Don’t think your business is a target? Think again
June 8, 2022
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4
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Highlights
Cyber criminals have a secret weapon that’s causing a massive spike in malicious activity. And no matter the size of your business, you’re a target. Our latest tech update explains how to stay protected.
You might think that cyber criminals are only interested in large companies or those with huge financial assets. After all, that's where the big bucks are, right?
Think again.
Recent reports have shown that cyber criminals are casting their nets wide, targeting businesses of all sizes, from independent shops to global enterprises. And they're doing it with the help of something called "botnets."
You may have heard about the rise of malicious botnets, and you're probably wondering, "what on earth is a botnet, and why should I care?" Botnets are the secret weapons of cyber criminals. They're armies of compromised devices, all under the control of a single, malicious puppeteer. These can be anything from your computer to your smart fridge. Yes, even your fridge can be turned into a cyber weapon.
A new report observed "massive spikes" in the activity of these botnets, with over a million devices involved in malicious activities at one point. To put it into perspective, that's a hundred times the usual levels of botnet activity.
Usually, there are around 10,000 devices doing naughty stuff each day, with 20,000 being the highest number researchers had seen. But in December 2023, things got crazy. The number shot up to 35,144, and two weeks later, it rose even further to 43,194. That's a lot of compromised devices.
And it didn't stop there; the researchers saw the biggest spike yet, hitting a whopping 143,957 distinct devices being used at the same time. In fact, on the 5th and 6th
of January there were spikes of more than a million devices!
Why are they doing this? These botnets are being used to scan the internet, searching for weaknesses in websites, servers, and even email systems.
Think of the internet as a fortress with many doors and windows. These cyber criminals are looking for unlocked doors and open windows to sneak in. They focus on specific "ports" that serve as entry points.
What can you do to protect yourself from these cyber threats?
It's all about strengthening those doors and windows. Here are a few simple steps:
- Keep your software, operating systems, and applications up-to-date. Regular updates often fix vulnerabilities.
- Install a good firewall and reliable antivirus software to protect your devices.
- Educate your employees about cyber security best practices, such as avoiding suspicious links and emails.
- Enforce strong, unique passwords for all your accounts and devices.
- Regularly back up your data to prevent loss in case of a cyber attack.
- Keep an eye on your network for any unusual activity.
- Consider hiring a cyber security expert (that’s us) to assess and enhance your security measures.
If we can help you keep your business better protected, get in touch.
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This special edition of our Leading London series brings together the partners behind the rollout of the City of London Corporation’s new unified network, a major upgrade designed to strengthen public services and improve connectivity across the Square Mile and beyond.
The panel included:
- Sam Collins, Assistant Director of Digital and Data, City of London Corporation
- Chelsea Chamberlin, Chief Technology Officer, Roc Technologies
- Scott McKinnon, Chief Security Officer, Palo Alto Networks
- Rhod Morgan, Chief Operations Officer, Vorboss
- Elliot Townsend, Senior Director, Juniper Networks
- Christa Elizabeth Norton, Marketing Director, Roc Technologies
Together, they explored how the new network will improve public services, strengthen cyber resilience and support a more connected, future-ready City.
For many landlords and building managers, the word “wayleave” feels like the responsible route whenever a fibre circuit is being installed on their property. It sounds formal and safe – a neat legal box to tick.
In many cases, however, a wayleave adds unnecessary complexity and delays, frustrates tenants, and can expose landlords to long-term legal risks.
At Vorboss, we’ve connected thousands of office spaces across London without a wayleave, keeping landlords in full control and getting tenants online faster.
What is a wayleave?
A wayleave is a written agreement between a landowner and a telecoms operator. It gives the operator permission to install and keep equipment on private property.
What many people don’t realise is that signing a wayleave also activates “Code rights” under the Electronic Communications Code. These rights go beyond simple permission, they give the operator legal powers to stay on the property indefinitely, access it when needed, and even refuse removal of their equipment in certain situations.
For a typical connection into a commercial building in London, a wayleave can make the fibre installation process slower, more expensive, and limit the landlord’s flexibility long term.
Why a wayleave isn’t required for standard in-building fibre connections
For a standard in-building fibre connection serving a tenant, a wayleave isn’t a legal requirement. Important protections, like building access, fire safety, repairing any damage, and removing equipment, are already covered by the tenant’s lease and usual building rules.
If no wayleave is signed, no Code rights are triggered, meaning the landlord retains full control and the installation exists under a simple, fully revocable licence.
In practice, this gives landlords far more protection and flexibility:
- No legal lock-in – the telecoms operator has no long-term rights to stay or refuse removal.
- Landlords keep full control – equipment can be moved or removed when the building changes.
- Faster fibre installation – no time lost in drafting contracts or solicitor reviews.
- Happier tenants – connections go live quicker; tenants get to move in faster.
By contrast, signing a wayleave and granting Code rights introduces a complex and expensive legal process for any fibre removal or relocation. This can take at least 18 months, plus potential court or tribunal proceedings, making it slower, and far less flexible for the landlord.
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