The latest Home Office Cyber Security Breach Survey 2025 reveals that 612,000 UK businesses have been hit by cyber breaches in the past year. Even more concerning, legal sector companies have seen a staggering 77% increase in attacks during the same period.
Sarah Knowles, a cybersecurity expert and co-founder of Shift Key Cyber, says firms must act now to mitigate long-term damage.
"AI-powered attacks and sophisticated phishing schemes are becoming increasingly common, creating a perfect storm for businesses lacking comprehensive cyber security standards,"
The IASME Cyber Assurance Standard is a framework specifically designed to combat these critical vulnerabilities. According to Knowles, the message from the latest Home Office data is crystal clear:
"Cyber resilience is no longer optional, it is essential for business survival—especially for those in the legal sector."
To illustrate the potential for catastrophe, Knowles cites a recent cyber-attack on M&S that resulted in a £300 million loss.
"This should have been a wake-up call to any business owner to review and introduce robust cyber security measures," she warned. "Companies looking to protect themselves from these evolving threats should look to certify to standards such as IASME Cyber Assurance."
The certification offers a practical and cost-effective method for small and medium-sized businesses to build and demonstrate strong security practices. Knowles highlights the numerous benefits of the standard:
"The IASME certification means businesses have a practical roadmap for developing cyber resilience…. The certification has a tiered, scalable model, which means it is tailored to suit both SMEs and medium-large businesses."
For more information on Cyber Assurance, contact the Briefed team on 0203 058 1444 or email us at hello@getbriefed.com