UK: 68% of Firms Plan Cybersecurity Spending Increase Due to AI Risks (infosecurity-magazine.com)

• 68% of UK business leaders plan to increase cyber spending
• 46% believe new technologies increase cyber risk exposure
• Only 28% confident in responding to a major cyber incident
• 61% of firms now use agentic AI in operations

"According to the Q1 2026 Barclays Business Prosperity Index, 68% of UK business leaders plan to increase cybersecurity spending over the next 12 months. 46% believe new technologies heighten cyber risks. Fewer than 30% are confident in their ability to respond to a major incident. Large firms are moving fastest: 35% have increased spending since the start of 2026, compared to 26% of small firms and 4% of micro businesses. Average spending stands at £505,000. AI adoption is widespread: 61% now use agentic AI."