New research conducted by the multinational investment bank Barclays, has revealed that 50,000 UK jobs have been affected due to cyber-security fraud.

YouGov, a market research and data analytics firm, carried out the research on behalf of Barclays. Results found that fraudsters have targeted 44 per cent of SMEs, with 23 per cent falling victim to fraud. With almost 1/4 of SMEs being affected, your business could easily be one of them.

It is also reported that one of the reasons behind the loss of UK jobs is due to 10.6 per cent of SMEs suffering a cyber-attack, and 8.58 per cent of those making staff redundant so that they can cover the cost of the cyber-crime.

This new research shows the importance of protecting your business against potential attacks from cyber-criminals and the price that you will have to pay if you do not take action.

Throughout the years, we can see an increase in the cost attached to cyber-crime. In 2015, it was reported that cyber-related crimes cost the UK £11. In 2016, the cost increased to a reported £29bn. In only one year, the cost grew dramatically.