Atomik Research were commissioned by cyber security brand, Red Seal, to conduct PR research exploring the risk cyber-security breaches poses to UK businesses. The research looked specifically how many UK businesses have had a breach in the last year, the impact it has had and what steps their company takes when it comes to defending themselves against hacks of this type. To find out Atomik Research surveyed a specialist panel of 501 UK IT professionals at Director Level or above.
Key findings from the specialist PR research included:
- 68% of businesses have suffered at least one cyber security breach in the last 12 months (November 2017-November 2018)
- 67% resulted in the company suffering a financial loss
- 37% resulted in a loss of customer
- 43% resulted in damage to the business’ reputation
- 41% had to increase budget
- 1 in 4 had to hire a new hire a new IT manager to prevent future breaches
- 1 in 5 businesses does not have a cyber-incident plan in place
- 69% indicated that there was a period in which no proper security measures were even in place
- The main reason behind these improper measures was letting their security provider’s contract lapse (53%).
- 37% claimed it was because they didn’t have the budget in place to implement a plan
- 1/3 of cases was because the company management didn’t think it was important.
- 70% of IT professionals surveyed said that recent data breaches at Dixons Carphone ad British Airways had had an impact on how seriously their businesses take its cyber security measures.
- 2/3 felt that their CEO needs to pay more attention to the issue in 2019
- 31% also feel the Government doesn’t offer enough specific guidance on cyber security to UK businesses
The research was part of a wider campaign created in conjunction with our parent company, 4media group, which consisted of research and broadcast PR elements. The broadcast day was fronted by cyber security expert and author of the book Digital Resilience, and CEO of cyber security firm RedSeal, Ray Rothrock, who was able to talk about why the Government need to do more to help British businesses protect themselves against cybercrime.
The campaign achieved widespread media coverage, picking up interviews across national and regional media. Highlights included Sky News Radio, Jazz FM, London Live, BBC Radio Coventry and Warwickshire, BBC Radio Norfolk, LBC News and much more!
