Cyberattacks have inflicted a staggering £44 billion (€52.64 billion) in revenue losses on UK businesses over the past five years, according to a report by insurance broker Howden.
Over half (52%) of private sector companies reported experiencing at least one attack during this period, with the financial impact averaging 1.9% of annual revenue per business.
The report highlights that businesses with annual revenues exceeding £100 million are the most frequent targets, underscoring the vulnerabilities faced by larger enterprises. However, the findings also reveal significant opportunities for cost reduction. Howden estimates that companies could slash Cyberattack-related losses by up to 75%—equivalent to £30 billion—by adopting basic Cybersecurity measures more broadly.
Key vulnerabilities cited include compromised emails, accounting for 20% of incidents, and data theft, which comprised 18% of cases. Despite these risks, only 61% of businesses use antivirus software, and just 55% have implemented network firewalls.
Barriers to stronger Cybersecurity include cost constraints and a lack of internal IT expertise, leaving many companies exposed to potential threats.
The findings highlight a pressing need for Businesses to prioritize Cybersecurity measures to mitigate financial and operational risks in an increasingly digital economy.
