UK Business Leaders Rank Cyber Breaches as Top Risk for 2026
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UK business leaders prioritize cyber breaches as their primary concern for 2026, with 58% identifying them as the top risk. Despite this, 75% doubt their ability to manage these risks effectively. The study also highlights concerns about compliance (37%), financial crime (30%), and reputational damage (25%). The upcoming Cyber Security and Resilience Bill will further emphasize the need for robust cybersecurity strategies. Additionally, many UK firms lack essential risk management practices, such as pre-hire screening (44%) and anonymous whistleblowing systems (48%).
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19.01.2026 11:56 1 articles · 23h ago
UK Business Leaders Identify Cyber Breaches as Top Risk for 2026
A study by Nardello & Co. reveals that 58% of UK business leaders rank cyber breaches as their top risk for 2026, with 75% doubting their ability to manage these risks. The report also highlights concerns about compliance, financial crime, and reputational damage. The upcoming Cyber Security and Resilience Bill will require risk-based cybersecurity strategies. Additionally, the report indicates a lack of essential risk management practices among UK firms.
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- Cyber Breaches, Compliance and Reputation Top UK Corporate Concerns — www.infosecurity-magazine.com — 19.01.2026 11:56
Information Snippets
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58% of UK business leaders rank cyber breaches as their top risk for 2026.
First reported: 19.01.2026 11:561 source, 1 articleShow sources
- Cyber Breaches, Compliance and Reputation Top UK Corporate Concerns — www.infosecurity-magazine.com — 19.01.2026 11:56
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75% of these leaders doubt their ability to manage cyber breaches effectively.
First reported: 19.01.2026 11:561 source, 1 articleShow sources
- Cyber Breaches, Compliance and Reputation Top UK Corporate Concerns — www.infosecurity-magazine.com — 19.01.2026 11:56
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20% of respondents reported suffering a breach in the past two years.
First reported: 19.01.2026 11:561 source, 1 articleShow sources
- Cyber Breaches, Compliance and Reputation Top UK Corporate Concerns — www.infosecurity-magazine.com — 19.01.2026 11:56
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Compliance concerns (37%) and financial crime (30%) are also significant risks.
First reported: 19.01.2026 11:561 source, 1 articleShow sources
- Cyber Breaches, Compliance and Reputation Top UK Corporate Concerns — www.infosecurity-magazine.com — 19.01.2026 11:56
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The UK’s Serious Fraud Office (SFO) gained new legal powers in September 2025 with the 'Failure to Prevent Fraud' offense.
First reported: 19.01.2026 11:561 source, 1 articleShow sources
- Cyber Breaches, Compliance and Reputation Top UK Corporate Concerns — www.infosecurity-magazine.com — 19.01.2026 11:56
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A joint anti-corruption enforcement taskforce was formed in March 2025 by the SFO, France’s Parquet National Financier, and Switzerland’s Office of the Attorney General.
First reported: 19.01.2026 11:561 source, 1 articleShow sources
- Cyber Breaches, Compliance and Reputation Top UK Corporate Concerns — www.infosecurity-magazine.com — 19.01.2026 11:56
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25% of business leaders cite reputational damage as a top concern, with 42% worried about the reputational impact of a data breach.
First reported: 19.01.2026 11:561 source, 1 articleShow sources
- Cyber Breaches, Compliance and Reputation Top UK Corporate Concerns — www.infosecurity-magazine.com — 19.01.2026 11:56
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Only 44% of UK firms conduct pre-hire screening, and 48% have an anonymous whistleblowing system.
First reported: 19.01.2026 11:561 source, 1 articleShow sources
- Cyber Breaches, Compliance and Reputation Top UK Corporate Concerns — www.infosecurity-magazine.com — 19.01.2026 11:56
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The Cyber Security and Resilience Bill will become law later in 2026, requiring risk-based cybersecurity strategies.
First reported: 19.01.2026 11:561 source, 1 articleShow sources
- Cyber Breaches, Compliance and Reputation Top UK Corporate Concerns — www.infosecurity-magazine.com — 19.01.2026 11:56