hat Hackers report back to the organisation with their findings and provide recommendations for mitmitigating the risks identified during their testing.

Businesses given vital support to reduce carbon footprint in 2024

iol.eddie.black@integrityoffice.co.uk (Eddie Black) — Fri, 05 Jan 2024 14:28:03 GMT

2024 is going to be a more important year than ever for industry CEOs and business owners to measure their carbon footprint and implement carbon mitigation strategies. The message to owners of all sizes of business, whatever sector they operate in, is to make this the year they start their journeys to net zero.

“There was a striking message from COP28 which highlighted how all businesses and organisations across the world need to make immediate action to reduce their carbon emissions output. We here in the UK all have a big part in lowering climate emissions."

- Gary Robertson, Eco’s Group Opportunity Strategist

Pressure on businesses to prove their carbon footprint credentials has been ramped up after the recent COP28 conference, held in the United Arab Emirates, reiterated the need for the world to urgently start transitioning away from using fossil fuels. Organisations are at risk of being left behind if they don't take the first steps to reduce their footprint soon.

That’s the message from Gary Robertson, Eco’s Group Opportunity Strategist who says that governments, local authorities, corporations and big companies will soon get to a time when they won’t award contracts without businesses being able to provide their carbon number.

Gary said: “There was a striking message from COP28 which highlighted how all businesses and organisations across the world need to make immediate action to reduce their carbon emissions output. We here in the UK all have a big part to play in lowering climate emissions.”

Eco Group offers businesses an easy-to-understand solution thanks to its innovative EcoMetrix platform, which measures a business’ environmental impact and is then used as a benchmark to implement carbon reduction measures.

Gary said: “Many businesses are experiencing pressure from clients and their supply chain to reduce their carbon footprint but it can be difficult to get to grips with the practicalities of where and how to start measuring your emissions. We help businesses access affordable carbon mitigation solutions to future-proof their organisations and give them a competitive advantage in the marketplace. We don’t want our partners and suppliers to have a situation where they don’t win an important contract which could have a significantly damaging effect on their business, because they have not got a carbon number.

“We work with business right from the start. We help them to benchmark where they are now, set targets for the future and then help them get there. Ultimately, carbon accounting should be treated in the same way as financial accounting: it keeps track of emissions rather than money. One day the carbon audit of a business will be just as crucial to the credibility and performance of that organisation as a financial audit is today.”

“As demands on organisations to reduce their carbon footprint increase, carbon accounting will help them understand what is required and where they can make changes. The platform has been designed to be simple and easy-to-use, and to ensure that it brings added value to a business."

- James Napier, founder of CBN Expert
which developed the EcoMetrix software with Eco

The EcoMetrix platform is compliant with the UK Government’s Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) regulations, and international carbon accounting standard, the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol. The GHG Protocol categorises carbon emissions into three groups or ‘scopes’, with scope one generated by the business; scope two from indirect sources via energy use; and scope three from indirect emissions generated by the supply chain.

EcoGoZero works alongside businesses and organisations across the UK to help them meet their net zero ambitions through finding the right accessible and affordable solutions. They include EV charging solutions, off-grid lighting, energy decentralisation as well as the EcoMetrix carbon accounting software package.

For more information see www.teameco.co.uk , email info@resiliencebyeco.co.uk , or follow Team Eco on social media.

Businesses stay ahead of the curve thanks to tech event

iol.eddie.black@integrityoffice.co.uk (Eddie Black) — Mon, 27 Nov 2023 19:31:06 GMT

Businesses were given invaluable insight and advice to help them stay ahead of the technology curve at an event held by a leading solutions business.

Integrity IT Solutions, part of Eco Group, organised a ‘Future Proofing Your Business’ event attended by 20 different businesses from across Scotland and northern England on Thursday (November 23).

Experts from Integrity IT and some of its industry-leading tech partners shared top tech tips designed to help companies plan ahead.

Adam Shaw of Giacom talked about the advantages of businesses having Fibre to the premises (FTTP) connections.

In the UK, 12.3million premises have access to FTTP at the moment, with plans to increase that to 25million by the end of 2026 and 30million by the end of 2027.

Chris Jewitt of Giacom also talked to businesses about the importance of migrating to all-Internet Protocol (all-IP) systems.

He gave businesses the inside track on what solutions are available so they can make sure their companies move to alternatives long before the UK’s analogue phone network switch-off in December 2025.

Chris said: “When you make the switch to digital, you will start getting access to a lot more data, more analytics, a lot more insight into your business performance.”

When it comes to AI and Machine Learning, Kyle Torres of Sophos had two crucial takeaways for businesses:

If you are considering using Generative AI in your business, then make sure that first you build an “Acceptabe Use Policy” because if someone in your business is using AI you need to know what is happening to your company data and the data of your partners;
Do you have security tools in place to monitor the Generative AI traffic you are receiving as a business?

Businesses were also given practical Cyber Essentials advice by Ryan Moffat of Integrity IT.

Ryan described how having Cyber Essentials helps businesses build trust with their customers. He said: “Everyone wants to know that their data is safe in your hands.”

Gary Robertson, Eco’s Group Opportunity Strategist, took the opportunity to share with businesses how being able to measure their carbon footprint and implement carbon mitigation strategies are also becoming increasingly important.

Gary said: "One day an audit on the carbon reporting of your company will be considered as important as a financial audit - we don’t know when that will be, but that day will come - and your carbon audit will be just as crucial to the credibility and performance of your company as your financial audit is today.

“We will help businesses to benchmark where they are now, set targets for the future and then help them get there. "

Gary also said that governments, local authorities and big companies will get to a time when they won’t award contracts without businesses being able to provide their carbon number which is where Eco can support businesses with its EcoMetrix carbon accountancy software.

He said:“We don’t want our partners and suppliers to have a situation where they don’t win an important contract which could have a significantly damaging effect on their business, because they have not got a carbon number."

Jill Lockwood, Support Services Manager for Cochran, industrial boiler specialists based in Annan employing 215 people, said: “I found the event really interesting. We have already been considering what we need to do with our phone system. It’s a big project, and what we have heard raises a lot of questions for us as a business. But it helps us to plan to do it next year, so it has been really useful.”

Jamie Shovelin, Member Services Manager of Dumfries and Galloway Chamber of Commerce, which has 145 members across the region, said of the event: “It has been really informative. It’s really good to know what technology changes are coming and what businesses and communities need to do to prepare for that.

“We are a rural region with an elderly population so it’s crucial to get the message across, especially about the 2025 switch-off, and be able to inform people. It's important we make sure all businesses in the region, including the agriculture sector, are aware of what’s ahead.”

Businesses given opportunity to gain top tech tips on IT security

iol.eddie.black@integrityoffice.co.uk (Eddie Black) — Fri, 17 Nov 2023 10:34:35 GMT

BUSINESSES are being given an opportunity to learn from industry experts on the best way to future proof their companies at a special event this month.

Eco is throwing open the doors of its state-of-the-art, self-built HQ in Annan on November 23 for an IT day packed with expert advice and networking opportunities.

Integrity IT, part of the Eco Group of companies, is hosting the free ‘Future-proofing your Business’ event to help businesses be best-placed to meet a range of cyber challenges and opportunities.

Experts from Sophos and Giacom will join Integrity IT and Eco speciali sts to discuss a range of hot topics including cyber security, digital switchover, and carbon accountancy.

At the event, which runs from 10am to 2pm, attendees will also find out what the 2025 analogue phone network switch-off means for them and, with Integrity and its partner Giacom, how they can be supported to navigate this change now.

Those attending will also be able to discover how EcoMetrix carbon accounting can help their business understand their environmental impact with a presentation from Eco’s Group Opportunity Strategist Gary Robertson.

Ryan Moffat from Integrity will also be sharing information about how businesses attain their all-important Cyber Essentials certification.

Michael Quinn, Integrity IT’s Head of Operations, said: “This is the ideal chance for businesses in Scotland and the north of England to get up to speed on all aspects of IT w hich are going to affect them in the short and medium term.

“It’s also a great opportunity to network with like-minded business people and find out more about how Integrity IT and Eco Group can help support businesses across the region with a whole range of services and capabilities.

“We look forward to welcoming everyone here to Eco’s impressive self-built headquarters for what promises to be an insightful and enjoyable day.”

To book your place for the event on November 23 at Eco HQ, Annan Business Park Way, Annan, Dumfries and Galloway, which includes lunch and refreshments, visit https://www.integrityoffice.co.uk/rsvp