By Jamieson Lee Hill, 9th October 2025

The Microsoft Digital Defense report in 2024 reported that:

• Every single day, over 600 million cyberattacks take place worldwide within the Microsoft ecosystem. 
• That means nearly 54 people fall victim every second. 
• One in four UK businesses has been the ‘victim of a cyberattack’ in the last year The Guardian reported on June 30th, 2025.

These numbers highlight the urgent need for businesses to strengthen their digital defences.  In this article, we explore 7 types of cyber attacks, 3 big firms affected by cyber attacks in the UK in 2025 and how IP House London can protect your business from online gangs. 

The Seven Cyber Threats Every Business Needs To Know

There are 7 main areas of cybersecurity threats. Each requires its own specialist tools and constant monitoring. 

• Human Error and Insider Risks
• Smarter Phishing and Social Engineering
• Ransomware Extortion
• Weak Spots in the Internet of Things (IoT)
• Cloud Misconfigurations and Data Leaks
• AI-Driven Attacks
• State-Backed Espionage

Human Error and Insider Risks

Sometimes employees accidentally or deliberately expose sensitive data. This can happen through lost laptops, careless password sharing, or disgruntled staff with access to important information. 

To reduce this risk, businesses employ robust access controls, which include methods such as passwords and permissions that limit who can view or access information. They also conduct user monitoring, which involves observing user behaviour to identify risky activities and foster a culture of security awareness.

Smarter Phishing and Social Engineering

Phishing emails are fake messages designed to trick people into giving away personal information or clicking on harmful links. Social engineering refers to tricks criminals use to manipulate people into revealing secrets or letting them into secure places, often by pretending to be someone trustworthy. 

Criminals now use personal information and artificial intelligence to create more convincing phishing messages. To defend against this, organisations provide regular cybersecurity awareness training. They also use advanced filtering tools: software programs that automatically block or flag suspicious emails and content.

Ransomware Extortion

Ransomware is malicious software that locks an organisation’s data and demands payment to unlock it. When this happens, businesses suffer financially but also face system downtime, damage to their reputation, and possible legal penalties. To protect themselves, businesses make frequent backups, have recovery plans ready to restore systems quickly and network monitoring.

Weak Spots in the Internet of Things (IoT)

The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to everyday objects like smart cameras and sensors that connect to the internet to collect or share data. Many IoT devices are made with convenience in mind rather than security. 

When these devices are not updated with the latest security fixes, they can become easy entry points for hackers. To prevent this, businesses manage their devices carefully, keep them updated, and use segmentation. Segmentation means dividing the network into smaller parts so problems in one area do not spread to others.

Cloud Misconfigurations and Data Leaks

Many companies store data and run applications on cloud platforms. Sometimes misconfigurations leave sensitive data exposed.  For example, storage buckets, containers in the cloud where files are kept, can be left unsecured. 

To keep data safe, companies perform cloud security audits. Strong identity management systems ensure that only the right people have access.

AI-Driven Attacks

AI helps cybercriminals create faster, smarter attacks, very convincing phishing messages and automatically search networks for weaknesses. AI can also help malware avoid detection by security tools. 

Businesses can also use AI to defend their systems with threat detection, spotting signs of attacks early on and automated response systems.

State-Backed Espionage

State-backed espionage targets valuable secrets like intellectual property, government contractors, and essential infrastructure. They are highly sophisticated and aim not only to steal information but also to disrupt and destabilise organisations. To combat this, businesses build resilience by sharing threat intelligence, i.e exchanging information about cyber threats with other organisations, and applying strong network segmentation

Cyberattack on your Business: Not if, When

The reality is that cybercriminals are relentless. They exploit weaknesses in networks, cloud environments, and even personal devices. For businesses handling sensitive financial data, customer information, or intellectual property, one successful breach can result in devastating losses. The question is not if your business will be targeted, but when. That’s why more and more companies are turning to colocation data centres like IP House as their frontline defence against cyber attacks.

UK Businesses “Sleepwalking” Into Cyber Risk

“More than one in four UK businesses have been the victim of a cyber-attack in the last year and many more risk ‘sleepwalking' into such disruption unless they take urgent action, according to a report.”

Source: The Guardian, June 2025. 

A report in June 2025 by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) revealed that more than one in four UK businesses (27%) suffered a cyber-attack in the past year. 

This was a 16% increase in 2024. The report highlights growing concern that many organisations are “sleepwalking” into disruption. A startling 73% of business leaders expect a cyber incident to hit them within the next two years. 

RICS warned that as buildings become increasingly digitalised, i.e. relying on smart systems, IoT devices, CCTV networks and outdated operating systems such as Windows 7, they create new vulnerabilities for attackers to exploit. 

Equally, with AI speeding up the sophistication of threats, the report urges businesses to take urgent action. Companies need to secure critical infrastructure, protect sensitive data, and avoid costly downtime.

Three Major UK Cyberattacks in 2025

1. Marks & Spencer 25th April to 10th June 2025: Ransomware / Data Breach / Operational Disruption

Losses - £300m

Marks & Spencer was forced to suspend online orders for nearly seven weeks after a major attack in April, losing significant sales to rivals. M&S confirmed that the cyberattack exposed some customer data (names, emails, birthdates, addresses) and disrupted major parts of their operations. It particularly affected online orders, click-and-collect, and automated stock systems. Reuters reported in May that,

“A "highly sophisticated and targeted" cyberattack will cost Marks & Spencer about 300 million pounds ($403 million) in lost operating profit, and disruption to online services..”

Source: Reuters, May 2025 

Four individuals were arrested in connection with a broader attack spree (affecting M&S, Co-op, Harrods) tied to the Scattered Spider group and DragonForce ransomware syndicate, according to The Hacker News.

2. Co-op (UK) April 2025:  Ransomware / Data Theft / Business Disruption

Losses: Co-op £206m revenue / £80m op profit

In April 2025, the Co-op supermarket chain also suffered a cyberattack. It forced system outages, disrupted supply and inventory systems, and led to reputational and financial damage. The financial impact was severe. The Financial Times reported that,

“The attack cut £206 million from revenue and inflicted an £80 million drop in operating profit.”

Source,  Financial Times, Sept 2025

All 6.5 million members of the Co-op had personal data exposed (though financial details were not confirmed to be compromised.

3. Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) 31st Aug 2025: Supply Chain / Production Disruption

In 2025, JLR was hit with a cyberattack that was attributed to the Scattered / Lapsus-style groups, i.e. cybercrime gangs that have formed alliances. 

This particular cyberattack forced the company to suspend production lines, causing major supply chain knock-on effects. Some analyses suggest the same threat actors behind the attacks on M&S and Co-op may also have been involved. The UK Automotive Union Unite said that thousands of workers’ jobs were at risk because of cyberattacks.

"Many UK workers in small and medium automotive manufacturers are already facing insecurity because of the low volume crisis in the sector. Thousands of these workers in the JLR supply chain now find their jobs are under an immediate threat because of the cyberattack.”

Source: Insider Media Ltd, Sept 2025

Why Cyberattacks Are Harder to Stop Alone

For an in-house IT team, keeping up with 24/7 threats can be overwhelming, especially when budgets are tight. Partnering with a colocation data centre like IP House London is the perfect solution. 

Instead of relying solely on internal systems, businesses place their servers in a secure, enterprise-grade data centre designed to resist cyberattacks from the ground up.

How IP House Counters the 7 Types of Cyber Attacks

IP House provides your business with a fully integrated layer of physical and digital defence.

1. Human Error and Insider Risk
   People sometimes click the wrong link or use a weak password, and a few may misuse their access. IP House keeps access minimal with multi-factor sign-in on key systems and strict room and rack controls. Activity logs and real-time alerts show who did what, and when roles change or people leave, we remove access at once.
   
   
2. Phishing and Social Engineering
   Trick emails and look-alike sites aim to steal credentials or deliver malware. We put identity checks at the network edge with single sign-on and multi-factor, filter risky links and files, and watch for strange login patterns. Short refreshers help teams spot the bait before it bites.
   
   
3. Ransomware Extortion
   Ransomware seeks to freeze data and stop work. IP Houses keep backups that no one can change, plus an offline copy, and we test restores often. Segmented networks and endpoint sensors slow and isolate threats, while we can switch services to clean systems to cut downtime.
   
   
4. Internet of Things Weak Spots
   Cameras, sensors, and controllers are useful but often underpatched. IP House places these devices on dedicated network segments, allows only the traffic they need, and blocks direct internet where possible. A clear firmware schedule and continuous monitoring catch issues early, so faults do not spread.
   
   
5. Cloud Misconfiguration and Data Leaks
   Small setup errors can expose large stores of data. IP House runs regular configuration checks, encrypts data in transit and at rest, and protects keys with strict rotation. Private links connect the data centre to major clouds, and least privilege keeps rights small and safe.
   
   
6. AI-Driven Attacks
   Attackers now use AI to craft better lures and to scan for weak spots at speed. IP House answers with learning based anomaly alerts, safe sandboxes for new files and links, and sensible rate limits to stop mass scraping. Admin tools sit behind strong identity checks.
   
   
7. State-Backed Espionage
   Well-funded threat actors move slowly and quietly through supply chains. IP House applies zero-trust ideas, breaking the network into small parts and asking for proof at each step. Around-the-clock monitoring with live threat intel, long log retention, and strict change control support a fast and careful response.

Why Choose IP House to Protect Your Business?

IP House ensures that your systems are not only protected but also optimised for performance. Your company can enjoy the benefits of:

• Physical Security: Biometric access, CCTV, and 24/7 monitoring ensure that only authorised personnel can access your infrastructure.
  
  
• Redundant Connectivity: Multiple high-speed connections reduce downtime and mitigate DDoS attacks.
  
  
• Advanced Firewalls & Intrusion Detection: Constantly scanning for suspicious activity, blocking threats before they breach your systems.
  
  
• Disaster Recovery & Backup: Even in the event of an attack, your business continuity is protected through backup strategies and rapid failover options.
  
  
• Compliance Ready: Hosting in a secure colocation centre helps businesses meet stringent compliance requirements in industries like FinTech, Healthcare, and Education.
  
  
• Central Location: Located in London’s strategic digital hub, IP House offers ultra-low latency connectivity.
  
  
• Tier III: Our Tier III facility provides industry-leading resilience, guaranteeing uptime and reliability.
  
  
• Expert engineers: our team is available 24/7, providing proactive monitoring and hands-on support.

IP House London keeps your business data safe, compliant, and always accessible.

Protect your Business from Cybercrime

With 600 million cyberattacks happening daily, relying on in-house servers or unsecured cloud solutions is a risk you can’t afford. Colocation at IP House offers a safer, smarter path forward.

Stay one step ahead of cybercriminals with IP House London. Contact Us today! Fill out the form below.

SOURCES

1 https://cypfer.com/what-are-the-6-types-of-cyber-security

2.https://explodingtopics.com/blog/cybersecurity-stats#:~:text=There%20are%20600%20million%20cyberattacks,a%20ransomware%20attack%20this%20year.

3. https://telappliant.com/blog/top-cyber-attacks-facing-uk-2025/

4. https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/jun/30/uk-businesses-hit-by-cyber-attack-last-year-report

5. https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/britains-ms-says-cyberattack-cost-400-million-2025-05-21/

6. https://www.insidermedia.com/news/national/jlr-ms-and-co-op-what-is-the-driver-behind-the-cyberattacks?utm_

7. https://www.ft.com/content/82d4d4f8-1671-4830-9949-75304cf10e07?utm_source=chatgpt.com

8. https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/sep/25/co-op-says-malicious-cyber-attack-has-hit-profits-by-80m?utm_

9. https://thehackernews.com/2025/07/four-arrested-in-440m-cyber-attack-on.html

10.https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/security-insider/threat-landscape/microsoft-digital-defense-report-2024