One in three businesses in Northern Ireland has experienced a cyber-security breach or data protection issue in the past 12 months, according to new research from digital insurance provider Superscript.
Published in Cyber-security in 2026: Risks, breaches and practical protection for UK businesses, the research highlights a business community that is increasingly aware of cyber risks but may still be underestimating its exposure to them.
The report found that 33.3% of Northern Ireland businesses have experienced a cyber-security breach or data protection issue in the last year.
Despite this, confidence in existing cyber-security measures remains high. More than six in ten businesses (61.1%) say they are "fairly confident" that their current cyber-security setup would protect them from common threats such as phishing attacks or malware.
However, relatively few feel fully prepared to respond if an incident occurs. Just 11.1% of businesses describe themselves as "very prepared" to handle a significant cyber attack or data breach.
The findings suggest that while many organisations believe their current protections are effective, fewer have the plans and processes in place to deal with the aftermath of a successful attack.
Financial concerns remain the biggest cyber-security worry. More than a third of businesses (38.9%) say financial loss or fraud is their primary concern when it comes to cyber threats.
Tori Butler, Managing Director — SME at Superscript, said: "Northern Irish businesses appear relatively confident in their cyber-security measures, but confidence and preparedness aren't always the same thing.
"Cyber-security isn't just about preventing attacks. It's about knowing how your business would respond if systems became unavailable, customer data was compromised or operations were disrupted.
"The organisations that tend to recover most effectively are often those that have thought through these scenarios before they happen."
The research also points to growing interest in financial protection against cyber risks. More than six in ten businesses (61.1%) say they have never taken out cyber insurance but are considering it, suggesting many organisations recognise the potential financial consequences of cyber incidents.
At the same time, a degree of complacency remains. Around one in six businesses (16.6%) say they do not think they need to improve their cyber-security, despite the growing prevalence of cyber attacks across the UK.
The report argues that cyber threats continue to evolve and that even businesses with strong existing measures should regularly review their cyber-security practices, staff training and response plans.
Alongside new research, the report includes expert analysis from Superscript, SafeWeb, DRD Partnerships and insurer CFC, real-world examples of businesses affected by cyber incidents and practical guidance designed to help organisations strengthen their cyber resilience.
Cyber-security in 2026: Risks, breaches and practical protection for UK businesses is available to download now at https://gosuperscript.com/business-insurance/cyber-insurance/cyber-risk-report/
Read the Summer 2026 edition free online →
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