Cyber Crime – Are You Next?

Cyber Crime - Are You Next?

In 2025, 1 in 5 UK Adults Were Victims of Cyber Crime — Are you next?”

In the UK today, cybercrime presents a greater threat than burglary or traditional theft. With more of our lives online — banking, shopping, working and storing personal data — millions now face financial loss, identity theft and data breaches. At WTJ, we believe it’s vital to recognise this growing risk — and to make sure you know how cyber-insurance can help.

📊 Cyber Crime in the UK: The Facts

• According to the latest Cifas / Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA) report, UK consumers lost £11.4 billion to scams in the past 12 months. The average loss per victim was about £1,400. cifas.org.uk
• Surveys show about 20% of UK adults say they were targeted and had money stolen in the last year. cifas.org.uk+1
• On the business side, the most recent Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2025 (CSBS) estimates UK businesses experienced around 8.58 million cyber incidents (of all types) over the last 12 months. doc.ukdataservice.ac.uk+1
• The same survey shows that 20% of businesses — and 14% of charities — were victims of at least one cyber-crime in the past year. Office for National Statistics+1
• Among businesses that suffered a cybercrime (non-phishing), the average reported cost was around £990, rising to £1,970 when excluding those reporting zero cost. doc.ukdataservice.ac.uk

These figures paint a stark picture: cybercrime is widespread, costly, and affects both consumers and organisations across the UK.

💡 Cyber Risk Hits Everyone — Individuals and Businesses

Cyber criminals don’t discriminate. Their targets range from large firms and small businesses to charities — and from households to individual consumers. Scams, phishing, identity theft, ransomware, account takeover or fraud can affect anyone who uses online services, makes digital payments, or stores sensitive data.

For individuals, this might mean losing money from a bank account, falling victim to identity theft, or having personal data exposed. For businesses, consequences may include financial loss, disrupted operations, reputational damage, regulatory liability or data-loss recovery costs.

Because cyber incidents are often silent and invisible — unlike a burglary — many people underestimate how likely they are to be affected.

🔐 What Cyber-Insurance Can Do for You

Just as home or contents insurance protects your property, cyber-insurance is designed to safeguard your digital life, assets, and reputation online. Here at WTJ we have can offer:

• Business cyber policies — for companies, charities or other organisations
• Personal cyber policies — for individuals and households

Typical coverage can include:

• Data breach response & recovery — covering forensic investigations, data restoration, legal or regulatory response, notification costs.
• Cyber fraud and theft — unauthorised fund transfers, identity theft or other fraud after phishing or hacking.
• Ransomware / data extortion — costs related to ransom payments (where cover allows), recovery and restoration.
• Business interruption / loss of income — for organisations disrupted by cyber incidents.
• Legal & liability costs — defending claims, regulatory fines, or compensation demands if personal or customer data is exposed.
• Identity protection and personal fraud cover — for individuals whose data is compromised, including support with identity restoration.

Given the growing frequency and financial impact of cyber incidents in the UK, cyber-insurance provides an increasingly important safety net.

📌 What This Means for You

Cybercrime is no longer a remote threat — it is real, widespread, and expensive. At WTJ, we strongly encourage individuals, households, businesses and charities to consider cyber-insurance as part of their protection plan.

If you’d like to explore what a policy could look like for you — what’s covered, typical premiums, and how to tailor cover to your risk level — get in touch.

Article by David Woollin, WTJ.

To discuss our Cyber Crime Insurance solutions, please contact us on  on 01924 871111 or email insurance@wtj.co.uk or alternatively leave your details below and one of our staff will make contact with you.