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Cyber Security: Protecting Your Business & Supply Chain

Cyber security is no longer an IT issue; it is a critical business continuity risk for the UK wine and spirit sector. As our industry modernises, reliance on digital supply chains, automated logistics, customs platforms, and connected inventory systems grows. While these technologies drive efficiency, they also widen exposure to cyber threats. A single successful cyber-attack can instantly paralyse physical stock movements, halt trading, incur severe direct financial losses, and irreversibly damage trade and consumer trust.

Urgent Priority Actions for WSTA Members

The NCSC recommends that all businesses take immediate, proactive measures to build cyber resilience. WSTA members are encouraged to implement these safeguards as soon as possible:

Essential Safeguards for All Organisations

  • Register for NCSC Early Warning Services: Receive direct alerts regarding malicious activity or vulnerabilities detected on your network.
  • Adopt Cyber Essentials: Achieve this government-backed certification to establish a robust baseline against common cyber threats.
  • Retain Assured Cyber Incident Response (CIR) Services: Ensure formal preparation, robust business continuity plans, and disaster recovery processes are in place.

Small Organisations (<50 Employees): Implement the NCSC Cyber Action Toolkit to quickly establish essential protection without high overheads.

Medium & Large Organisations:


If your business experiences a cyber incident, report it immediately to the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).

According to the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), the food and drink industry is now a prime target for cyber criminals. Attack vectors—such as ransomware, phishing, malware, and distributed denial-of-service (DDoS)—are increasingly sophisticated and persistent.

  • Supply Chain Vulnerability: Threat actors frequently target third-party logistics, haulage, and bottling partners using “scatter-gun” tactics or directed attacks.
  • Seasonal Risk Exploitation: Cyber criminals strategically exploit peak trading windows—particularly the pre-Christmas lead-up—when “just-in-time” supply chains operate under maximum pressure and downtime is costliest.
  • High Incidence Rates: The Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2025 (DSIT/Home Office) highlights that 40% of UK businesses suffered a cyber security breach or attack over the past 12 months, with phishing accounting for 85% of all reported incidents.
  • Severe Financial Impact: While KPMG estimates the baseline cost of a cyber incident at £195,000 for average UK firms, recent high-profile breaches across the retail and beverage sectors show that operational disruption, ransom demands, and system remediation can easily reach millions of pounds.

For more information place contact Freddie@wsta.co.uk or Jennifer@wsta.co.uk and find out more here. 

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