Cyber Attacks Coming In Hot ⚠️

Hey there,

Funding’s tightening, cyberattacks are rising and regulators are getting sharper teeth; but smart founders know this is exactly when discipline pays off.

In this issue, we unpack the legal must-knows behind data protection and cybersecurity. Because building a startup isn’t just about speed, it’s about staying one step ahead of the risks that could slow you down. 🏃‍♂️‍➡️

1. Our Most Asked Question in September:
Beyond cybersecurity, what legal risks should I worry about when it comes to data breaches? ⛑️

It’s one thing to have good tech security; it’s another to be legally protected when something goes wrong. Data breaches can trigger serious legal consequences under UK GDPR and other regulations. Here’s a quick breakdown of what you should know:

⚖️ Your Legal Duties Under UK GDPR

If your business handles personal data, you have a legal obligation to keep it secure and respond properly if a breach occurs. That means:

1. Report a personal data breach to the ICO within 72 hours of becoming aware of it, if it’s likely to risk individuals’ rights and freedoms

2. Facing penalties: Non-compliance can mean fines in the millions (or a percentage of global turnover), plus possible legal claims from affected individuals.

3. Showing accountability: You need to prove you take data protection seriously with staff training, clear data-handling policies, audit trails and internal breach logs.

4. Using “appropriate” safeguards: Security must fit the risk. Encrypt sensitive data, restrict access and regularly test your systems.

📑 Other Laws That May Apply

Some sectors face additional rules. For example, the NIS Regulations cover critical infrastructure (services essential to the economy and the public) and some digital service providers. Directors also have fiduciary duties to safeguard company interests, which includes protecting data and reputation.

📋 Don’t Forget Contractual and Sector Rules

Your contracts may require you to notify partners or customers of breaches, and regulators (like the FCA in finance) may have extra reporting requirements. Missing these can expose your company to more liability.

2. Noteworthy News:
Cyberattacks Are Hitting Supply Chains Hard ⚠️

Nearly 30% of UK business leaders have reported a rise in cyberattacks targeting their supply chains in the past six months, according to a new CIPS survey.

The high-profile hack on Jaguar Land Rover, which shut down production for a month and cost an estimated £120 million in profits, shows just how vulnerable even major players can be when one link in the chain breaks.

For startups, this shift means cybersecurity isn’t just about your own systems anymore; it’s about every supplier, contractor and partner you rely on. One weak password down the chain can open the door to your entire network. Globally, supply chain attacks via third parties doubled in 2024, and regulators are taking note.

3. Legal Reminder Of The Month:
Make sure you have a strong data privacy policy 💪

If you collect any personal data (like customer emails, payment details, or employee records), you’re legally required to explain why you’re storing/using data AND how you’re storing, using and sharing it.

Even without a website, you must still provide this information by email, print or conversation to the data subject (i.e. the person whose personal data is being processed).

Human error causes many breaches, so regular team training and clear internal data-handling policies are essential.

Keeping detailed internal records and training your team on safe data handling goes a long way towards staying compliant and protecting your reputation!

4. Funding & Award Opportunities 💸

💰Breakthrough: Breakthrough is an eight-week accelerator for disabled entrepreneurs who are ready to grow on their own terms. From masterclasses to mentorship to a final showcase with funders, Breakthrough is designed to help founders scale strategically, without compromise, without assumptions and without limits. Applications close 12 November.

🏆 The UK Small Business Award: Join the UK Small Business Awards as we celebrate the remarkable achievements of businesses and entrepreneurs across the UK, our new approach to awards ensures honest and fair results for all with no hidden or next-stage fees. Applications close 31 October.

5. Upcoming Entrepreneurial Events 🤓

3 November: Exit & Liquidity Strategies: Preparing for the Future – For many founders, securing funding is just one part of the journey - understanding exit strategies and liquidity is equally important. This engaging panel discussion will provide insights into how businesses can scale with a long-term vision, preparing for potential exits through a number of pathways.

6 November: London 2025 Venture Capital World Summit – Here to help businesses get more capital and expertise as they need to scale up and grow internationally with support, if required, from our trusted network of investors.

12th - 13th November: The London Business Show 2025 – The world’s largest award-winning business event, The Business Show London 2025, is returning to Excel London. Join over 25,000 SMEs and startups at this premier London business expo, designed to provide the support and resources you need to start, grow, or scale your business.

18 - 20 November: Google Cloud Labs: AI Agents – Join the Google for Developers community at the AI Playground for a dedicated full-day developer workshop, and learn how to build the next generation of AI Agents and Multi Agent Systems.

And that’s a wrap for this month! Keep your data secure and your deals tight.

– The SuLe Team