Could Your Business Back from a Cyber Attack?
Cyber threats aren’t just IT’s problem anymore – they’re one of the biggest risks facing UK businesses today and that’s ahead of fire, flood and theft!
You only have to glance at recent headlines. M&S, Harrods and Co-op – they are all big names that have faced big breaches and even bigger consequences, and this is despite the significant amounts of money they spend supporting and enhancing their networks. If it can happen to them, with all their resources, it’s no surprise that smaller businesses are feeling exposed too.
According to the Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2025, 43% of UK businesses and 30% of charities reported experiencing a cyber breach or attack in the past 12 months. That’s around 612,000 businesses and 61,000 charities affected in just one year.
And while that’s a drop from 2024 (which saw 50% of businesses hit), the high volume shows that cyber threats are still very real, very present and potentially very expensive.
In fact, Aviva (2023) reports that “businesses are 67% more likely to have experience a cyber incident than a physical theft and almost five times as likely to have experienced a cyber attack as a fire.”
A report published by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) also warned that emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) are expected to make cyber-attacks more effective and efficient, leading to increased frequency and intensity.
So, what actually happens when things go wrong? And how can you protect yourself?
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What Happens When a Cyber Attack Happens?
Imagine logging into your system first thing in the morning only to find your screen locked. A message flashes up demanding payment, your data has been encrypted, and you can’t access a single file. Phones are ringing, customers are waiting, and everything grinds to a halt.
This is the reality of a cyber-attack.
The immediate costs can be devastating, especially in instances such as lost income from business interruption, emergency IT support, legal fees and regulatory fines. But, the indirect damage, such as reputational harm and lost customer trust, can hit just as hard.
For many small and medium-sized businesses, one serious breach is enough to shut the doors for good.
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So, What is Cyber Insurance?
Even with antivirus software, strong passwords and two-factor authentication, some attacks can still break through – cyber insurance is your safety net when those measures don’t hold up (McAfee, 2025).
According to the Association of British Insurers (ABI), cyber insurance can cover the financial losses relating to data breaches and IT system failures. That includes first-party losses (like stolen funds or damaged data) and third-party liabilities (like legal claims from affected customers).
Put simply, if you get your cyber insurance right it can help you recover – financially, legally and operationally – after an attack.
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What Cyber Insurance Can Cover
A good cyber insurance policy can offer comprehensive protection. As highlighted by the ABI in their Cyber Insurance blog, here’s what is typically included a cyber insurance policy:
- Pre-incident support: Help with risk assessments, staff training and system testing to reduce the chance of an incident in the first place.
- Security & privacy breach costs: Legal advice, IT forensics, PR support and notification of affected individuals (which is required under UK GDPR rules).
- Post-incident support: 24/7 access to specialists who help contain and recover from an attack.
- Cyber extortion: Cover for ransomware payments and negotiation support if your business is held hostage.
- Damage to digital assets: Repairment or replacement of compromised software, systems or files.
- Business interruption: Compensation for lost income while your systems are down.
- Liability costs: Covers legal claims and compensation owed to customers, clients or suppliers affected by the breach.
- Cyber crime: It can cover the money stolen/defrauded if the crime extension is selected.
Policies can be tailored to suit different types of businesses in a variety of industries – what a manufacturing organisation needs might look different to what’s appropriate for a financial services business.
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Support from Prosura
Cyber threats aren’t one-size-fits-all, and neither is the advice we give here at Prosura.
Whether you’re running a local small business, scaling up or are a multinational organisation, our team helps you to:
- Understand your specific cyber risks,
- Choose insurance that fits your business and your budget,
- Make sense of the small print, so you know what’s covered and what’s not; and
- Access expert help if the worst happens, from first response to full recovery.
Jon Newall, Managing Director at Prosura, comments:
“When big brands like M&S and Harrods are making headlines for breaches, it shows just how serious this is. But it’s not about panicking, it’s about the planning.
“Ensuring you’ve got the right cover in place means that your business can bounce back without missing a beat.”
Our team take the time to get to know your business and offer clear, practical advice that helps you feel confident and protected.
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Three Things You Can Do Today
Do you want to get ahead of the risk?
Here’s what you can do straight away:
- Check to see if you have cyber protection.
- Picture the worst-case scenario – if your systems went down tomorrow, what would that look like? How long could you operate without access to data or systems?
- Speak to our team – whether you’ve got questions or want a second opinion on your cover, we’re here for a chat – no jargon, no pressure.
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How Prosura Can Help
We are here to support you, whether you’re already a Prosura client or not. If you’re unsure about cyber threats, insurance or just want to know your options, we’re always on hand.
We’re not just about policies – we’re about people and we want your business to feel protected, informed and confident in the face of risk.
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Let’s Talk
Find out more about our extensive range of products here and speak to the team for support with all of your insurance needs, we protect your most valuable assets.
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About Prosura
Prosura is a business and lifestyle insurance broker that simplifies the complexities of insurance.
Prosura is more than just an insurance broker. Firstly, they are an experienced team. Secondly, they combine the highest levels of customer service and advice with finding the right, cost effective policy. Ultimately, they protect your most valuable assets.
Operating locally and throughout the UK, Prosura supports businesses of all sizes and sectors including manufacturing, distribution, property, and leisure and hospitality.
Most importantly Prosura tailors its offering to meet both business and personal needs. In addition, to provide further value for its customers, Prosura also includes its free ‘lawyer in a box’, a digital legal service for customers.
The Prosura team is based in Wakefield.
Check out the latest news on the Prosura news page.