A senior HP executive has issued a stark warning that British companies should brace for a significant increase in cyber attacks in the coming years.
An Inevitable Surge in Cyber Threats
Neil Sawyer, the Managing Director and Senior Vice President for Northern Europe at technology giant HP, stated that a rise in digital assaults is unavoidable. He made these comments during a recording for the upcoming episode of City AM's 'Boardroom Uncovered' podcast.
Sawyer emphasised that businesses must adopt a proactive stance, urging them to "stay ahead of the game" to combat potential threats effectively, rather than merely reacting to security breaches after they occur.
His warning comes after a tumultuous year in 2025, which witnessed a spate of serious cyber attacks targeting several high-profile UK household names. Affected companies include retail giants M&S, the Co-op, and luxury department store Harrods.
Most notably, Jaguar Land Rover suffered what is believed to be the most expensive cyber attack in British history in recent months.
No 'Magic Remedy' for Complex Systems
When questioned about the high number of prominent cyber attacks in 2025, Sawyer explained that he wasn't privy to the specifics of each incident. However, he pointed to the inherent vulnerabilities in modern corporate IT infrastructures.
"Many organisations have very complex IT systems," he noted. "Some are outsourced, and they often need to communicate with systems from other companies. This interconnectedness creates vulnerabilities that must be actively managed."
While companies work diligently to secure public and private data, Sawyer expressed deep scepticism about a simple solution emerging. "I very much doubt there will be a magic remedy" to stop these attacks, he stated.
His core advice remained focused on prevention: "Make sure that you're ahead of the game rather than reacting to something that happens."
The Role of AI and a More Connected Population
Sawyer was direct when asked if the number of attacks would grow. "Well, I think all of the facts around AI and producing attacks and adjusting those attacks are likely to carry more variables," he said.
He elaborated that artificial intelligence allows attackers to adapt their methods quickly, making defence more challenging. This, combined with broader societal trends, points towards an inevitable increase.
"The population increases, there are more people connected for work and at home than ever before. People generally have more access to connected devices," Sawyer explained, framing the issue as one of scale and opportunity for cybercriminals.
He concluded with a call for heightened focus, asserting that the security of people and businesses in the country must be a paramount priority in this new digital landscape.
