UK SMEs 'unmindful of risks posed by cyber-attacks', poll suggests

14 Dec 2018

A poll commissioned by insurance firm Aon has suggested that UK small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are 'unmindful of the risks' that cyber-attacks and data breaches pose to their business.

The poll found that eight out of ten small firms don't regard cyber-attacks or data breaches to be significant risks to their business.

Earlier this year, a survey carried out by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) revealed that almost half of UK firms fell victim to a cyber-attack or data breach in 2017. 66% of SMEs were affected by a loss of data, according to the survey.

Aon's poll also revealed that 31% of SMEs don't currently insure against cyber and data risks. An additional 68% were unaware that data breaches must be reported to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).

Commenting on the poll, Chris Mallett, Broking Manager at Aon, said: 'What's more, it revealed one in three don't see personal information stolen as a result of a cyber-attack or fraud as a data breach.'

'There is a lot of misunderstanding of risks, and still a worry among SMEs that it must be complicated,' said Dr Emma Philpott, Founder of the UK Cyber Security Forum.

'It is not always about high end security. It's about having the basics in place to protect you from indiscriminate attacks. Educating staff takes time, but doesn't cost anything at all.'