When was the last time you stopped to think about how secure your business really is? Many owners assume that cyber-attacks only happen to big corporations, but in reality, small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are often easier targets.
That’s why cyber security for small businesses in Berkshire has never been more important.
In this blog, we’ll explore five of the most common risks you may be ignoring and show you practical steps to fix them. Whether you’re already investing in cyber security Berkshire services or just starting to think about it, these insights will help you take control of your digital safety.
The Everyday Cyber Security Risks
With the rise in cyber threats targeting small businesses, it’s never been more crucial to ensure you have the best precautions in place. In fact, recent research revealed that the most common attack was phishing (impacting 85% of businesses) due to staff clicking on fraudulent emails.
Let’s explore the other key cyber security issues that are putting your business at risk:
- Unpatched software and systems
Software that’s not updated regularly leaves behind gaps that cybercriminals can exploit. While these gaps might seem small, they can let intruders in that cause extended downtime and compatibility issues. The longer you leave your outdated systems, the more vulnerable your business becomes. - Weak or reused passwords
A weak password is like leaving your front door open for anyone to enter. Employees often use simple, memorable passwords to save time, but this convenience makes it easier for attackers to guess or crack them. Reusing the same password across different accounts only multiplies the risk, as one stolen login could unlock several parts of your business. - Phishing emails
Phishing attacks are designed to look convincing. They mimic the tone, logos, and style of genuine organisations, making it difficult for staff to spot what’s fake. All it takes is one hurried moment for someone to click a link, download a file, or share sensitive information. Unlike obvious spam, phishing emails are often carefully crafted to trick even cautious employees. - Unsecured remote access and VPNs
With more staff working from home, remote access has become essential. But if these connections aren’t properly secured, they can provide an open backdoor into your systems. Poorly configured VPNs, or employees connecting over public Wi-Fi without protection, expose your business to unnecessary risks. It’s not always about what staff are doing wrong – it could just be that the setup hasn’t been hardened against outside threats. - Poor cyber awareness among staff
There’s only so much technology can do to protect your business if your staff don’t know who to spot danger. Employees may not realise the risks of clicking an unfamiliar link, opening an unexpected attachment, or sharing information too freely. Without regular training and reminders, staff can become the easiest route for attackers to get in. However, good cyber awareness gives your team the confidence to pause, question, and act responsibly.
Practical Fixes and Easy Wins
The good news is that addressing these issues doesn’t always require expensive technology. Many risks can be reduced with consistent processes and straightforward measures:
- Patching schedule: Set up automatic updates wherever possible. For critical business software, schedule regular patching and keep track of update cycles.
- Password policies: Require unique, complex passwords. Provide a password manager to make life easier and enforce multi-factor authentication across all key accounts.
- Regular phishing simulations: Test staff awareness by sending mock phishing emails. Follow up with training to improve response.
- Secure remote access: Use modern VPNs with two-factor authentication, encrypt traffic, and restrict remote access to only those who need it.
- Ongoing awareness training: Don’t rely on a single training session. Make cyber security awareness a part of your company culture – include refresher sessions, quick tips, and updates on the latest threats.
How SolCo Helps Berkshire Businesses Stay Secure
At SolCo, we provide managed IT services Berkshire companies trust to strengthen their defences without the complexity. We act as a trusted partner, helping businesses of all sizes build practical, cost-effective protection.
Our Berkshire cyber security services include:
- Proactive patch management: Ensuring your software and systems are always up to date, reducing vulnerabilities.
- Identity and password management: Strong password policies, multi-factor authentication, and secure access solutions.
- Phishing protection tools: Filtering malicious emails before they reach inboxes, combined with user training.
- Cyber security awareness Berkshire staff need: Practical, engaging sessions to boost awareness and resilience.
- 24/7 monitoring and response: Continuous oversight to detect and respond to suspicious activity quickly.
- Business IT support Berkshire firms depend on: Friendly, local support to keep your systems running smoothly.
Book a Consultation with Chris
Cyber security doesn’t always fail because of cutting-edge hackers. More often, it’s the small, everyday issues that let attackers in. By addressing these risks with cyber security solutions Berkshire businesses rely on, you can protect your data, your clients, and your reputation.
If you’d like a fresh pair of eyes on your business’ cyber security posture, schedule a free review with Chris at SolCo. He’ll walk you through where you may be vulnerable now – no jargon, no pressure – just clear advice.
