Threat Intel

KnowBe4 Report Reveals UK Retail Sector on High Alert for Cyber Scams

The UK retail sector is experiencing a significant increase in cyber threats, with 99.6% of surveyed IT security professionals reporting heightened risks.
Helpdesk/IT support scams are a major concern, with 58% of respondents noting an increase in such attacks targeting frontline workers.
Retailers are responding by increasing investment in cybersecurity, with 72% reporting greater executive attention and 58% increasing security budgets.
Security awareness training is the top investment area, with 74% of retailers focusing on human-centric controls to mitigate risks.
Third-party suppliers are identified as a significant security gap, with 46% of respondents citing them as their biggest vulnerability.
While 91% of retailers have conducted audits and 96% have incident response plans, only 65% have tested these plans.
Ransomware is a major concern, with 71% of retailers having a dedicated budget for potential ransom payments.
Phishing, credential theft, and helpdesk scams are the most frequent and growing threats, highlighting the human dimension of cyber risk.
The recent breach at Marks & Spencer, traced back to a phished third-party vendor, underscores the importance of securing supply chains.
Effective cybersecurity requires more than just technical solutions; it necessitates cultural change, behavioral initiatives, and well-tested response plans.