30/04/2025
The UK government’s Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2025, published on April 10, 2025, offers a comprehensive overview of the cyber threat landscape affecting UK businesses, charities, and educational institutions. Conducted by Ipsos on behalf of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and the Home Office, the survey provides valuable data to inform government policy and help organisations strengthen their cyber resilience. Here are some key pieces of information to take away from the report, and ways that Getronics can help your cybersecurity needs.
Prevalence of cyber attacks
The survey reveals that cyber attacks remain a significant concern:
- 43% of businesses and 30% of charities reported experiencing a cyber security breach or attack in the past 12 months.
- Larger organisations are more likely to identify breaches or attacks than smaller ones.
Common types of attacks
Among organisations that identified breaches or attacks:
- Phishing was the most common type, reported by 84% of businesses and 83% of charities.
- Impersonation of the organisation or staff was reported by 35% of businesses and 37% of charities.
- Malware attacks, including viruses and spyware, were reported by 17% of businesses and 14% of charities.
Frequency and impact
The frequency of attacks is notable:
- Over half of attacked businesses and just under half of attacked charities experienced cyber attacks at least once a month or more frequently.
Financial implications
The financial impact of cyber breaches varies:
- The average cost of a breach for businesses over the last 12 months is around £4,200.
- For medium and large businesses, the cost escalates dramatically, underscoring the critical need for robust cyber security measures.
Organisational preparedness
The survey highlights areas where organisations can improve their cyber security posture:
- Only 35% of businesses and 33% of charities have a formal cyber security policy in place.
- Around 43% of businesses and 34% of charities are insured against cyber risks, indicating that over half remain uninsured.
Government initiatives
To combat the rising tide of cyber threats, the UK government has introduced several initiatives aimed at bolstering cyber security resilience
- The Cyber Essentials scheme provides organisations with a framework for implementing basic cyber security measures.
- Public awareness campaigns are ongoing to educate businesses and individuals about the importance of cyber security.
The 2025 Cyber Security Breaches Survey underscores the persistent threat of cyber attacks to UK organisations. While many have taken steps to improve their cyber hygiene, significant gaps remain in formal policies, insurance coverage, and incident response planning. Organisations are encouraged to assess their cyber security measures, invest in staff training, and consider government-backed schemes like Cyber Essentials to enhance their resilience against evolving cyber threats.
How can Getronics help?
At Getronics, we advocate for a better, more integrated approach to cybersecurity, in which security is embedded into the fabric of your organisation. From infrastructure and applications, to the design of your workplace, we aim to give you reassurance and peace of mind.
Our Security Operations Centre and Cyber Security Response Team has over 100 security experts, all of whom can help you meet regulations and compliance objectives.
If you would like to start a conversation around your cyber security needs, get in touch today and discover how Getronics can help.
For more detailed information, you can access the full survey report here: (Cyber security breaches survey: 2025 – GOV.UK)
