According to recent UK statistics, there has been a significant increase in the number of reported incidents of cyber security breaches compared to previous years.

You likely will have experienced a cyber attack – though you might never have been aware.

Here are three statistics that we think all businesses should be aware of this year.

1) Half of businesses (50%) experienced some form of cyber security breach in 2023

According to a survey conducted by the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology, half of all businesses and about a third of charities experienced a cyber breach or attack in the past year. These numbers were even higher for medium and large businesses, with 70% and 74% respectively, as well as charities with yearly incomes of £500,000 or more, where 66% reported cyber breaches.

2) Cyber breaches or attacks cost UK businesses on average £1,630 in short-term costs

Organisations that experienced breaches resulting in a tangible impact reported an average cost of cybercrime for UK businesses. The short-term expenses included payments to external IT consultants, any payments to the attackers, and money stolen, as reported by the UK government. The average cost amounted to £1,630 for all businesses, increasing to £4,250 for medium and large businesses. For micro/small UK businesses, the figure was £1,450, and for charities, it was £1,130.

3) Phishing attacks were the most disruptive in 2023

According to the UK Official Statistics Cyber Security Breaches report of 2023, 61% of businesses and 56% of charities reported that the most disruptive cyber security breach was staff receiving fraudulent emails or using fraudulent websites. Following that, people impersonating their organisation or staff in emails or online was also a significant issue.

How do you prevent cybercrime?

A combination of technology, training and proactive measures such as firewalls, antivirus and encryption is needed to prevent cybercrime.

Here at Intrasource, we have decades of experience in cybersecurity to help assist you.

We’re Cyber Essentials Plus certified and also hold an ISO 270001 certification.

Call us on 01482 628800 if you would like to learn more about our cybersecurity services.