UK businesses are spending more on cyber security – but many are still getting caught out. Here’s why a bigger budget doesn’t automatically mean better protection.
Cyber security continues to be top of mind for businesses across the UK, and for good reason. The latest figures from the government’s Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2025 show that 53% of small and mid-sized UK firms increased their cyber security budgets over the past 12 months. Yet alarmingly, 43% of these companies still experienced at least one security breach or cyberattack.
At first glance, these figures seem contradictory. If more money is going into cybersecurity, why are breaches still happening at such a high rate? The answer highlights a crucial disconnect: investment without strategy doesn’t guarantee protection.
More Spend, Same Risk? The Problem with a ‘Buy First’ Mentality
More businesses than ever are recognising the importance of cybersecurity, especially amid a rising tide of AI-enabled phishing scams, ransomware threats, and supply chain vulnerabilities. But simply buying new tools or increasing IT spend isn’t enough to stay safe.
According to the same government report, fewer than 25% of businesses had carried out a formal cyber risk assessment, and fewer still had an incident response plan in place. This means many businesses are investing in cybersecurity solutions without first understanding what they need or how to implement them effectively.
That’s a problem – and one we frequently see when new clients come to Dr Logic after a breach or scare.
Why Cyberattacks Keep Succeeding (Even with Bigger Budgets)
The reasons behind the disconnect are surprisingly consistent. Here are some of the common cybersecurity gaps we come across:
- Misallocated resources: Businesses often overspend on high-end solutions while underinvesting in essentials like user training or endpoint monitoring.
- Neglected staff training: Many breaches are caused by human error—clicking on a phishing link or mismanaging sensitive data. Training and awareness programmes are still underused.
- Poor integration and configuration: Security tools that aren’t properly configured or integrated into existing workflows can create a false sense of security.
- Lack of ongoing monitoring: One-off security projects quickly become outdated. Without regular patching, monitoring, and testing, vulnerabilities build up.
Where to Invest for Real Cyber Resilience
From our experience supporting our customers, the most resilient businesses are the ones that take a balanced approach to cyber security. Instead of chasing the latest tech trends, they focus on the basics – done well and done consistently.
Here are some areas where we see real returns on cybersecurity investment:
1. Staff Training and Cyber Awareness
Your people are both your first line of defence and your biggest vulnerability. Regular training helps staff avoid common mistakes and feel confident in spotting potential threats.
2. Backup and Disaster Recovery (BDR)
A robust backup strategy can be the difference between a minor disruption and a business-crippling disaster. Regular, automated backups – combined with fast recovery options – are critical for resilience. Working with trusted solutions like those from Dr Logic’s partners ensures your data stays protected and recoverable, even in the face of ransomware or accidental loss.
3. Patch Management and Vulnerability Scanning
Keeping systems and software up to date is one of the simplest ways to reduce risk – but also one of the most commonly overlooked. Automating patching or outsourcing it to a trusted partner helps keep things secure without adding to your team’s workload.
4. Endpoint Protection and Monitoring
With hybrid and remote working now the norm, every device connected to your network is a potential entry point. Tools like Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) offer real-time visibility and threat prevention across all devices.
5. Cyber Security Strategy and Risk Assessment
Every business has different risks. A tailored risk assessment helps you understand your vulnerabilities and prioritise your security investments based on actual business needs – not just vendor promises.
Moving from Reactive to Proactive
It’s encouraging to see more businesses committing budget to cybersecurity. But money alone isn’t enough. What firms need is a shift in mindset – from reactive to proactive.
The businesses that stay secure are the ones that take a proactive approach – reviewing their systems regularly, training their people, and building cybersecurity into their broader IT strategy.
At Dr Logic, we help businesses make sense of cybersecurity, from the ground up. Our approach is practical, strategic, and tailored to the needs of each client. Whether it’s assessing your current setup, delivering hands-on training, or implementing new tools, our goal is the same: to protect your people, your systems, and your reputation.
5 Cyber Security Questions Every Business Leader Should Be Asking
To get the most out of any cybersecurity investment, business leaders should be asking:
- Do we know what our biggest cyber risks are?
- Are we training our staff to avoid common threats?
- How quickly could we recover from a breach or ransomware attack?
- Are we monitoring for suspicious activity across our network?
- When was the last time we reviewed our security strategy?
If any of these questions are hard to answer, it might be time for a cyber security health check.
Need Clarity on Cyber Security?
More spending is a positive step – but it must be coupled with clarity, planning, and ongoing vigilance. For UK businesses looking to turn budget into real protection, the message is clear: don’t just buy security – build it with purpose.
At Dr Logic, we’re here to help you do just that – let’s talk about your cyber security strategy.
