Major UK firms are failing to take cyber security seriously, according to a new survey from the UK Department for Business, Innovation & Skills.
The survey revealed that only 14% of FTSE 350-listed firms have been frequently considering cyber threats as part of their decision making, with a considerable number not getting any intelligence about cyber criminals, despite an increasingly high level of online crime.
A total of 62% of firms said their board members take cyber risks very seriously, while 60% are aware of their key information and data assets.
But Science Minister David Willetts said that the cyber crime threat faced by UK companies is increasing.
"Many are already taking this extremely seriously, but more still needs to be done," Willetts said. "We are working with businesses to encourage them to make cyber security a board-level responsibility."
As part of efforts to deal with cyber crime, the government has been working with industries to build an official ‘cyber standard’ to help implement good cyber practices among businesses.
Schedule to be launched early next year, the industry-backed standard will form part of the £860m cross-government National Cyber Security Programme.
"The cyber standard will promote excellence in tackling cyber risks, help businesses better understand how to protect themselves, and ultimately increase the nation’s collective cyber security," Willetts added.
