The results of the poll, conducted by Carbon Black, reveal that 88% of UK firms have been breached in the past 12 months. Malware is the most prolific attack type in the UK, with more than a quarter (27%) of organisations naming it the most commonly encountered. Ransomware holds second position (15%).

The results of the poll, conducted by Carbon Black, reveal that 88% of UK firms have been breached in the past 12 months. Malware is the most prolific attack type in the UK, with more than a quarter (27%) of organisations naming it the most commonly encountered. Ransomware holds second position (15%).

However, the report warns that human error also plays a significant role, with phishing attacks at the root of one in five successful breaches. Weaknesses in processes and outdated security technology are also factors in a quarter of breaches.

Over the past 12 months:

• 87% of organisations have seen an increase in attack volumes;
• 100% of government and local authority organisations have been breached, 40% more than five times;
• 98% of financial services companies have reported breaches.