The BBC recently reported that a UK company with a 158-year legacy was forced to shut down after falling victim to a ransomware attack. The trigger? A single weak password that allowed hackers in, disrupted operations and ultimately cost 700 jobs.
This incident isn’t just a cautionary tale—it’s a stark reality check for organisations of all sizes.
In recent months we’ve seen big names such as M&S, Co-op and Harrods suffering from cyber attacks. The scale is alarming: it’s been confirmed by the chief executive of Co-op that all 6.5 million of its members had had their data stolen.
According to the UK government’s cyber security survey, there were an estimated 19,000 ransomware attacks in the UK last year alone. Industry research puts the average ransom demand at around £4 million—a figure that could cripple many businesses. Suzanne Grimmer from the National Crime Agency (NCA) has warned that 2025 is shaping up to be the worst year on record for ransomware attacks in the UK, as incidents have nearly doubled over the past two years.
“We need organisations to take steps to secure their systems, to secure their businesses.” Richard Horne, CEO of National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC)
At Impact IT Solutions, we’ve seen first-hand how many businesses still underestimate the importance of basic cyber security hygiene, like strong password policies and multi-factor authentication (MFA). A single weak link in your defences can be all it takes for attackers to penetrate systems, encrypt data, and demand a ransom that threatens your company’s future.
But cybersecurity isn’t just about technology—it’s about culture, vigilance, and proactive strategy.
Contact us today to review your cybersecurity posture and protect your business.