38% of small UK businesses spent nothing on cybersecurity in 2017
38% of 10 UK businesses spent nothing on cybersecurity this financial year, while 45% believe they do not require protection, according to a survey of 1,009 small business decision makers by Duo Security and YouGov. The study also revealed that 36% could not afford to effectively protect their businesses from cyber threats, putting them below the security poverty line. Analysts said more needed to be done to raise awareness of government initiatives, such as Cyber Risk Aware and Cyber Essentials.

The Government has surveyed UK businesses to find out they approach cyber security and help them learn more about the cyber security issues faced by industry. The research informs Government policy on cyber security and how Government works with industry to make Britain one of the most secure places to do business online.

Released

19 April 2017

Period covered

Respondents were asked about their approach to cyber security and any breaches or attacks over the 12 months before the interview. Main survey interviews took place between 24 October 2016 and 11 January 2017. Qualitative follow up interviews took place in January and February 2017.

Geographic coverage

UK

Further Information

The survey is part of the Government’s National Cyber Security Programme.

Cyber security guidance and information for businesses, including details of free training and support, can be found on the National Cyber Security Centre website and GOV.UK at: www.ncsc.gov.uk/guidance and www.gov.uk.

The survey was carried out by Ipsos MORI and its partner, the Institute of Criminal Justice Studies (ICJS) at the University of Portsmouth.

The UK Statistics Authority

This release is published in accordance with the Code of Practice for Official Statistics (2009), as produced by the UK Statistics Authority. The UKSA has the overall objective of promoting and safeguarding the production and publication of official statistics that serve the public good. It monitors and reports on all official statistics, and promotes good practice in this area.

Pre-release access

The document above contains a list of ministers and officials who have received privileged early access to this release. In line with best practice, the list has been kept to a minimum and those given access for briefing purposes had a maximum of 24 hours.

The responsible statistician for this release is Olivia Christophersen. For any queries please contact 020 7211 2377 or evidence@culture.gov.uk.