A new report has revealed that almost 40% of UK businesses experienced a cyber attack last year.

bars icon

39% Of businesses had a cyber security breach or attack in the last 12 months 

The Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2021 report, published by the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), also revealed that a quarter of charities have suffered a cyber security breach or attack in the past 12 months.

bars icon

26% Of charities had a cyber security attack in the last 12 months

The NCSC has produced guidance to address some of the most common breaches and attacks identified in the report:

Where a breach has resulted in a loss of data or assets, the average cost of a cyber attack on a business is £8,460. This figure rises to £13,400 for medium and large businesses.

The report also shows the cyber risk to organisations is heightened because of the pandemic, which has made securing digital environments more challenging as resources are diverted to facilitate remote working for staff.

The NCSC encourages businesses, charities, and educational institutions to take advantage of free cyber security guidance, such as the secure use of video conferencingsecure home working and how to move your business from physical to digital.