Three quarters of businesses in Kent have been subject to an attempted email fraud, cyber-attack or telephone fraud in the past six months, according to a snap poll of companies.

Many firms in the county also expect to see a marked increase in attempts over the next two years, reports a survey by accountants Kreston Reeves, Brachers Solicitors and Towergate Insurance Brokers.

The poll was carried out amongst 50 business leaders in Kent attending a seminar on preventing fraud and cyber-crime.

More than half (53%) said a quarter of their time was now taken up by managing cyber security and 63% now annually review their organisations’ internal finance systems following increased cyber-attacks.

Over half (56%) also provide regular training for staff on managing cyber-crime and fraud.

It comes as companies are warned about the new General Data Protection Regulation coming into force next May, which will impose heavy fines on businesses which do not meet tough new rules on protecting people’s personal information.

Tom Wacher, director of forensic accounting at Kreston Reeves, which is based in Chatham, Canterbury and Sandwich, said: “The estimated annual cost to the UK economy of fraud is around £193bn, of which £144bn was aimed at businesses in the private sector.

“Three quarters of all prosecuted fraud in the UK takes place in the South East and London, putting firms in Kent at significant risk of being targeted.

“In our experience, commonly there is a weakness in a business’s system which is being exploited.”

Peter Heffer, sales director for Towergate Insurance Brokers, headquarted in Maidstone, said: “In recent months, the cyber threat to commerce has hit the headlines, affecting large organisations such as the NHS.

“However, judging from the seminar’s attendance, businesses are really starting to understand that cyber exposure is a very real threat.

“Traditional insurance is woefully outdated and, in a technological age where cyber and associated risks are constantly emerging, as responsive insurance brokers, we are regularly being tested to keep one step ahead.”

Colin Smith, an employment partner at Brachers, based in Maidstone, said: “The biggest cyber threat to business is human nature.

“Education is key to employees as the threat is constantly evolving.

“It is imperative to review IT policies, induction processes, disciplinary procedures and review contracts of employment. Educating employees on the rules and the risks is also advised.”