In the aftermath of the widespread IT outage that disrupted businesses across the UK and globally on 19 July, Assist Security Group (ASG) is calling on organisations to reassess and strengthen their security preparedness strategies.
The recent incident, described as potentially the largest IT outage in history, affected a wide range of sectors including retail, logistics, healthcare, and transportation. It highlighted critical vulnerabilities in many organisations’ IT infrastructures and emergency response protocols.
Troy Hewitt, CEO of ASG, stated, “This unprecedented event serves as a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of our digital systems and the cascading effects when they fail. It’s crucial for businesses to not only focus on preventing such incidents but also on mitigating their impact when they occur.”
The outage, caused by a fault in CrowdStrike’s software update, resulted in widespread disruptions. Airports faced significant delays, healthcare services were forced to cancel appointments, and numerous businesses experienced operational paralysis. The financial impact is estimated to be substantial, with some experts suggesting costs could reach up to £1 million per hour for larger organisations.
“Preparation is key,” emphasised Jonathan Thomas, a partner at ASG Protect. “Our risk assessments consistently show that many businesses underestimate the breadth of impact an IT failure can have on their physical security systems. From access control to surveillance, the ripple effects can compromise overall security posture significantly.”
ASG is urging venue owners, operators, and security directors to act now in reviewing and enhancing their preparedness strategies. The company offers a range of services designed to help organisations identify vulnerabilities, develop robust contingency plans, and implement effective risk mitigation measures.
Key services highlighted by ASG in response to this incident include:
- Comprehensive Risk Assessments: Identifying potential vulnerabilities in both IT and physical security systems.
- Emergency Response Planning: Developing detailed protocols for maintaining security during IT outages.
- On-Site Security Personnel: Providing trained guards to manage access control and monitoring manually during system failures.
- Alternative Communication Solutions: Establishing backup channels to ensure coordination during outages.
- Mobile Surveillance Units: Offering independent monitoring capabilities when primary systems are compromised.
- Technical Support and Recovery: Assisting in swift system restoration to minimise downtime.
“The organisations that weather such storms most effectively are those that have invested in preparation,” Hewitt added. “By partnering with ASG, businesses can access our expertise in risk mitigation and security strategy, ensuring they’re resilient in the face of both cyber and physical security challenges.”
ASG’s approach emphasises the importance of regular training, drills, and updates to emergency protocols. This ensures that all staff, from security personnel to general employees, are prepared to respond effectively during crises.
As businesses begin to recover from this recent outage, ASG stresses that this event should serve as a catalyst for change. The company is offering free initial consultations to organisations looking to review their current security preparedness in light of this incident.
“The time to prepare is now,” Thomas concluded. “We can’t predict when the next major disruption will occur, but we can ensure we’re ready when it does. ASG is committed to helping UK businesses build that readiness.”
ASG is a leading provider of comprehensive security solutions, specialising in risk management, intelligence services, and security preparedness. With a team of experts from diverse backgrounds including law enforcement, military, and corporate security, ASG delivers tailored strategies to protect businesses across various sectors.
For more information about ASG’s services and to schedule a consultation, please visit https://asg-protect.co.uk/