UK Cyber Attacks Hold Steady as AI Threats Grow

More than two-fifths of British businesses suffered a cyber breach or attack in the past 12 months, according to a new government survey.

The figure for 2025/26 stands at 43 percent, unchanged from the previous year, representing about 612,000 businesses. Phishing attacks remained the most common, affecting 38 percent of firms.

While the rate is down from 50 percent in 2023/24, Britain’s cyber security minister is urging business leaders to act now, warning that artificial intelligence is making the threat more acute.

The head of the UK’s cyber security agency recently cautioned about a potential rise in state-linked cyber attacks. Ministers have also sent an open letter to businesses highlighting AI-related cyber risks.