Small and medium-sized businesses in the UK have been urged by ministers to be proactive about cybersecurity to avoid the potentially devastating impact of a successful attack.
In a letter directed to the UK’s entrepreneurs and small business owners, Liz Lloyd, the minister for digital economy, Blair McDougall, the minister for small business and economic transformation and NCSC boss Richard Horne warned of the the danger they face.
“The threats posed by cyber attacks have never been more apparent,” the letter said.
“Recent high-profile incidents demonstrate how hostile cyber activity in the UK is growing more intense, frequent and sophisticated. Businesses of all sizes are suffering the consequences.”
According to figures cited by the ministers, as many as half of small businesses in the UK report having suffered a cyber attack in the past 12 months, while 35% of micro businesses reported phishing attacks.
“Whether you are a sole trader, running a growing enterprise, or leading an ambitious start-up, you are at risk of falling victim to cyber crime which could disrupt your operations.”
The letter urged preparation, noting that “protecting your business against a cyber attack is much less onerous than having to pick up the pieces after a devastating attack”.
Businesses have been encouraged to explore the government’s Cyber Action Toolkit, a free cyber solution developed by the NCSC.
“We understand cyber security may be daunting to many small businesses,” the letter said.
“Together, we can build a more resilient business community that is ready to meet the cyber challenges we face.”
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