Cybersecurity Breaches: What you need to know

The UK government’s latest Cybersecurity Breaches Survey revealed that 43% of businesses suffered a cyberattack or data breach in the past year. Medium and large businesses were particularly affected.

Phishing attacks — where attackers trick people into revealing personal or financial information — were the most common.

💸 The average cost of the most serious attacks:

• £1,600 for businesses

• £3,240 for charities

Why this matters:

Cyberattacks can be expensive, disruptive, and damaging to reputation. As the threat continues to grow, it’s more important than ever to take action — whether you’re a business, charity, or individual.

🔗 Read the full report: UK Government Cybersecurity Survey 2025

✅ Simple recommendations worth knowing

For Businesses:

• Train your team: Help staff recognise phishing emails and suspicious activity. People are your first line of defence.

• Use the right tools: Install good antivirus software and set up systems that can detect and block threats.

• Back up important files: Save copies of your data in safe, offline places to protect against ransomware attacks.

• Have a plan: Prepare a clear, step-by-step response plan so you can act quickly if something goes wrong.

For Charities:

• Don’t underestimate the risk: Even smaller organisations can be targets. Set aside budget for basic cybersecurity protections.

• Ask for help: Look to government resources or specialist charities for guidance tailored to your size and sector.

For Individuals:

• Use different passwords for different accounts. One hacked password shouldn’t unlock everything.

• Keep an eye on your accounts: Check your bank and online accounts regularly for anything unusual or suspicious.