Parliamentary Search

Written question asked by Dan Jarvis (Labour) on Thursday, 19 October 2023, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 24 October 2023 (named day). It was answered by George Freeman (Conservative) on Wednesday, 25 October 2023 on behalf of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.

Cybercrime: Small Businesses

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what recent assessment she has made with Cabinet colleagues on the potential vulnerability of SMEs to cyber-attacks.

Answer

The 2023 Cyber Security Breaches Survey shows 32% of small businesses and 31% of micro businesses identified having suffered a cyber breach or attack in the past 12 months. This is a decline on 2022, however we believe this may be due to smaller businesses deprioritising cyber security and being less likely to identify breaches and attacks, rather than a reduction in the threat.

Our strategy, working with other relevant Departments and Agencies, is therefore to make it as easy as possible for SMEs to be secure.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
203492
Session
2022-23
Transferred
Yes
Subjects
Cybercrime Small businesses
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk