Over 40% of UK firms suffered cyber attack last year, survey finds


Figurines with computers and smartphones are seen in front of the words "Cyber Attack" in this illustration taken, February 19, 2024. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration

LONDON, April 30 (Reuters) - ⁠More than two-fifths of British businesses ⁠suffered a cyber breach or attack ‌in the past 12 months, the same figure as for the previous year, according to a government survey ​published on Thursday.

Approximately 612,000 ⁠businesses reported at least ⁠one cyber breach or attack in 2025/26, the ⁠government's ‌Cyber Security Breaches Survey found.

• 43% of businesses reported a breach ⁠or attack in 2025/26, with the ​most common ‌breach or attack being phishing attacks, suffered ⁠by ​38% - both the same figures as for 2024/25

• There has been a decrease in prevalence ⁠among businesses since 2023/24, when ​50% experienced a breach or attack

• Britain's minister for cyber security urged business leaders to ⁠take action now, especially as AI is making the threat more acute.

• The head of Britain's cyber security agency warned last ​week of a potential rise ⁠in cyber attacks linked to hostile states. ​Ministers have also sent ‌an open letter to business ​warning about AI-related cyber threats.

(Reporting by Sam Tobin; Editing by Kirsten Donovan )

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