FWD members have expressed concern about the heightened potential for cyber attack on wholesalers, particularly in the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and following incidents involving the hacking of online order and payment systems for a national wholesaler and a product supplier in 2022.

The Government is urging businesses to boost cyber standards, as data reveals nearly a third of firms suffering cyber attacks are hit every week. Research by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, showed that almost one in three businesses (31 per cent) and a quarter (26 per cent) of charities suffering attacks said they now experience breaches or attacks at least once a week.

Advice can be found on the website of the National Cyber Security Centre, including details of how to report an attack.