A recent disruption in Amazon Web Services had a significant global impact, highlighting society’s heavy reliance on online services. This incident underscored the vulnerability of digital systems and the potential for widespread disruptions.
The cybersecurity landscape has been in the spotlight following prominent breaches at companies like Land Rover, Marks and Spencer, LNER, and Co-op in 2025. These events serve as a stark reminder of the risks associated with a digital-first approach, particularly for individuals engaging in online financial transactions and app usage.
Not limited to AWS, various service providers have faced substantial outages, such as the recent issue affecting EE users. Network or broadband failures can hinder access to online activities, posing challenges for businesses, remote workers, and individuals requiring urgent banking services on-the-go.
Banking apps, often targets of hacks and outages, can disrupt daily tasks, from delayed paychecks to jeopardizing time-sensitive transactions like property purchases. Safeguarding against scams and hacks and preparing for major outages is crucial in today’s interconnected digital landscape.
To ensure financial security and operational continuity, it is advisable to maintain detailed purchase records, request receipts for in-person transactions, and implement strategies for multiple confirmations on online purchases. Utilizing platforms like PayPal for dual receipts or setting up transaction alerts on banking apps can facilitate tracking and verification of transactions.
In addition to digital backups, maintaining physical records of essential information, such as account numbers and insurance details, can mitigate risks associated with system failures or data breaches. Investing in offline storage solutions like USB drives and external SSDs provides added data security and accessibility during internet interruptions.
Implementing Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) across online accounts enhances security measures by requiring additional verification steps for logins. Creating an emergency fund in a separate bank account and keeping a cash reserve at home can help mitigate financial disruptions during account freezes or widespread outages.
Diversifying cash savings across multiple banking groups, rather than individual banks, ensures broader protection under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme. Spreading funds across different entities safeguards long-term financial stability in the event of systemic failures or cyber incidents.