Cyber Security for SMEs: five practical checks to protect your business

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Introduction

Now more than ever, cyber security is important for all businesses including SMEs. Businesses of all sizes are now being targeted by cyber criminals with attacks such as phishing emails, ransomware and data breaches. Small actions can make a big difference in an organisations security, by understanding the most common security risks, organisations can reduce their chances of becoming the next hacking headline.

Cyber security can feel overwhelming, but a few practical checks can make a significant difference. Download our free cyber security self audit checklist to assess your current security measures and identify areas for improvement.

Check 1: Data protection

SMEs should regularly check how data is collected, stored, shared and protected in their organisation. According to the UK’s Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2025/26, 43% of businesses had a cyber security breach or attack in the last 12 months.

Organisations should start by checking that any access to sensitive information is limited to those who need it, strong passwords and multi factor authentication are in place and data is backed up in a secure manner. Personal data must also be handled in accordance with UK data protection requirements. Having an effective data protection process in place helps build trust with customers, employees and business partners. It can also help ensure your organisation is better prepared should a cyber incident occur.

Check 2: Access controls

Organisations should regularly review who has access to systems, shared drives, customer information and financial data. Access for former employees should be removed as soon as they leave, and permissions should be reviewed whenever roles change. Employees should also be reminded to use strong passwords and enable multi-factor authentication when possible to improve security. By limiting access to sensitive information, organisations are able to reduce the risk of data breaches, strengthen their security and protect their reputation.

Check 3: Network security

The National Cyber Security Centre recommends keeping devices and software up to date to help protect against cyber attacks as an organisation's networks and devices are usually the first line of defence against cyber threats.

SMEs should take time to check that all company devices have the latest security updates. Anti-virus software should be installed as well as enabling firewalls and ensuring any software that is unsupported is replaced. If any employees are working remotely then it is important to regularly check that they are accessing company systems securely and any security policies are being followed.

Government guidance suggests that organisations with a Cyber Essentials certification are 92% less likely to make a claim on their cyber insurance, showing the importance of implementing strong cyber security practices.

Making sure that networks and devices are maintained can reduce the risk of malware infections, data breaches and business disruption, increasing business resilience and security.

Not sure how your business measures up? Our free cyber security self-audit checklist helps you review your security controls, identify gaps and prioritise improvement. Get the free checklist.

Check 4: Employee awareness

Organisations may have strong security measures in place, but it is important that employees are prepared to spot cyber threats. A click on a malicious link or an email scam can lead to a cyber incident therefore it is important that employees understand common threats such as phishing, malware and social engineering to reduce the risk of an attack.

Organisations should provide regular, up-to-date cyber awareness training to encourage employees to report any suspicious emails, messages or activity. This training should be updated regularly in line with new threats and reiterate the importance of good security habits.

With regular training and cyber awareness, SME’s can reduce the chance of human error and improve their ability to respond to potential threats before they are able to cause any harm.

Check 5: Incident recovery

The National Cyber Security Centre recommends that organisations identify critical systems, maintain regular backups and ensure they can respond to and recover from cyber incidents.

SMEs should make sure that critical business data is backed up and those back ups can be restored successfully. It is also important to have a documented incident response plan as well as ensuring employees are aware of what to do if a cyber attack occurs.

The UK Government's Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2025 found that only 22% of businesses have a cyber incident response plan in place, highlighting a significant gap in cyber incident preparedness.

Common mistakes

It’s easy for businesses to leave themselves vulnerable to cyber attacks by overlooking common risks. Avoiding these mistakes can help improve security and reduce the chance of a successful cyber attack.

Using weak, reused passwords and not enabling multi factor authentication.
Not keeping software and devices up to date
Treating cyber security as a one-off exercise
Giving employees access to systems they don’t need for their job
Ignoring risks of phishing and assuming employees can recognise these risks without any training.
Having no incident response plan if an attack occurs
Not reviewing cyber security measures regularly as threats continue to evolve
Assuming that only large organisations are targeted by cyber criminals

It is important to view cyber security as ongoing and review your policies regularly as well as increasing employee awareness around current and any new threats that may occur.

Free cyber security audit

You've worked through the five checks, but do you know how your organisation performs overall?

Our free Cyber Security Self-Audit Checklist helps SMEs review their current cyber security measures, identify potential vulnerabilities and take practical steps towards stronger protection and Cyber Essentials readiness.

Review your current security controls
Identify potential risks and gaps
Improve cyber resilience
Prepare for Cyber Essentials certification

Download your free Cyber Security Self-Audit and take the first step towards strengthening your organisation's cyber security.

The information in this article has been informed by guidance from the UK Government, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), IASME and other trusted cyber security resources.

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