The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) said issues such as hacking, data security breaches and computer viruses were a “barrier to growth” that could no longer be ignored. An FSB report found that cyber crime is costing its 200,000 members a combined £785m a year – or £3,750 for every small business. Over the past year, 41pc of the group’s members have been a victim of cyber crime, often through frauds carried out by a customer or client, or so-called “card not present” situations (when purchases are made online, over the phone or by mail order).