How headlines can drive change in cyber security | Computer Weekly

"The fallout from this incident is likely to continue for months, and probably years. With car production halted for over a month and over 5,000 businesses affected, the Cyber Monitoring Centre has estimated a financial impact of £1.9bn, and likely "the most economically damaging cyber event to hit the UK". The shutdown meant that the number of cars manufactured in September 2025 was the lowest in the UK since 1952."

"Reportedly, JLR had "failed to finalise" its cyber insurance cover ahead of the attack and will bear a great deal of this cost. The UK government has underwritten a loan of £1.5bn to JLR to support the company and, crucially, its supply chain. Undoubtedly, approaches to cyber security will be top of the agenda in boardrooms across the country, as leaders devise plans on how to avoid a similar fate."

"Big news stories can shift attitudes. There's no doubt that insurance vendors and brokers are using this moment to promote their products, but can cyber security teams also use it to help their businesses be better prepared? A tipping point in perception? Previously, a business case for digital transformation would be focused on the costs and benefits. Now, security risks are likely to be scrutinised more closely."

Cyber attacks sometimes reach national headlines; the Jaguar Land Rover incident attracted international attention because of the brand and its broad effects. Car production was halted for over a month and over 5,000 businesses were affected. The Cyber Monitoring Centre estimated a financial impact of £1.9bn and described it as likely "the most economically damaging cyber event to hit the UK". September 2025 car production in the UK fell to its lowest since 1952. Reportedly, JLR had "failed to finalise" cyber insurance cover and will bear much of the cost. The UK government underwrote a £1.5bn loan to support JLR and its supply chain. Boardrooms, CFOs and CISOs face pressure to strengthen security and revisit insurance coverage, while insurers promote products and security teams assess preparedness.

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