THE article reports that over 300 UK firms experienced ransomware attacks in the past year, with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) being the most affected. The City of London Police's data indicates that the number of reported incidents was around 26 per month, leading to financial losses averaging approximately £270,000 ($357,000). Notably, the manufacturing sector accounted for the highest number of breaches.
Experts emphasize the importance of proactive measures for organizations, such as regular data backups and adherence to cybersecurity guidelines, to mitigate these risks. There are ongoing discussions regarding mandatory reporting and a potential ban on ransom payments, but the actual figures are believed to be underreported due to non-disclosure by companies.