UK small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are being urged to bolster their cyber defences amid a growing wave of politically motivated attacks, as global tensions and conflicts intensify the threat landscape.
The warning comes after a recent Sky News investigation revealed an increase in cyberattacks linked to the Iran conflict, with businesses across multiple sectors increasingly being targeted. Speaking at the NATO Summit this week, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called on UK companies of all sizes to “take immediate steps to review and strengthen their defences.”
Clinton Groome, CEO of IT services and cybersecurity provider Espria, said the call to action may have come too late for some, warning that businesses can no longer afford to wait for official government alerts before taking proactive steps.
“As tensions spread globally, threat actors will continue to exploit digital vulnerabilities — and neutral businesses make for low-risk, high-impact targets,” Groome said. “This latest warning reinforces the urgency of the threat, but it also highlights a gap in the UK’s cyber readiness. Cybersecurity isn’t just about systems — it’s about people, too.”
Human error still the biggest risk
While companies often focus on technological upgrades, Groome emphasised the importance of addressing the human factor — frequently the weakest link in the security chain. He cited research from BT showing that 39% of UK SMEs — around 2 million businesses — have yet to arrange cybersecurity training for staff.
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