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UK Firms Face Rising Cyberwarfare Threat
18 Mar
Summary
- 54% of UK businesses suffered state-sponsored attacks last year.
- IT leaders see GenAI escalating cyberwarfare risks significantly.
- Many firms lack expertise and budget for AI defenses.
In 2025, a record number of UK businesses experienced state-sponsored cyberattacks, with 54% reporting incidents. This marks a significant increase from the previous year, highlighting a growing threat landscape. IT leaders worldwide are increasingly concerned about the escalating risks associated with cyberwarfare, particularly as Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) becomes a more accessible tool for malicious actors.
The majority of IT decision-makers surveyed perceive the current global political climate as a major driver for increased state-backed cyberattacks. This heightened geopolitical tension has led to widespread apprehension, with a significant percentage of leaders worried about the potential consequences of an all-out cyber-war and its impact on critical infrastructure.
Furthermore, the rapid advancement of AI is viewed with trepidation. While AI can bolster defenses, many organizations struggle to adopt these new technologies. A substantial number of businesses report a lack of both the technical expertise and sufficient budget required to effectively implement and manage AI-powered security solutions, leaving them inadequately prepared for the evolving threat.
