With cyber threats continuing to rise, a new government campaign is encouraging businesses to focus on the basics and adopt Cyber Essentials.
What is Cyber Essentials?
Cyber Essentials is a UK government-backed scheme designed to help organisations protect themselves against the most common cyber attacks.
Developed by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, it focuses on five key protections that can be implemented without specialist IT expertise:
- Firewalls – protecting your network from unauthorised access
- Secure configuration – ensuring devices and systems are set up safely
- Software updates – keeping systems protected against known vulnerabilities
- User access control – limiting access to only those who need it
- Malware protection – preventing and detecting malicious software
These areas address the weaknesses most commonly exploited by cyber criminals. In many cases, attacks succeed because of simple oversights such as outdated software or poor access controls.
Why SMEs are increasingly targeted by cyber attacks
It is a common assumption that cyber criminals mainly target large organisations. In reality, many attacks are automated and opportunistic, scanning for weaknesses regardless of business size.
Smaller businesses can be particularly vulnerable as they may not have dedicated IT support or formal cyber security processes in place.
The potential impact of an attack can include:
- Financial loss or fraud
- Operational disruption
- Loss of sensitive data
- Reputational damage
- Legal or regulatory consequences
For many businesses, even a short period of disruption can have a direct effect on day-to-day operations and income.
Utilise ‘Early Warning’ from the NCSC to strengthen your defences
Alongside Cyber Essentials, there are also free tools available to help businesses stay ahead of potential threats.
The National Cyber Security Centre offers a free Early Warning service to all UK organisations, designed to alert you to potential cyber risks before they cause disruption.
Early Warning works by using trusted information feeds, including some not publicly available, to identify malicious activity or weaknesses in organisations’ systems. This information is then used to send tailored email alerts based on the details you provide when registering.
- Your systems are linked to known malicious activity
- Vulnerabilities have been identified in your online presence
- Data associated with your organisation appears in threat intelligence feeds
With 43% of businesses reporting a breach in the past year, having access to early alerts can provide an additional layer of defence and allow you to act before issues escalate.
To find out more or register, visit the NCSC Early Warning service on the link below:
ncsc.gov.uk/section/active-cyber-defence/early-warning
Cyber security tips for small businesses
One of the key messages behind the Cyber Essentials campaign is that improving cyber security does not have to be complicated or costly. Practical steps you can take now include:
- Keeping software and systems up to date
- Restricting access to sensitive data and systems
- Using strong passwords, a trusted password manager app, and Passkeys where available, alongside multi-factor authentication
- Training staff to recognise phishing emails
- Installing reliable malware protection and firewalls.
Taking these basic measures can significantly reduce the risk of common cyber attacks.
Cyber security is now a core business issue and support is available for businesses
To help businesses get started, there are also free resources available as part of the wider campaign, including:
- A Cyber Essentials Readiness Tool to identify gaps in your current set-up
- Access to free 30-minute consultations with an NCSC-assured advisor for SMEs preparing for certification
These resources are designed to make cyber security more accessible and easier to implement.
LWA are a Cyber Essentials accredited firm
We understand that cyber security is no longer just an IT concern. It is a fundamental part of protecting your business, your finances and your reputation.
At LWA, we hold Cyber Essentials accreditation ourselves, reflecting our commitment to protecting client data and maintaining secure systems.
For SMEs, adopting the same principles can be a straightforward but effective way to reduce risk, protect cash flow and build trust with customers.
If you would like to discuss how cyber risks could impact your business, our team would be happy to help.
Call us on 0161 905 1801 in our South Manchester office, or on 01925 830 830 for our Warrington team. You can also email your query to mail@lwaltd.com with ‘Cyber security advice needed’ in the subject header.