The commercial insurer has extended its cyber helpline to the end of the year following its research findings
Nearly half (45%) of businesses have not taken any action to protect themselves from cyber attacks.
Meanwhile, more than three-quarters (79%) of the businesses that have taken no action with protection believe that because their firm is small, the threat of cyber attacks is lower.
This is according to NFU Mutual’s recent research. It found that despite the high number of businesses that have not taken measures to protect themselves, nearly half (47%) feel more vulnerable since working from home.
Under a quarter (21%) did not understand the protection that is available to their business.
Zoe Knight, commercial propositions manager at NFU Mutual, said: “It’s common for smaller businesses to assume their size makes them less of a target, but no business, regardless of size, is safe from cyber attack.
“With cyber threats growing in sophistication, we want to help businesses understand the dangers, as well as the protection measures available to them.”
NFU Mutual introduced a free cyber helpline in June, which gives advice to small businesses and small farm customers; off the back of this research, it has extended this service to the end of 2020 in a bid to support commercial business customers with increased exposure.
Changing landscape
Tom Spier, commercial director of global markets at CyberScout, said: “Home working has altered the cyber crime landscape. Through this service, NFU Mutual small business customers will be able to seek advice on adapting their security to meet the needs of the new normal.
“Throughout this pandemic, cyber criminals have been doing what they do best - exploiting individuals and businesses when they’re most vulnerable.”
CyberScout has partnered with NFU Mutual to provide the insurer’s small business policyholders with access to its team of cyber experts.
Meanwhile NFU Mutual’s research also revealed that 55% of businesses have employed at least one cyber security measure.
Less than a quarter (24%) had organised more than one mode of protection and 16% believed that their business’s IT supplier looks after their cyber security needs.
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