Traitors winner and former cyber expert Stephen Libby has joined forces with Samsung to warn that cyber threats could force one in five small UK businesses to close.
Small UK businesses could be sleepwalking into a cybersecurity catastrophe, with one in five acknowledging they’d be forced to shut up shop within three months following a data breach. A survey of 1,000 SME owners revealed they’re facing a combined estimated loss of up to £100,000 each year from unexpected security repairs and malware recovery costs.
Despite the dangers 58% connect to free public Wi-Fi, with 15% accessing confidential work documents using these networks. Everyday working patterns raise additional alarm bells, as nearly a third (32%) of SMEs confessed to working from coffee shops and 24% on public transport at least once weekly, according to findings from Samsung.
Although many attribute breaches to phishing attacks and insufficient staff awareness, 67% haven’t implemented new cybersecurity measures over the past year. More worryingly, 45% offer no training whatsoever, leaving companies vulnerable.
The study was commissioned to launch the Galaxy S26 Ultra Enterprise Edition, alongside a new video featuring former cybersecurity expert and 2026 Traitors winner, Stephen Libby, highlighting the perils of poor digital security practices in the workplace.
Stephen Libby said: “Cyber security breaches are a massive issue for any business, and this traitorous behaviour can especially affect SMEs. A single incident can disrupt operations or even force business to close.
“With so much work now happening on phones, it’s crucial that businesses make sure they’re using devices with strong built-in security and privacy protections to keep sensitive information safe.”
Business owners say they’re aware of cybersecurity threats like phishing and scam messages (88%), malware (84%), unauthorised apps (53%), rooting/firmware tampering (32%) and snooping (29%).
Yet one in five admitted they wouldn’t recognise if their device had been hacked, whilst 58% download apps or software to work devices without first checking security permissions.
Nearly one in four (23%) have left a device unlocked and unattended in a public place and 31% still never use a physical privacy screen to safeguard their data.
It’s not just laptops either, as three quarters use their mobile for work, yet almost half (49%) say cybersecurity isn’t a top priority when selecting a device.
Annika Bizon from Samsung, which has developed its new device with a built‐in Privacy Display to shield on‐screen information and government‐grade Samsung Knox security, added: “Small and medium businesses are the backbone of our economy, yet they are increasingly targeted by cybercriminals because they often lack enterprise-grade protection.
“Technology should help level the playing field.
“By building advanced security directly, we’re helping businesses with the tools to stay proactive and protect sensitive data wherever work happens.”
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