If you’re a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) then there’s around a 1 in 2 chance that you’ll experience a cyber security breach*. For micro / small businesses, that could result in costs of around £1,400. Further, from May 2018, there’s the possibility of increased fines from the Information Commissioner’s Office if you fail to meet your responsibilities under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
But don’t worry: new guidance from the NCSC shows how easy it can be to protect your organisation’s data, assets, and reputation.
Easy to understand advice
Falling victim to cyber crime can be devastating for your business, and when you consider that SMEs make up 99.9% of Britain’s 5.5 million private sector businesses, it represents a real threat to the whole of the UK economy. That’s why the NCSC has produced this Cyber Security: Small Business Guide, which contains advice that is easy to understand and costs little to implement.
Following the advice in this guide will significantly increase your protection from the most common types of cyber crime. If you do nothing else to protect your livelihood from this growing threat, then take these 5 steps.
If you want or need to improve your cyber security further, then you can also seek certification under the Cyber Essentials scheme, which has the benefit of demonstrating to your clients (or prospective clients) that you take the protection of their data seriously. And if you’re a larger business (or face a greater risk from cyber crime) then the 10 Steps to Cyber Security can help your approach to cyber security.
We’d welcome your feedback
Cyber Security can feel like a daunting challenge for many small business owners. But it needn’t be. The NCSC is working with representative bodies, law enforcement, charities, not-for-profit organisations and small businesses to ensure we present our advice in the best way possible. We’d welcome your feedback on the Cyber Security: Small Business Guide to help us continually improve our advice to small business.
Neil
SME Engagement Lead, NCSC
*The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport’s ‘Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2017‘ reported that just under half (46%) of all businesses have identified at least one cyber security breach or attack in the last 12 months (and 38% have among micro-firms, 52% have among small firms and 66% have among medium firms).
Source: National Cyber Security Centre
