Is your business vulnerable to cyber security threats?

As cyber threats increase, the misconception that ‘it won’t happen to us,’ becomes more and more dangerous.

Armstrong Watson’s 2025 Family, Privately-Owned and Owner-Managed Business Survey has highlighted results that are both encouraging and concerning. Nearly 39% of respondents said they are not concerned about the threat of a cyber attack – either because they don’t think their business will be targeted or because they believe their current protection is sufficient.

No business too small to be targeted by cyber crime

Cybercrime is on the rise across the UK, and no business, regardless of size or location, is immune. In fact, cyber criminals are increasingly turning their attention to smaller businesses and individuals because they often lack the resources and investment to put into cyber security, lacking robust cyber defences of larger organisations and making them easier targets.

Government figures back this up: 43% of UK businesses and 30% of charities experienced a cyber security breach or attack in the past year. That’s nearly half of all businesses and proof that the threat is very real.

Armstrong Watson’s survey, which gathered responses from 858 businesses, asked: “How concerned are you about the threat of a cyber attack on your business?” While a majority (61%) of respondents expressed at least some level of concern, surprisingly, almost one in 10 said they believe their business is protected and not at risk.

In today’s digital world, complacency can be costly. Whether you’re running a farm shop, a local café, or a consultancy from your home office, it’s time to take cyber security seriously. The cost of protecting your business now, far outweighs the reputational and financial damage of a cyber attack, as household names such as M&S and Jaguar - will attest. Smaller firms have faced losses in the tens or hundreds of thousands, which is often enough to threaten their survival.

The impact of AI

Businesses now face unprecedented cyber security challenges driven by the adoption of AI and the widespread shift to hybrid work and cloud solutions. These technological advances have created new opportunities but have also introduced increasingly sophisticated threats, adding pressure on businesses to strengthen their defences.

Currently 17% of survey respondents use AI, 24% are considering its adoption and 54% said AI is not relevant to their business.

This suggests a growing interest in AI, but also a gap in awareness or understanding, particularly in sectors where its benefits may not yet be fully recognised. As AI becomes more embedded in business operations, it’s essential to consider the cyber risks that come with it, including data privacy, system vulnerabilities, and ethical use.

Protect your business

Prevention is better than cure and best security practice recommends an independent assessment of your existing IT security, highlighting any potential weaknesses or areas where your defences could be improved.

A Cyber Security Health Check will give you a clear, independent view of your current ability to protect against cyber threats, identifying potential vulnerabilities, assessing existing controls and help you prioritise for improvement.

Tailored cyber security solutions prevent costly surprises and reduce the need for reactive crisis management, giving you greater peace of mind.

If you’ve not yet taken steps to have an independent assessment of your cyber security, now is the time.