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UK small and medium-sized businesses
Trends
- 1
An estimated 612,000 UK companies were breached this year, with the proportion of firms suffering a cyberattack reaching 43%, according to figures circulating under a 2026 analysis. The number points to a sharp rise in cyber risk for British businesses of all sizes, with small and medium-sized firms likely hardest hit by ransomware, phishing and data theft. Security commentators are urging companies to treat breaches as a baseline expectation rather than an exception.
- 2
Security firm ESET is warning that 49% of UK small and medium-sized businesses are expected to experience a cyber breach, according to experts cited in the report. The warning highlights growing concern that smaller firms remain under-defended against rising cyberattacks, and is prompting calls for better investment in basic security measures across the UK's small business sector.
- 3ESET Reports 49% of UK Small Businesses Suffered Breaches●ESET: 49% of UK SMBs Breached, Experts Detail Fixes [2026]
Security firm ESET reports that 49% of UK small and medium-sized businesses have experienced a breach, with cybersecurity experts outlining measures companies can take to reduce risk. The findings point to persistent vulnerabilities among smaller firms, which often lack dedicated security teams. Commentators are urging SMBs to prioritise basic protections such as patching, staff training and multi-factor authentication.