The Science and Technology Minister has called on businesses to strengthen their cyber protection, following new figures showing that three-quarters of medium-sized and large businesses have experienced some type of cyber incident in the last year.
Viscount Camrose said organizations of all sizes needed to “step up” to respond to the “many challenges and risks” the UK faces in cyber, which “cannot be ignored”.
Latest government figures released on Wednesday showed 75% of large and medium-sized businesses in the UK experienced some kind of cybersecurity incident in the last year, as did 79% of high-income charities.
The government said research has shown that businesses' cyber resilience has improved in recent years, but further action is needed in the face of an evolving situation.
New figures show that most medium and large organizations suffered a cyber security incident in the past 12 months.
Businesses are working to improve their cyber resilience, but there is more to do. Here's how we're helping 🧵 https://t.co/os7mLTxHRy1/4 pic.twitter.com/9JOU5ghcKm
— Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (@SciTechgovuk) March 20, 2024
The figures were published as part of the third phase of the government's ongoing review of cybersecurity, which begins in 2022.
The National Cyber Security Center (NCSC) has previously warned that the UK faces a continuing threat of state-sponsored cyber attacks, with ransomware cited as one of the biggest threats facing businesses. was.
The rise of artificial intelligence, particularly generative AI that can create content from simple prompts, has also been highlighted as a potential cybersecurity issue.
Experts say it could be used to help cyber attackers write malicious code or to hone the skills of less-skilled hackers to target businesses and individuals. I'm warning you.
Viscount Camrose said: “The UK is making significant progress in establishing itself as a major global player in cyber.
“While our nation's cyber sector continues to create unprecedented jobs and business opportunities, we know there are still many challenges and risks that cannot be ignored.
“This is why I am calling on organizations of all sizes to strengthen their cybersecurity plans to protect against threats and protect their customers, employees and the economy as a whole.
“We are working with industry to ensure organizations have strong action plans to tackle these threats head-on.
“From provisions for leaders to strengthen cyber protection to upskilling employees so companies have in-house expertise, these government-backed measures will help organizations realize their digital potential. We can help them take advantage of the technology offerings safely.”
🛍️ Are you a small business owner?
Cybersecurity doesn't have to be scary. Follow our 5 easy steps to save time, money, and protect your business from damage ⬇️ https://t.co/OnreArWhc2
— NCSC UK (@NCSC) March 20, 2024
Earlier this week, a report by Microsoft and Goldsmiths University found that only 13% of UK organizations are “resilient” to cyber-attacks.
Paul Kelly, director of security at Microsoft UK, warns that while the UK and its allies are in a better position to defend against cyber-attacks than they were a few years ago, the vast majority of businesses remain vulnerable to the threat. did.
He added that the UK is the second most attacked country in Europe after Ukraine when it comes to cyber.
