When Jaguar Land Rover hit the headlines recently after a cyber attack forced a halt in production, it was another high profile reminder that no business is immune from digital threats.

According to industry reports, the manufacturer had “failed to finalise a cyber insurance deal” before the attack struck, leaving the company to potentially face the costs alone.

Cyber crime has become one of the fastest-growing threats in the UK

Cyber criminals don’t just target household names,  they target businesses of all shapes and sizes.

Attacks can take many forms, including:

• Ransomware: Criminals lock your systems and demand payment to release them.
• Phishing: Fake emails trick staff into sharing sensitive data or transferring money.
• Malware: Malicious software designed to steal information or disrupt operations.
• Supply chain attacks: Criminals target your suppliers or partners to gain access to your business.

The impact can be devastating. Financial loss, data theft, business interruption and reputational harm that takes years to rebuild.

How Cyber Insurance can help

While robust IT security is essential, no system is 100% safe. Cyber insurance provides a vital safety net, giving you access to:

• Financial protection to cover the costs of recovery, data restoration, business interruption and legal expenses.
• Crisis response teams to help you deal with incidents quickly and minimise disruption.
• Reputational support such as PR specialists to help manage communications after a breach.
• Access to experts who can guide you on preventative measures to reduce the risk of future attacks.

It’s not just about paying claims, it’s about having the right support at the right time to get you back up and running as soon as possible.

Practical steps you can take now

Alongside insurance, there are simple, effective measures businesses can take to reduce their digital exposure:

• Train staff to spot phishing and suspicious activity.
• Keep systems and software updated.
• Back up data regularly and securely.
• Use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication.
• Test your response plan – plan and know what you would do if the worst happened.

Cyber crime isn’t a distant threat, it’s happening right now, to businesses like yours!

At GPS Insurance Brokers we work with specialist insurers to tailor cyber insurance policies that meet the specific needs of your business.

Whether you’re a small firm or a larger organisation we can help you strengthen your defences and protect what matters most. Call us today on 020 3907 7866 to find out more and obtain a quotation.