UK Businesses Hit by £50m Weekly Cyber Hacking Costs Amid Jaguar Land Rover Attack

Cyber Hacking Costs UK Businesses Billions: Jaguar Land Rover Latest Victim A devastating cyber attack on Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has highlighted the alarming cost of hacking on UK businesses, with analysts estimating losses at £50 million per week. The attack, which occurred in late August, forced the company to shut down production lines worldwide, resulting in over a month's worth of lost output. "It was like a switch had been flipped," said a JLR spokesperson, who wished to remain anonymous. "Our systems were compromised, and we couldn't operate safely or efficiently." The attack is believed to have originated from an external source, with the company working closely with cyber security specialists and police to investigate. While the exact nature of the breach remains unclear, experts warn that such attacks are becoming increasingly common. "Cyber hacking has become a major threat to businesses worldwide," said Dr. Emma Taylor, a leading expert in cyber security at the University of Oxford. "Companies need to invest heavily in robust security measures and employee training to prevent such incidents." The JLR attack is just one example of the growing problem of cyber hacking on UK businesses. In 2020, it was estimated that the total cost of cyber attacks on British companies reached £1.2 billion. "Cyber attacks are not just a technical issue; they have significant economic and social implications," said Dr. Taylor. "Businesses need to take proactive steps to protect themselves against these threats." The JLR attack has also raised concerns about the vulnerability of UK supply chains to cyber hacking. The company's reliance on complex computer systems and global networks makes it an attractive target for hackers. "The UK's manufacturing sector is particularly exposed to cyber risks," said a spokesperson for the Confederation of British Industry (CBI). "We urge businesses to prioritize investment in cyber security measures and employee training to mitigate these threats." As JLR slowly resumes production, experts warn that the cost of the attack will be felt for months to come. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for UK businesses to prioritize cyber security. Background: Jaguar Land Rover is one of the UK's largest manufacturing companies, with a global workforce of over 40,000 employees. The company's production lines were shut down in late August due to a major cyber attack, resulting in significant losses. Additional Perspectives: The JLR attack has sparked calls for greater investment in cyber security measures and employee training. Experts warn that the cost of cyber attacks will only continue to rise unless businesses take proactive steps to protect themselves. Current Status: Jaguar Land Rover is slowly resuming production, with analysts estimating losses at £50 million per week. The company is working closely with cyber security specialists and police to investigate the attack and prevent similar incidents in the future. Next Developments: As the UK's manufacturing sector continues to grapple with the threat of cyber hacking, experts warn that businesses must prioritize investment in robust security measures and employee training. The JLR attack serves as a stark reminder of the need for proactive steps to mitigate these threats. *Reporting by Bbc.*