UK business leaders have been urged by ministers to work with the state and other firms to jointly prepare against cyber-attacks, as the number of harmful breaches skyrockets.
Writing to chief executives and chairs of prominent businesses, including the entire FTSE350, the government has encouraged companies to seize on government support and collaboration to protect themselves from the rising threat.
High-profile cyber-attacks that hurt businesses, disrupt services and put consumer data at risk have become routine, with organisations of all sizes such M&S, the Co-op, Jaguar Land Rover and Harrods facing breaches.
“We’ve seen firsthand the disruption caused by cyber-attacks on major British companies, hitting their bottom line and putting jobs at risk. The government stands ready to help, but cyber security is an issue that demands leadership both from chief executives and right across the boardroom,” said Tech Secretary Liz Kendall.
“It’s in that vein I am calling on them to take immediate action. We need companies to make sure they are better protected and better able to recover quickly if the worst happens.”
The letter comes as the National Cyber Security Centre (NSCS) in its annual review revealed that the number of attacks the agency has dealt with in the three most serious categories in the 12 months to August 2025 has more than doubled from the previous year, reaching 204.
Security Minister Dan Jarvis will speak to business and cyber experts on Tuesday in a call to action at the launch of the NCSC’s annual review launch.
“Cyber crime is a serious threat to the security of our economy, businesses, and people’s livelihoods. While we work round the clock to counter threats and provide support to businesses of all sizes – we cannot do it alone,” said Jarvis.
“We’re working with business leaders to ensure they recognise the scale of the threat and make cyber security a top priority.”
As part of government efforts to get cybersecurity under control, the NCSC has launched a Cyber Action Toolkit aimed at small businesses and sole traders to ensure basic levels of security are met.
“The best way to defend against these attacks is for organisations to make themselves as hard a target as possible,” said Dr Richard Horne, chief executive of the NCSC.
“That demands urgency from every business leader: hesitation is a vulnerability, and the future of their business depends on the action they take today. The time to act is now.”
Read more: UKRI sees 600% rise in cyber-attacks in 2025
