As a small business, it can be easy to think that online criminals are likely to pass you by in favour of larger targets, but sadly this couldn’t be further from the truth.
Figures from the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) revealed that 42 per cent of small businesses in the UK had reported breaches to their cyber defences in 2024, while 35 per cent of microbusinesses had been subjected to phishing attacks.
This highlights the desperate need to make sure cyber security is at the forefront of your mind – and also at the top of your investment list – as we move into 2026.
The NCSC has warned organisations that if they have digital assets then they could become targets for cyber criminals, even if the business itself is considered small or even micro in size. This might sound scary if you run a small business – but it doesn’t need to be.
With the right IT support in Chesham or your local area, you will have a team of professionals who can help bolster your business’ cyber security.
Are there any steps my business can take to improve cyber security by itself?
Yes, there are plenty of small steps you can take as a business to improve your cyber security without needing professional support. The NCSC’s Cyber Action Toolkit is a good place to begin.
For instance, one of the first recommendations here is to secure your business’ email account. This involves taking simple steps such as ensuring that your password is highly secure and that you have two-step verification switched on for this account.
Alternatively, you could create a passkey to sign into your work email account, which is even more secure than your password supported by two-step verification.
Other simple steps that you can make part of your regular activities include making sure that all of your apps and devices are up to date, as well as using a password manager to save the passwords you use to access other sites that are crucial for your business.
Why is it important to keep apps and devices up to date for cyber security?
Whenever an update is released for an app, piece of software or device, it contains more than just new features. Often these updates will include security updates, which range from bug fixes to protection from new viruses that have been identified.
There have been a string of high-profile cyber attacks in recent years that capitalised on vulnerabilities in out-of-date software. One of the most reported was the WannaCry cyber attack on NHS systems back in 2017.
This particular incident targeted a vulnerability in devices that ran on Windows software. Microsoft had released a patch for the issue 12 months before the hack occurred, which meant that only organisations that hadn’t updated their software with the patch were affected.
According to NCSC data, the UK is experiencing four “nationally significant” cyber attacks each week. While these are the kinds of attacks that target the likes of national infrastructure, it highlights just how widespread cyber crime has become.
Make sure you backup key files and data
Another key component of business continuity in the face of a cyber attack is having backups of your key files and data.
This might mean having a secure cloud account where you store such information, or using on-site backup systems. Which is more appropriate will depend on what your business does and how it operates.
Our team of experts will be able to talk you through the best ways to securely backup the key data and files you need for your business to operate. This will give you peace of mind that should you be targeted by cyber criminals, you have what you need to continue operating.
Carry out cyber security awareness training with your team
The sad truth is that often cyber security breaches occur because of individual error – such as opening an email or clicking on a link that gives criminals access to devices and systems.
One of the best ways to prevent this kind of breach is to train your staff to be aware of cyber attacks and what they can look like.
Training courses can teach you and your team what to look for, such as how to identify suspicious looking emails, links and attachments, which are associated with phishing attacks. In addition, they will cover the likes of malware and ransomware.
When you carry out training for your team, as well as working with a professional IT support services provider to bolster your cyber security processes, your business will be less likely to fall victim to cyber crime.