Cybersecurity Essentials for SMEs: Protecting your business in 2025
SMEs are sitting ducks when it comes to cyberattacks. They’re seen as easy targets by opportunist cybercriminals because they are unlikely to have the in house resources to defend against cleverly engineered data breaches or cyberattacks….
This doesn’t mean SMEs should go to the expense of recruiting specialists who can implement a robust defence of their IT infrastructure. Instead, there are basic cybersecurity practices that you can implement to stay safe, and this article is where you’ll find them!
E2E Technologies is a team of experts in cybersecurity and safeguarding. We’ll begin by explaining the importance of cybersecurity for SMEs.
The importance of cybersecurity for SMEs in 2025
The UK Government’s Cybersecurity Breaches Survey 2024 found that 50% of businesses experienced some form of cybersecurity breach or attack in the previous 12 months. For medium businesses this was higher, at 70%. The average cost of a single breach or attack for any sized business was £1,205, rising to £10,830 for medium or large businesses.
Data loss, disruption to daily operations, and security breaches are the initial primary concerns of SMEs when it comes to protection against cyberattacks. However, productivity, customer and supplier confidence, and staff morale are all long term consequences that are often overlooked when evaluating cybersecurity risk.
Top cybersecurity threats for SMEs
Phishing
The CyberSecurity Breaches survey found that phishing was by far the most common type of breach or attack, with 84% of businesses recording a phishing breach or attack. The survey also identified that phishing attacks have become more sophisticated and convincing due to advances in technology.
A phishing attack is usually a link in an email or message that is designed to obtain personal data such as usernames, passwords, bank accounts and network information. By October 2024, the National Cyber Security Centre had received 36 million reports of phishing scams. Phishing can also be used as a tool to launch ransomware attacks.
Ransomware
A Ransomware cybercriminal locks a company’s data by encrypting files, and demands a ransom to release it. More recently, there has been a move towards the additional threat of publishing the data they’ve stolen. The Thales 2024 Data Threat Report found that Ransomware attacks are more common with 28% of businesses experiencing an attack (up from 22%), “but planning in the event of an attack is still poor.”
Data breaches
A data breach is unauthorised access to confidential information which often leads to data loss or disclosure. According to CREST, an international body representing the global cybersecurity industry, SMEs need to assume they will be breached. Financial loss, reputation damage, legal action and losing the trust of customers are just some of the impacts that a data breach can have on SMEs. They are also in danger of going out of business when breached, due to problems such as cashflow.
Essential cybersecurity practices for SMEs
An eCommerce News article states: “Small businesses, in particular, face significant challenges in navigating the complex landscape of cyber threats.” A full risk assessment, a comprehensive cybersecurity policy, employee training, robust cybersecurity measures and adequate insurance are five crucial strategies outlined in the article for keeping smaller businesses safe online. Sound advice!
At E2E Technologies we always give our SME customers the following four tips for improving the safety of their businesses against cyberattacks:
Password policies
We advocate a strong password policy. It is often worth using a password manager app to create strong passwords. Passwords should be unique, and employees should be made to change their password at regular intervals: we’d suggest every three months, at which point the old password expires.
Ideally, all user and admin passwords should be at least 16 characters long. They shouldn’t be shared with anyone or written down, and password hints shouldn’t suggest the format of the password.
Regular software updates
Regular software updates prevent known weaknesses from being exploited. Software updates usually install new security features, and security patches that fix existing flaws in products that hackers are aware of.
By regularly updating software, SMEs can stay ahead of cybercriminals to reduce the risk of data breaches, malware infections and other cybersecurity threats.
Firewalls
Firewalls offer a first line of defence against cyberattacks by blocking unauthorised access. This safeguards sensitive data, controls network traffic and supports safe remote working. For customers and suppliers, a robust firewall gives them the confidence that an SME’s IT security meets data protection regulations.
Antivirus
Antivirus software is a cost-effective safety precaution against cyberattacks. It detects threats and suspicious activity, and removes harmful files or links that could potentially shut a business down. For SMEs with remote workers, antivirus software reduces the risk of employees being victim to phishing or malware threats when using their own unsecured devices.
Training and awareness of the need for cybersecurity strategies
A robust cybersecurity strategy relies on the vigilance and proactive approach of employees. Responsibility for cybersecurity extends beyond the IT department; it is everyone’s problem, and all employees need to fully understand their role! This is where training and a company-wide awareness of cybersecurity threats are essential.
Cybersecurity awareness training for employees helps them to understand the impact of an attack on the business. By outlining protocols and expected actions, employees learn best practices that will reduce the risk of data breaches and phishing attacks. It also helps the business to meet their data security obligations which instils confidence with customers, suppliers and other stakeholders. E2E Technologies provides cybersecurity training for employees for businesses of varying sizes.
Get in touch with E2E Technologies to discuss your cybersecurity essentials
E2E Technologies is a Managed IT provider with a wealth of experience in providing tailored cybersecurity services. Get in touch with the team to find out how we can help to protect your SME from the ever-increasing threat of cybercrime.
