Recent findings from Co-Space have revealed a staggering reality: nearly half of businesses in the UK have fallen victim to cyber attacks in the past year. Specifically, 43% of businesses reported experiencing some form of security breach within the last 12 months. This translates to over 612,000 businesses across the UK, highlighting a critical and growing issue in the country’s cybersecurity landscape.
A significant driver of this alarming trend is the widespread adoption of remote and hybrid work models. As more employees work from home or in flexible environments, businesses are seeing an increased risk of cyber threats. Staff are often required to share networks and computing resources, inadvertently creating more vulnerabilities for cybercriminals to exploit. This shift in working habits has opened doors for hackers, as many workers may not follow the same strict security protocols as they would in a controlled office environment.
Ironically, this surge in cyber-attacks comes at a precarious time. Microsoft’s decision to withdraw support for Windows 10 users at the end of October 2025 could have serious implications. With an estimated 21 million British users relying on Windows 10, this withdrawal of support may leave countless businesses and individuals exposed to a heightened risk of cyber threats. Without regular updates and patches from Microsoft, vulnerabilities in the operating system could be exploited, making users easy targets for cybercriminals.
In addition to external threats, businesses are also increasingly concerned about the risk of insider threats. These threats can come from disgruntled employees or former staff who now work for competing firms. In some cases, companies may even offer these insiders substantial financial incentives — sometimes double their previous salary — to leak sensitive information or exploit network vulnerabilities. This trend is becoming more prevalent, as the competition for critical business intelligence intensifies.
Certain sectors have been hit particularly hard by cyber attacks. Information and communications businesses, along with those in professional services and science, are among the most targeted. Healthcare has also emerged as a prime target for hackers, with cybercriminals increasingly looking to exploit sensitive patient data and disrupt healthcare services.
As the digital landscape becomes more complex, these findings underscore the urgent need for businesses across the UK to strengthen their cybersecurity measures. Whether through adopting better security protocols for remote work, upgrading outdated software, or addressing the growing threat of insider risks, businesses must take proactive steps to safeguard themselves in an increasingly hostile digital environment.
Join our LinkedIn group Information Security Community!
