UK Platform Targets Rising AI Cyber Threats

A new UK‑based cyber safety platform has launched to help families, schools and businesses navigate rapidly evolving digital threats.
Internet Safety Statistics arrives amid a sharp rise in AI‑driven attacks and growing concerns about online harm affecting both children and organisations.
Its evidence‑based resources aim to close the widening gap between modern cyber risks and public awareness.

A New Resource for an Escalating Threat Landscape

Internet Safety Statistics has launched as a dedicated cyber safety education platform designed to support UK users facing increasingly complex digital threats. Government data shows that 43% of UK businesses experienced cyber breaches in 2024, while global research indicates that 87% of organisations encountered AI‑powered attacks in the past year. These figures highlight how quickly the threat environment has shifted, with AI transforming traditional attack methods. The platform aims to provide practical, accessible guidance for families, schools and businesses struggling to keep pace.

The timing coincides with the implementation of the Online Safety Act’s child protection codes, which came into force in July 2025. These regulations place new responsibilities on platforms to safeguard young users from harmful content. Despite this, one in three children still experience cyberbullying, and 70% of teenagers share personal information online without understanding the risks. Internet Safety Statistics seeks to address these gaps by offering independent, evidence‑based education.

AI‑driven threats have become particularly challenging. Phishing emails generated by AI tools now achieve a 72% open rate, nearly double that of traditional phishing attempts. Criminals are also using voice cloning to impersonate family members with only seconds of audio. These developments make older safety advice increasingly ineffective.

Founder Ciaran Connolly warns that the speed of threat evolution far outpaces public awareness. He notes that teenagers now face deepfakes, sextortion scams and highly convincing phishing attacks. Even cybersecurity professionals struggle to identify some AI‑generated content. The platform’s goal is to provide up‑to‑date guidance that reflects current realities.

Cybercrime Impact Across UK Businesses and Schools

The scale of cybercrime in the UK continues to grow. Recent surveys estimate that 612,000 businesses and 61,000 charities identified breaches in the past year. The financial impact is substantial, with cybercrime costing the UK economy an estimated £27 billion annually. For individual businesses, the average cost per incident is £10,830.

Small and medium‑sized enterprises face particular challenges. SMEs make up 99.9% of UK businesses yet account for 81% of successful cyberattack victims. Many lack dedicated IT security teams, leaving them vulnerable to sophisticated threats once aimed primarily at larger organisations. Phishing remains the most common attack method, affecting 85% of businesses reporting breaches.

Ransomware incidents are also increasing. The proportion of UK businesses hit by ransomware doubled from under 0.5% in 2024 to 1% in 2025, affecting around 19,000 organisations. Recovery times vary significantly depending on available resources. SMEs typically require 23 days to recover from a major attack, compared to 16 days for larger enterprises.

Schools face their own set of risks. Research shows that 60% of secondary schools experienced cyber breaches in the past year, with nearly 20% reporting system misuse. Students exposed to cyberbullying often experience long‑term academic and mental health consequences. Deepfake technology has introduced new forms of harassment that existing policies struggle to address.

Supporting Families, Educators and Businesses

Internet Safety Statistics provides age‑appropriate resources to help parents and educators discuss online risks with children. These include guidance on parental controls, privacy settings and recognising manipulation tactics. The platform also offers tools to help schools meet new regulatory requirements under the Online Safety Act. Lesson frameworks and harm‑recognition guides support educators managing increasing digital safeguarding responsibilities.

Businesses receive tailored guidance aimed at organisations without dedicated cybersecurity staff. Topics include firewall configuration, network protection, staff training and incident response planning. These resources are designed to make enterprise‑level security knowledge accessible to smaller organisations. The platform emphasises practical steps that can reduce risk even with limited budgets.

AI‑powered threats receive particular attention. Deepfake incidents rose by 19% in the first quarter of 2025 compared to all of 2024, with an estimated 8 million deepfake files expected to circulate online this year. Voice cloning scams have increased by 150%, often targeting parents and grandparents with fabricated emergency calls. Internet Safety Statistics provides verification strategies and communication plans to help families respond safely.

The platform positions itself as an independent, evidence‑based resource. Content is developed using verified data from government sources, academic studies and recognised cybersecurity organisations. Regular updates ensure that guidance reflects evolving threats and regulatory changes. This approach aims to keep users informed as AI continues to reshape the digital landscape.