Financial services industry is most prepared

MPs call for war on technology crime

More than two-thirds of businesses have plans in place to deal with a cyber attack, a new survey has found.

The survey by QBE insurance shows 67% of businesses have heeded warnings to plan for an attack, up from 53% in 2012.

Results also show that 32% of UK companies still have no plan for either protecting themselves against or responding to a cyber attack - although this is an improvement from the 46% with no plan 12 months ago.

QBE European Operations director of casualty international and professional and financial lines David Harries said: “It is reassuring that there is growing awareness amongst UK businesses about cyber crime. I would urge all organisations to consider cyber insurance as soon as possible and for those with existing cover to check that they are comprehensively protected against all types of online crime and data breaches and no elements are omitted or excluded.”

Financial services industry have been shown to be the most prepared with 94% of survey respondents having a risk management plan in place while only 44% of respondents in the building and construction industry have a plan.