Following high-profile cyberattacks across the UK business over the last few years, the partnership will support the FCSA’s umbrella members in bolstering defences against cyber-attacks and business disruption.

The offer will provide FCSA members with expert advice and guidance on how best to navigate and mitigate cyber risk, an FCSA statement said. Recent months have seen UK umbrella companies targeted in cyber crime attacks, resulting in delays in pay to contractors and other disruptions.

The FCSA is a professional membership organisation for the temporary labour market, and the move from the FCSA comes in response to increased risks of cybercrime. Chris Bryce, CEO of the FCSA, called for more action to tackle cloning attacks when he spoke to Recruiter at the beginning of the year.

Data suggests cybercrime has cost UK businesses an estimated £34bn in revenue and intellectual property losses and increased spending on technology. Mimecast (2021) data shows an average ransom payment of £628,606, and Coveware (2021) data shows an average of 21 days downtime for a ransomware attack.

FCSA will leverage Mitigo’s expertise and experience in professional services, with a programme specifically adapted to support FCSA member requirements, the statement said.

The FCSA’s Bryce said: “Managing cyber risk is a critical element of senior management responsibility in any sector, with the potential for catastrophic consequences on business continuity if left unchecked.

“An attack can bring a business to a complete standstill, with company and client data and systems being encrypted, resulting in an inability to process any payments. Not to mention heavy ransom demands.

"To mitigate risk, we advise members should undertake comprehensive and regular reviews of their system security and safeguarding of personal data and take full advantage of this strategic partnership with Mitigo to help keep themselves safe.

“To further improve the protections UK industries have in place against emerging cyber threats, we also believe the public and private sectors need to work in closer alignment, and additional engagement and guidance from official cyber sources such as the NCSC and GCHQ would be welcomed by the business community.”

Lindsay Hill, CEO of Mitigo, said: “For umbrella companies, cybersecurity is now the biggest threat to their business and operational resilience.

“Across all industries, we’ve seen ransomware attacks with the potential to cause mayhem and destroy business relationships, and this topic should be right at the top of every business’ risk register. We look forward to working with the FCSA to provide their members with a reliable, specialist cyber risk management service.”

• Comment below on this story. Or let us know what you think by emailing us at [email protected] or tweet us to tell us your thoughts or share this story with a friend.