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

By Thomson Reuters Apr 30, 2026 | 9:06 AM

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 )