The need to properly protect digital systems has never been higher, yet some end user organisations continue to believe that it will never happen to them and don’t invest enough in cybersecurity. Now that the financial impact of the infamous attack on Marks and Spencer has been revealed, these businesses will need to think again.
► Profits and reputation can take a hit from cyberattack
► Wake-up call for businesses of all sizes
One of the most surprising aspects of selling cybersecurity solutions is how many customers still want to simply ‘tick the box’ by taking the lowest-cost option. But the financial set-back suffered by M&S after it was hit by a cyberattack in spring 2025 should be a wake-up call for those firms.
The company had to spend close to £102 million rectifying the issue and its statutory profit before tax figure for the first half of 2025 was down 99%, from £391.9 million to just £3.4 million. This demonstrates that the impact is never only financial. It also brings any momentum that the business had built up at that time to a sudden stop and probably puts it back several steps.
While big household names like M&S and Jaguar Land Rover are more enticing targets for cyber attackers, SMBs can’t consider themselves immune. In the UK government’s Cyber security breaches survey 2025, published in June 2025, 35% of micro firms and 42% of small businesses identified attacks, with the figures for medium and large businesses being 67% and 74% respectively.
The message – once again – is clear; take professional advice from a trusted provider of cybersecurity solutions and get properly protected. For more information, partners can consult the TD SYNNEX Security Practice for advice and guidance.
Read our recent article; Helping partners grow in a competitive cybsersecurity market
