Cyber threats are becoming ever more sophisticated and with no sign of slowing down, the big question is, are UK SMBs equipped to deal with them? From AI -powered attacks, geopolitical tensions, ransomware and phishing the risks are overwhelming.
While cyber budgets are increasing, many businesses are still vulnerable to even the most common forms of attacks according to our latest research.
Download the ESET 2026 SMB Cyber Risk Report to discover the biggest security challenges facing UK SMBs, where businesses are investing and the practical steps every business can take to strengthen cyber resilience.
Based on research with 500 UK SMB cybersecurity decision-makers, our report uncovers:
The current state of cybersecurity across UK SMBs
The biggest threats businesses expect over the next 12 months
Why phishing, weak passwords and unpatched vulnerabilities continue to succeed
How AI is changing both cyberattacks and cyber defence
The impact of the cybersecurity skills shortage
Where businesses are increasing security investment
The growing role of cyber insurance and managed security services
Five practical actions every SMB can take to improve resilience
49%
of UK SMBs experienced a cyber incident in the last 12 months
81%
believe cyber warfare and global conflicts pose a real threat to their business
55%
expect their cybersecurity budgets to increase next year
86%
still don't outsource any part of their cybersecurity through MDR or managed security services
UK SMBs contribute £2.8 trillion to the private sector economy, making them an increasingly attractive target for cybercriminals.
Our research found that most successful attacks are still caused by preventable issues, including:
While new threats dominate the headlines, many businesses are still struggling with the fundamentals.
The report explores how UK SMBs are responding to:
You'll also discover how using employee awareness training, cloud security, managed detection and response (MDR) and cybersecurity partners will improve protection.
The report concludes with practical recommendations to help your business:
Strengthen cybersecurity fundamentals
Improve cyber awareness across your workforce
Prepare for AI-driven threats
Gain leadership buy-in for cyber resilience
Build 24/7 protection with managed security services
Learn how UK SMBs are adapting to today's evolving cyber threat landscape and what your business should do next.
This report is based on independent research commissioned by ESET and conducted by Go4Insight. The study surveyed 500 UK cybersecurity decision-makers from businesses with 25–1,000 endpoints during February 2026.
