Running a business in the UK involves many things, but keeping a firm grip on online security is one of the most crucial. IT systems form the foundation that the vast majority of firms operate from and are integral to workflows.
These online systems and networks face a constant threat from online criminals. As a result, it’s vital to keep out hackers through robust cybercrime defences. This is something that all UK companies need to focus on in 2025 and is a constant feature in the latest cyber security news.
This is thrown into stark relief when the real-world impact of cybercrime is considered. But what are the most common online attacks that businesses need to stay protected from, and what is the impact of cybercrime for firms?
What are the most common cyber threats for businesses to guard against?
The simple truth is that businesses across the country face a growing number of cyber security threats in 2025, and this is only going to expand as we move forward. It’s therefore essential for businesses to beef up their cyber threat response.
The most commonly seen cyber threats right now include:
- Malware
- Ransomware
- Phishing
- Internal security issues
- DDoS attacks
- Spoofing
All of the most common cyber security threats pose real dangers to firms and can have a disastrous effect on them. This sees more companies than ever rushing to boost their online defences to stay safe from them.
What impact do cyber security threats have on businesses in 2025?
The impacts of cyber security attacks on business are very real and varied in 2025.
The most obvious is the economic impact that any online security breaches have on an organisation. This begins with the initial cost of the cyber-attack, which can cause businesses to reduce/stop their operations while key IT systems are down.
It may also see online criminals access business systems to steal money and financial information/details. The costs involved with cybercrime carry on after the attack and see businesses spending money to deal with the breach.
How else do online security attacks impact businesses?
Cyber security threats have a very real impact on a business’s reputation with customers, partners and stakeholders.
Even though the firm in question might not have done anything wrong in terms of stopping the attack, any breach can erode the trust that people have in them. The net effect of this can be customers who don’t feel confident in dealing with them and a lower standing with peers within their industry.
The last major impact of cybercrime for UK organisations is the potential legal costs. Legal costs come into play if it’s found that a business didn’t do all it could stay in line with the latest cyber security compliance regulations. If this is proved, then hefty fines could be imposed.
How can businesses beef up their cyber security defences?
The negative impacts of online attacks make it vital to plug any gaps in corporate cyber defences. This is so pressing that many companies are investing considerable resources to stay safe.
The most important areas to focus on are:
- Antivirus software
- Firewalls on networks
- Proactive monitoring of IT systems/networks
- Employee training on cyber threats
- Full compliance with relevant data privacy/cyber security laws
- Staying on top of the latest cyber threats
- Using the latest AI tools for cyber security
Cybercrime: an evolving threat in 2025
Although online crime has been a problem for businesses across the country for a while now, it’s something that’s still evolving. The very real impact that this kind of activity has for businesses makes it vital to stay on top of cyber security and explains why so many companies are rushing to beef up their own online defences.
