UK cybersecurity under siege: why businesses must act now

Cybersecurity in the UK is facing a critical test. In the past few weeks alone, major retailers including Marks & Spencer (M&S) and the Co-op have been targeted by significant cyber-attacks, disrupting operations, frustrating customers, and prompting national concern.

In response, top government officials — including national security staff and the chief executive of the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) — have held urgent meetings to discuss how best to support affected retailers and prevent further attacks.

The scale and frequency of these breaches has elevated cybercrime to a matter of national importance but, despite this, we find that most businesses aren’t giving cybersecurity the attention it deserves.

Minister Pat McFadden, who holds responsibility for UK cybersecurity, issued a stark warning during a keynote speech in May:

“These attacks need to be a wake-up call for every UK business. In a world where the cybercriminals targeting us are relentless in their pursuit of profit — with attempts being made every hour of every day — companies must treat cyber security as an absolute priority.”

A Threat That’s Growing — and Evolving

These high-profile attacks are not isolated events. We have seen businesses of all sizes across the UK being probed and exploited by cybercriminals — many operating as organised, well-funded syndicates. According to recent data from the UK’s Cyber Security Breaches Survey, over half of all businesses have identified a cyberattack in the past 12 months. For many, these breaches result in financial loss, reputational damage, and operational disruption.

While larger corporations often have dedicated security teams and resources to recover, small to medium-sized businesses (SMEs) are particularly vulnerable — often lacking the tools, expertise, or capacity to deal with the growing threat landscape.

Cyber Resilience Is No Longer Optional

Cybersecurity is no longer just about installing antivirus software or firewalls. It requires a proactive, layered defence strategy — one that includes continuous monitoring, user training, secure backups, and rapid incident response.

That’s where we come in.

Cyber Protect by Forth Tech: Practical Protection and Peace of Mind

At Forth Tech, we have adopted a cyber security model that is proactive, continuous, and aligned to your business needs. Cyber Protect is a robust, all-in-one solution designed to defend against modern threats while supporting your compliance and operational goals.

Core services include:

• 24/7 Security Operations Centre
• Endpoint Device Management
• Email Defence
• Microsoft 365 Backup
• Password Manager
• Phishing Simulation & User Training

Cyber Protect is designed to suit all modern IT environments — whether your business operates in the cloud, on-premises, or a hybrid setup. This flexibility means you can implement robust cyber defences without needing to overhaul your existing infrastructure.

Most cybersecurity attacks occur as a result of human error so staff training to identify common cyber-crime tactics also forms an integral part of this package as well as guidance in achieving recommended certifications, such as Cyber Essentials.

Besides improving your own defences, these best-practice methods demonstrate your commitment to cybersecurity, increase trust amongst your clients and suppliers and help you attract new business.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

The recent attacks on M&S and Co-op show just how quickly cybercrime can cause real-world disruption — not just to businesses, but to their staff, customers, and communities. The UK government has called for urgent action, and businesses must respond.

Book a free 60-minute cyber security review today to asses your current protection and find out how Cyber Protect can help defend your business against today’s evolving threats.