October marks Cyber Security Awareness Month, a time to reflect on how the landscape of risk has evolved for organisations of every size. While Copeland Group Services focuses on physical protection, the message from this year’s NCSC Annual Review is unmistakable: the responsibility for national resilience now extends to every business, not just the state.
A changing threat landscape
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), part of GCHQ, used its 2025 review to issue one of its most direct warnings yet. It made clear that the government alone cannot defend the economy. The responsibility for prevention and protection now lies with every organisation.
Recent high-profile incidents affecting Land Rover and Marks and Spencer demonstrate that even large, well-resourced companies can be vulnerable. These are household names that most would assume to be secure, yet they still experienced significant disruption. The lesson is that no organisation is too established or too sophisticated to be targeted.
Beyond technical defences
Cybersecurity is not only a technical challenge. It is also about people, habits and awareness. Training staff to recognise and respond to social engineering threats can prevent many attacks before they begin.
Areas of focus include:
- Recognising phishing attempts, such as suspicious links or attachments that aim to harvest credentials.
- Avoiding Multi Factor Authentication fatigue, where repeated login prompts are used to wear down users into approving access.
- Maintaining password discipline, with strong, unique passwords stored securely rather than reused across systems.
Building this awareness culture strengthens an organisation’s softer defences and helps reduce the chance of human error compromising otherwise strong systems.
Blending digital and physical protection
As cyber threats grow more sophisticated, it is essential to remember that digital protection is only one part of the picture. A robust cyber defence plan should be matched by equally strong physical security measures to protect assets, staff and critical infrastructure.
Copeland Group Services provides:
- Lock and Unlock Services to control secure access at the start and end of each day
- Keyholding and Alarm Response supported by a 24-hour UK-based control room
- Manned Guarding for visible deterrence and professional on-site support
- Mobile Patrols for flexible coverage across large or multi-site operations
- EcoWatch Rapid Deployment CCTV for sustainable, remote monitoring without the need for mains power
Together, these services protect the physical environment that supports digital operations, ensuring a balanced and blended approach to overall security.
Building total resilience
Cyber and physical security are connected. Both depend on planning, awareness and vigilance. Organisations that invest in their people, systems and premises can prevent more incidents, respond faster and recover more effectively.
Copeland continues to stay informed about developments across all areas of protection, ensuring clients benefit from best practice and the latest thinking. Our focus is to help keep premises secure, operations running smoothly, and staff confident in their safety.
Stay alert, stay secure
Cyber Security Awareness Month reminds us that every organisation has a role to play in keeping the country safe. Whether online or on-site, security is a shared responsibility.
To learn how Copeland can strengthen your physical security, from keyholding to rapid deployment CCTV, contact Copeland Group Services today.
Related FAQs
Looking for more detail? Explore our related FAQs below for extra guidance and clarity.
Begin with training and awareness, both online and on site. Ensure staff can spot phishing attempts and understand safe password use, while also maintaining secure access control and incident response procedures. Partnering with a trusted provider like Copeland builds a consistent and resilient foundation for all-round protection.
Modern threats are interconnected. A data breach can compromise physical safety, just as a site breach can expose data. Copeland supports a holistic view of security where physical protection complements digital resilience, helping organisations create layered defences across both areas.
Cyber Security Awareness Month takes place each October to promote safer digital practices for individuals and businesses. It raises awareness of online threats such as phishing and social engineering, encouraging good habits, staff training and multi-layered protection. Although it focuses on digital risk, the principles apply equally to physical security, where awareness and vigilance are just as vital.