Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) face a constant barrage of cyber threats. With cybercriminals increasingly targeting businesses that lack robust security, SMBs can no longer afford to overlook the essentials of cyber hygiene. Cyber hygiene is about regular, proactive practices to keep networks, systems, and data safe, which is vital for business continuity.

Cyber hygiene encompasses a set of practices and processes that help maintain a secure and healthy digital environment. Just like personal hygiene protects your health, cyber hygiene protects your business. For SMBs, this means regular updates, enforcing strong passwords, controlling access, training employees, and backing up critical data. This isn’t an optional process but a necessary routine for operational safety.

Neglecting cyber hygiene can be financially devastating. Cybersecurity breaches don’t only incur costs related to damage control; they also carry long-term impacts like reputational loss, client churn, and compromised business continuity. The statistics on data breaches in the UK are alarming.

• According to the UK Government’s 2023 Cyber Security Breaches Survey, 39% of UK businesses reported experiencing a cyber attack or breach in the past year, with small businesses particularly vulnerable.
• The average cost of a cyber breach for UK small businesses is estimated at £15,300, with larger incidents reaching far higher figures (UK Government).
• Nearly 60% of small businesses that suffer a cyber attack close within six months due to financial and reputational damage, according to research from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).

These figures make one thing clear: cyber hygiene is non-negotiable. Businesses that fail to protect their systems and data risk devastating setbacks that few UK SMBs can afford.

NHS WannaCry Attack (2017)
The NHS was hit hard by the WannaCry ransomware attack due to outdated, unpatched systems, disrupting over 19,000 appointments and costing £92 million. Many SMBs reliant on NHS systems also suffered from lost productivity and financial strain, highlighting how essential regular updates and cyber hygiene are in preventing widespread damage.

1. Perception of Weak Security: Attackers assume smaller businesses have fewer security defences, which is often accurate. SMBs focus on core business functions, which can leave security as an afterthought.

2. Financial Gain with Low Risk: For cybercriminals, attacking an SMB typically requires fewer resources than a larger enterprise, while still yielding profitable data and ransom payments.

3. Potential Access to Larger Networks: SMBs are frequently connected to larger networks through vendors or partners, allowing cybercriminals to exploit their systems as entry points to those bigger targets.

Creating a solid cyber hygiene routine doesn’t require heavy investment but demands consistency and strategic focus. Here are some of the highest-impact steps:

1. System Updates and Patching
Hackers often exploit outdated software to access business networks. Regularly updating software and operating systems—everything from third-party applications to custom software—closes these security loopholes. According to the Center for Internet Security, 80% of known vulnerabilities could be avoided through proper patch management.

2. Strong Password Policies and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Weak passwords are a primary entry point for unauthorised access. Enforce strong password standards and utilise MFA, which adds a layer of security by requiring multiple forms of verification. For example, MFA can block 99.9% of attacks on compromised accounts, as reported by Microsoft.

3. Employee Training
Human error remains one of the leading causes of data breaches. Regular training to help employees spot phishing attempts and handle sensitive data appropriately is crucial. The UK Government’s Cyber Security Breaches Survey revealed that 77% of businesses identified phishing as the most common cyber threat, highlighting the need for awareness and education

Real-Life Example: In 2020, Newcastle University fell victim to a ransomware attack triggered by human error. Cybercriminals gained access through a phishing email, leading to the encryption of critical data and weeks of operational disruption. The university faced significant financial and reputational damage, underscoring the need for comprehensive staff training to identify and respond to security threats effectively.

4. Data Backups and Recovery
A regular data backup schedule minimises data loss risks from ransomware and other attacks. Backups should be stored securely and tested periodically. According to IBM, businesses with robust backup systems saved up to 50% in breach-related costs, as they could recover data faster and avoid ransom payments.

5. Access Controls
Limit access to sensitive data on a need-to-know basis. By restricting access, you reduce the potential damage of a compromised account. Implementing Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) has been shown to reduce insider threat incidents significantly, per the Ponemon Institute.

6. Firewall and Endpoint Security
Firewalls and endpoint security solutions are necessary for monitoring and protecting your network. Firewalls monitor incoming and outgoing network traffic, and endpoint security protects individual devices from malware. Cybersecurity Ventures estimates that 60% of all cyber attacks involve malware, highlighting the importance of endpoint protection.

7. Incident Response Plan
Having an incident response plan prepares your business to act fast if a breach occurs. This plan should outline step-by-step actions, communication protocols, and recovery processes, minimising downtime and impact. Without an incident response plan, even a small breach can escalate into a prolonged and costly crisis.

1. Start Small, But Start Today. Cyber hygiene improvements don’t need to happen overnight. Start with basic steps—like updating software and enforcing password policies. Consistent, incremental improvements create a stronger security foundation over time.

2. Audit Your Current Security Posture. Understand where your business currently stands in terms of cyber hygiene. An internal audit will identify critical gaps and guide your next steps. Use free tools from trusted UK sources, such as the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), which offers guidance and resources for assessing your security practices.

3. Prioritise Training and Policies. Educate your team on security basics and establish policies around access, data handling, and password management. Frequent, short training sessions help employees retain security principles and put them into practice.

4. Invest in Basic Security Tools. Firewalls, endpoint security, and MFA are essential, not optional. Invest in reliable solutions to cover these basics, which offer immediate protection against a large portion of threats.

5. Test and Update Regularly. Cyber hygiene is a routine. Schedule regular security audits, test backup recovery processes, and keep employee training up-to-date. Cyber threats evolve, and your defence should too.

1. “We’re Too Small to Be a Target”. Cybercriminals target businesses of all sizes. According to the UK Government’s Cyber Security Breaches Survey, nearly 39% of small businesses reported experiencing a cyber attack in 2023. Being small doesn’t make you invisible; attackers often see smaller companies as easier prey due to weaker defences

2. “Cybersecurity is Too Expensive”. Basic cyber hygiene is affordable. Simple steps like enforcing strong passwords, keeping software up to date, and providing basic employee training can make a big difference without breaking the bank. Many cost-effective tools and resources are available, including free guidance from the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).

3. “Our Data Isn’t Valuable to Hackers”. Every business holds sensitive data, whether it’s customer information or financial records. In the UK, compromised data can lead to regulatory fines under GDPR. Even if your business doesn’t handle large volumes of sensitive data, hackers can still exploit it or use access as a stepping stone to target your suppliers or partners.

The cyber threat landscape is only growing more aggressive, and attackers show no signs of slowing down. Cyber hygiene practices are no longer a luxury—they’re essential to staying operational and competitive. Without these fundamentals, your business is at high risk of operational disruption, data loss, and reputation damage. These costs will far outweigh the investment in preventive measures.

Every day that passes without a cyber hygiene routine is a risk. Building a proactive approach not only protects your assets and data but also enhances your reputation as a trusted business partner in a digitally reliant world. Make the commitment to cyber hygiene, take action now, and establish a foundation for secure, uninterrupted business growth.