Cybersecurity Basics for Small Businesses: 5 Tools to Boost Your Defences
2025-09-30
Cyber threats are on the rise — and small businesses are increasingly in the crosshairs. According to the NCSC Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2024, nearly 50% of UK businesses and 32% of UK charities experienced cyber incidents last year.
Why Are Small Businesses Targeted?
Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are often seen as easy targets for cybercriminals. Here’s why:
- There are more of them – creating a larger attack surface
- They often lack robust cyber security measures
- They can be used as entry points in supply chain attacks
But here’s the good news: you don’t need a huge budget to improve your cyber resilience. With the right tools and a consistent approach, you can protect your business from common threats.
5 Essential Cybersecurity Tools for SMBs
1. Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR) 🖥️
EDR solutions automatically detect and isolate threats across your devices. This means fewer sleepless nights for your IT team and faster response times.
2. Password Manager 🔐
Strong passwords are essential, but managing them can be a hassle. A password manager simplifies this and often integrates with multi-factor authentication (MFA) for added security.
3. Employee Cyber Awareness Training 🎓
Your team is your first line of defence. Regular training on phishing, social engineering and safe browsing can prevent costly breaches.
4. Patch Management 🧩
Outdated software is a common vulnerability. Automated patch management ensures your systems stay up to date without manual effort.
5. Maximise Existing Subscriptions 📦
Already using Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace? These platforms include built-in security tools — make sure you’re using them to their full potential.
Cybersecurity Doesn’t Have to Be Complex
Start small, stay consistent and build a culture of security within your business. Even basic measures can make a big difference.