The Prevalence of Cyber Attacks: Why Half of Businesses Are Still Targets

Cyber attacks continue to be an ever-constant danger. The 2024 Cyber Security Breaches Survey confirms this with stark data. 50% of UK businesses suffered cyber incidents in the past year. This isn’t just an unsettling statistic; it’s a wake-up call. Cybercriminals are persistent, innovative, and relentless, attacking organisations of all sizes. SMEs often believe they’re too small to be targeted, but these numbers prove otherwise.

Why Are Cyber Attacks So Common? Cyber attackers target businesses with varying strategies, from ransomware to data theft. Their tactics evolve constantly, exploiting unpatched vulnerabilities and user naivety. Phishing alone impacts over 80% of businesses annually, showcasing the weaknesses inherent in human error. Many organisations still run under outdated beliefs, trusting in basic security measures while attackers upgrade their playbooks daily.

The Cost of Inaction Cyber incidents don’t just result in a few hours of downtime or an annoying PR mishap. The financial toll can cripple a business. Reputational damage lingers long after restoring systems, leading to lost clients and missed opportunities. SMEs find this reality especially harsh, as recovery resources are often limited. Look at Carpet Right as an example

Cyber Essentials: A Practical Starting Point So, how do businesses push back? Start with Cyber Essentials, a government-backed certification that improves your organisation’s security posture. It’s not just a checklist; it’s a comprehensive approach that helps businesses protect themselves from 80% of common threats. Equate Group offers tailored Cyber Essentials services, guiding your business through certification and ensuring compliance with essential practices.

Why Choose Equate for Cyber Essentials? At Equate Group, we go beyond the basics. Our experts have decades of industry experience and know the ins and outs of cybersecurity. We help you assess risks, implement proactive measures, and achieve certification seamlessly. Protecting your business means more than ticking a compliance box; it’s about embedding security into your operations.

Next Steps Don’t wait for an incident to make cybersecurity a priority. Equip your business with the tools and strategies needed to defend against threats. Invest in Cyber Essentials certification through Equate Group and transform your approach to cybersecurity from reactive to proactive.

Contact us to start your Cyber Essentials journey today. Make sure your business isn’t just another statistic in next year’s survey.