Cybersecurity best practices for small businesses

Originally published 23 August 2023 – updated July 2025

Why small businesses must prioritise cybersecurity

Cyberattacks targeting small firms are increasing, largely because many such organisations still rely on weaker security setups than larger companies. That means small business cybersecurity isn’t optional - it’s vital. By understanding the risks and acting proactively, you can protect your reputation, customer data, and operational continuity.

Common cyber threats facing small businesses

Small firms must stay alert to a variety of attacks, such as phishing campaigns that trick employees into revealing information, malware that can be delivered via downloads or attachments, and denial-of-service attacks disrupt operations. Vulnerabilities like SQL injection, man-in-the-middle attacks, insider threats, advanced persistent threats, brute-force password attacks, and zero-day exploits can all compromise systems.

These threats highlight why robust small business cybersecurity practices are essential, and according to the UK National Cyber Security Centre, small firms can face significant financial and reputational damage from a single breach if preventive measures aren’t in place.

Core practices to strengthen your cybersecurity posture

Effective small business cybersecurity combines technology, process, and awareness. Start with strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication wherever possible and keep all software, firmware, and operating systems updated, as patches frequently close vulnerabilities exploited by attackers.

Staff training is crucial, so teach employees how to recognise phishing attempts, suspicious activity, or insecure behaviours and strengthen your first line of defence. Integrating a firewall filters harmful traffic while allowing legitimate business applications to run smoothly, and maintaining regular backups ensures rapid recovery after an incident, protecting both data and reputation.

Securing networks is equally important, so use encrypted connections for sensitive communications and implement VPNs (link to https://audrasecurity.com/vpn for remote or public Wi-Fi access. Monitoring network activity and reviewing security policies periodically will keep your small business cybersecurity measures up to date and effective.

For formal guidance on data protection, the ICO’s SME Web Hub (link to https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/advice-for-small-organisations/ is an excellent resource, and obtaining Cyber Essentials certification demonstrates strong cyber hygiene to clients and partners.

Building a resilient small business cybersecurity strategy

Small business cybersecurity isn’t about achieving perfection so much as  making attacks difficult and costly for cybercriminals. Combining protective tools like firewalls, VPNs, and encryption mechanisms with clear policies and ongoing staff training creates a resilient security foundation.

By implementing these measures now and remaining vigilant to evolving threats, you protect not only your data but also your reputation, client trust, and operational continuity. Solutions like Audra Safe help integrate these best practices into everyday operations, making security seamless rather than intrusive.