Although these measures focus heavily on national infrastructure and public services, the message is relevant to businesses everywhere.
Cyber security threats are evolving, and organisations need to ensure their protection evolves with them.
How Is AI Changing Cyber Security for Businesses?
Cyber attacks are not new. However, artificial intelligence is changing how quickly and convincingly criminals can carry them out.
Previously, many fraudulent emails contained obvious spelling mistakes, unusual wording or suspicious formatting. Today, AI can help criminals create professional-looking messages that closely resemble genuine business communications.
AI can also assist attackers with research, impersonation and automation.
Here are some of the emerging threats businesses should understand.
1. AI-Generated Phishing Emails
Phishing remains one of the most common cyber security threats facing UK businesses.
These attacks involve fraudulent emails or messages designed to trick someone into revealing information, clicking a malicious link or making a payment.
AI makes phishing more convincing by helping criminals generate natural language, imitate business communication styles and personalise messages.
For example, an employee might receive an email that appears to come from a supplier requesting updated bank details.
The message may look professional, contain familiar terminology and refer to a genuine business relationship.
Without appropriate checks, the employee could unknowingly send money to a fraudulent account.
Businesses should therefore encourage employees to verify unexpected payment requests using a trusted telephone number or established communication channel.
2. Voice Cloning and AI Impersonation
AI-powered voice cloning creates another challenge for businesses.
Using recordings of someone’s voice, criminals may be able to generate convincing audio that sounds like a director, manager or colleague.
Imagine receiving a telephone call that appears to come from your managing director.
The caller urgently requests a payment or asks you to share confidential information.
Even if the voice sounds familiar, it may not be genuine.
Businesses can reduce this risk by introducing clear procedures for financial transactions and sensitive requests.
For example, any unexpected payment instruction could require confirmation through a separate, trusted communication channel.
Staff should feel comfortable questioning unusual requests, regardless of who appears to be making them.
3. More Sophisticated Malware and Ransomware
Malware is malicious software designed to damage systems, steal information or provide unauthorised access.
Ransomware is a particularly disruptive form of malware that can encrypt business files and prevent employees from accessing important information.
AI can potentially help criminals modify malicious code, identify weaknesses and automate parts of an attack.
However, AI does not automatically make every cyber attack successful.
Many incidents still rely on familiar weaknesses, including outdated software, stolen passwords and employees opening malicious attachments.
This makes established security measures just as important as ever.
Businesses should maintain reliable backups, keep software updated and use appropriate endpoint protection.
4. Automated Attacks on Business Networks
AI can also help attackers analyse information and automate certain activities.
For example, criminals may use automated tools to search for exposed services, weak credentials or vulnerable systems.
A poorly configured firewall, unsupported device or unsecured remote connection could create an opportunity for an attacker.
For businesses operating across several locations or supporting remote workers, network security deserves particular attention.
Regular reviews can help identify potential weaknesses before they become serious problems.
What Do the Latest UK Cyber Security Statistics Tell Us?
The Government’s Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2025/2026 demonstrates why businesses should take these risks seriously.
The survey found that:
- 43% of UK businesses identified a cyber security breach or attack during the previous 12 months.
- 46% of small businesses reported experiencing a breach or attack.
- 65% of medium-sized businesses identified a breach or attack.
- 38% of businesses experienced phishing attacks.
These findings demonstrate that cyber security is not simply a concern for large organisations.
Small businesses, independent companies and growing organisations also face significant risks.
The research also found that phishing remained the most commonly identified type of cyber attack.
Importantly, the figures represent incidents that organisations were able to identify and report. Some attacks may go unnoticed.
You can explore the findings in the Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2025/2026.
For businesses across Wigan, Bolton and Greater Manchester, these statistics provide a timely reminder to review existing security arrangements.
Seven Ways to Protect Your Business Against AI Cyber Threats
Although emerging technologies introduce new risks, businesses can take practical steps to strengthen their protection.
You do not necessarily need a large IT department or complicated systems to make meaningful improvements.
1. Introduce Multi-Factor Authentication
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds another layer of protection to business accounts.
Rather than relying solely on a password, users must provide an additional form of verification.
This might involve an authentication app, security key or another approved method.
MFA can significantly reduce the risk of criminals accessing accounts using stolen passwords.
It is particularly important for business email, cloud storage, financial systems and administrator accounts.
Find out more about Multi-Factor Authentication and how it helps protect business accounts.
2. Strengthen Your Firewall and Network Security
Your business network connects employees, devices, applications and important information.
Without appropriate protection, vulnerabilities can expose systems to unauthorised access.
A properly configured firewall helps control network traffic and prevent unwanted connections.
However, installing a firewall is only the beginning.
Regular monitoring, security updates and configuration reviews are essential.
Discover how Digicomm 360 supports businesses with Firewall and Network Security.
3. Train Employees to Recognise AI-Generated Scams
Employees play an important role in business cyber security.
Traditional advice often focused on spotting spelling mistakes or poor grammar in suspicious emails.
However, AI-generated messages may contain none of these warning signs.
Instead, staff should look for unusual requests, unexpected urgency, changes to payment details and attempts to bypass normal procedures.
Regular awareness training can help employees recognise suspicious activity and report potential threats.
A workplace culture that encourages questions can also prevent costly mistakes.
4. Keep Software and Devices Updated
Outdated software can contain vulnerabilities that criminals exploit.
Businesses should ensure operating systems, applications, network equipment and security tools receive appropriate updates.
This includes laptops, desktop computers, servers and devices used by remote employees.
Automatic updates can help, although businesses should still monitor important security patches.
Unsupported software should also be reviewed and replaced where necessary.
5. Protect Business Email Accounts
Email remains central to everyday business communication.
Unfortunately, it is also a common target for phishing, impersonation and account compromise.
Businesses should combine strong authentication with appropriate email filtering and account security.
Employees should also verify unexpected attachments, links and requests for confidential information.
If a supplier unexpectedly changes their bank details, confirm the request independently before making payment.
6. Maintain Secure, Tested Backups
A reliable backup strategy can make a significant difference following a cyber incident.
Backups help businesses recover important information if systems become damaged, compromised or unavailable.
However, simply creating backups is not enough.
Businesses should ensure backups are protected from unauthorised access and regularly test whether information can be restored.
Keeping suitable offline or otherwise isolated backup copies can also reduce the impact of ransomware.
7. Consider Cyber Essentials Certification
Cyber Essentials is a UK Government-backed certification scheme designed to help organisations protect themselves against common cyber attacks.
The scheme focuses on fundamental security controls, including secure configuration, access control, malware protection, firewalls and security updates.
For many businesses, Cyber Essentials provides a useful framework for improving security standards.
Certification may also demonstrate a commitment to cyber security when working with customers, suppliers and other organisations.
Learn more about Cyber Essentials and the steps involved in improving your organisation’s protection.
Can AI Also Improve Business Cyber Security?
Although AI introduces new threats, it can also support stronger cyber defences.
Security technologies increasingly use machine learning and other AI techniques to identify suspicious activity and recognise unusual behaviour.
For example, security systems may help detect:
- Unexpected attempts to access business accounts.
- Unusual network activity.
- Suspicious files or software behaviour.
- Potential phishing messages.
- Patterns associated with malicious activity.
These technologies can help security teams investigate threats more efficiently.
However, AI-based protection should complement established security measures rather than replace them.
Human oversight, appropriate configuration and regular monitoring remain essential.
The Government’s October announcement demonstrates this potential, with advanced AI tools already being used to help identify vulnerabilities in public sector systems.
For businesses, the goal should be to combine suitable technology with clear procedures and knowledgeable support.
Why Local Businesses Should Review Their Cyber Security
Businesses across Wigan, Bolton and Greater Manchester increasingly rely on connected technology.
Cloud applications, business telephone systems, remote working and online customer services all depend on secure and reliable infrastructure.
A cyber incident can interrupt these everyday activities.
Employees may lose access to important systems, customers may experience delays and confidential information could be exposed.
Even a relatively small incident can create additional work and unexpected costs.
For organisations without dedicated internal IT teams, identifying weaknesses can be particularly challenging.
This is where professional IT support can make a difference.
Regular security reviews, appropriate monitoring and preventative maintenance can help businesses manage risks before they develop into serious incidents.
Digicomm 360 provides Business IT Support to help organisations maintain reliable systems and strengthen their technology infrastructure.
Cyber Security Awareness Month 2026: A Good Time to Take Action
October’s Cyber Security Awareness Month provides an opportunity to review how your organisation protects its people, information and systems.
The rise of AI-powered threats does not mean every business needs to invest in expensive new technology.
Instead, start by reviewing the fundamentals.
Are your employees using multi-factor authentication? Are your devices receiving security updates? Do you have reliable backups? Would staff recognise an unexpected payment request?
These straightforward questions can reveal opportunities to improve your organisation’s protection.
As artificial intelligence continues to develop, maintaining good cyber security practices will remain essential.
Protect Your Business with Digicomm 360
Cyber security should not be something businesses only consider after an incident.
Taking a proactive approach can help reduce disruption, protect sensitive information and give employees greater confidence when using business technology.
At Digicomm 360, we help businesses across Wigan, Bolton, Greater Manchester and beyond manage their IT and communications requirements.
Whether you want to review your network security, strengthen account protection or discuss your existing IT arrangements, our team can help you understand your options.
Concerned about your business cyber security?
Contact Digicomm 360 to discuss your requirements and find out how we can help protect your business.
Further Reading
Explore these related Digicomm 360 services to strengthen your organisation’s security:
- Firewall & Network Security – Understand how firewalls and secure network configurations help protect business systems.
- Multi-Factor Authentication – Discover why additional account verification is essential for modern businesses.
- Cyber Essentials – Learn about the recognised security framework that helps organisations address common cyber threats.
