The Growing Need for Affordable Cyber Security

Small businesses are now the primary target for 43% of cyber attacks, gone are the days when cyber security used to be a problem just for big corporations.

Most SMEs struggle with tight budgets and feel that robust cyber security for small businesses is out of reach. The truth? Affordable cyber security solutions exist, you just need to know where to look.

We have created a perfect guide for your small business to find personalised cost-effective cyber security solutions, without breaking the bank.

The Cost of Inaction: Why Cyber Security Is a Must

Neglecting cyber security can be much more costly than investing in it, the data speaks for itself:

• The average cost of a cyber attack for a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME)  in the UK  is £25,700. 
• 60% of small businesses close within six months of experiencing a cyber attack.
• GDPR non-compliance fines can reach up to €20 million or 4% of annual turnover.

Cyber security and small business go hand in hand - it's not a luxury, but a necessity. Fortunately, there are budget-friendly ways to protect your business.

Affordable Cyber Security Strategies for SMEs

Instead of expensive AI-powered threat detection tools and other software, which are often out of reach for many small businesses, here are a few budget strategies SMEs can implement to future-proof their cyber defence:

• Use Free & Low-Cost Security Tools: Protecting your business doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. There are many free and budget-friendly tools available for the cyber protection of your organisation such as free antivirus solutions, software for DDoS protection, and password managers that help secure your sensitive credentials.
• Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) : Weak or stolen passwords account for 80% of cyber breaches, making them one of the biggest cyber security threats for SMEs. Implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of protection and is completely free. To enhance security, enable MFA on business emails, financial accounts, cloud storage, and other critical systems.
• Educate Your Employees on Cyber Hygiene : Investing in cyber security training for employees can reduce phishing attack risks by 70%. Fortunately, effective training doesn’t have to be expensive. NCSC Cyber Aware offers free UK government resources, and Disruptive Cyber Group provides security training programs tailored for your business, ensuring your team is equipped to protect your business from evolving cyber risks.
• Regularly Back Up Data - Avoid Costly Ransomware: Ransomware attacks cost UK businesses millions annually, often forcing hefty payments. To protect your data and ensure business continuity, use regular automated backups, secure cloud security for small businesses, and offline encrypted drives.
• Secure Your Wi-Fi & Limit Access: Unsecured Wi-Fi can be an open door for cyber criminals, giving them direct access to your network and sensitive data. To enhance security, always use a strong, unique Wi-Fi password, set up a separate guest network to keep external devices isolated from your business systems, and regularly update your router’s firmware to fix vulnerabilities and strengthen defences.

How DCG Can Help SMEs Secure Their Business on a Budget

At Disruptive Cyber Group (DCG), we recognise that personalised and affordable cyber security for SMEs is a necessity. We offer a comprehensive range of training programs and managed services designed to protect your business by equipping employees with the skills and tools needed to defend your business against cyber attacks.

• Managed Security Services - Protect your business from cyber threats at a fraction of the cost of hiring a full-time IT security team.
• Training & Awareness Programs - Affordable employee training and live exercises designed to help prevent costly cyber incidents.
• Custom Solutions & Tools - Tailored strategies to enhance your cybersecurity defences.

Our goal is to provide you with solutions that meet your specific needs, at a fraction of the price without compromising quality.

The Future of SME Cybersecurity

Cyber security is evolving, making cost-effective solutions more accessible for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). In future, businesses can expect more AI-driven tools that offer advanced protection at lower costs, alongside more free government training programs to boost cyber awareness. Additionally, managed security services providers like DCG will help small businesses strengthen their defences within their cyber security budget.

You Can Secure Your Business on a Budget

Cyber security doesn’t have to drain your finances. With the right strategies, free and low-cost tools, and expert guidance, your business can stay protected without overspending.

Take action today! Start implementing these security tips and explore tailored solutions offered by Disruptive Cyber Group!