21% of SMEs would close within three months after data breach – Samsung

Research from Samsung found one in five UK small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) would have to shut within three months if they suffered a data breach, with the average attack estimated to cost up to £100,000 in lost revenue and fines.

A poll of 1,000 SME business owners showed 21% described their security as reactive instead of proactive. 

Nearly a third (32%) said employees worked from coffee shops at least once a week, and almost a quarter (24%) worked from public transport. 

In these places, 36% said they had clearly seen sensitive emails or messages on someone else’s screen, and a quarter admitted to looking at a stranger’s device.

Business owners said they were aware of threats like phishing and scam messages (88%), malware (84%), unauthorised apps (53%), rooting or firmware tampering (32%) and snooping (29%). 

However, one in five admitted they would not know if their device was compromised, and 58% said they downloaded apps or software without checking security permissions.

Annika Bizon, mobile experience vp of product and marketing at Samsung UK & Ireland, said: “Small and medium businesses are the backbone of our economy, yet they are increasingly targeted by cyber criminals because they often lack enterprise-grade protection.

“Technology should help level the playing field. By building advanced security directly into the Galaxy S26 Ultra Enterprise Edition, from Samsung Knox security and our Privacy Display technology, we’re helping businesses with the tools to stay proactive and protect sensitive data wherever work happens.”