Cyber attacks aren’t just a problem for tech firms or massive global brands. They’re a real and growing threat to every business—big, small, or somewhere in between.

Just ask Marks & Spencer or The Co-operative. Both have recently found themselves in the headlines for all the wrong reasons. Customer data leaked. Systems disrupted. Reputations damaged. And it all happened because of weaknesses that could have been avoided.

Cyber security isn’t optional anymore. It’s a core part of running a modern business.

What’s at Risk?

Your business holds valuable data—customer information, payment details, supplier records, financial systems. If any of that is exposed or stolen, the damage can be severe. We’re talking lost trust, financial penalties, legal issues, and a serious hit to your reputation.

And it’s not just about hackers in hoodies. A lot of threats come from simple mistakes—weak passwords, clicking a dodgy link, not spotting a phishing email.

That’s where a proper cyber security policy comes in.

What Should a Cyber Security Policy Cover?

At the very least, you need:

• A strong password policy. No more “123456” or “Password1”. Think complex, unique, and regularly updated.
• Two-Factor Authentication (2FA). This adds a second layer of security. Even if someone gets hold of a password, they can’t get in without the second piece of the puzzle.
• Access control. Not everyone needs access to everything. Lock down sensitive areas of your systems.
• Regular staff training. Your people are your front line. If they don’t know what a phishing email looks like, you’re wide open.
• Backups and recovery plans. If the worst happens, you need to be able to get back up and running fast.

Don’t Have an In-House Team? No Problem.

You don’t need to build a full cyber team from scratch. Many businesses outsource this to trusted IT providers who specialise in keeping systems safe. They’ll assess your risks, put solid protections in place, and keep things up to date as threats evolve.

It’s a lot cheaper than dealing with a breach.

A Final Thought

Think of cyber security like locking your office at night. You wouldn’t leave the door wide open and hope for the best. The same goes for your systems and data.

Start with the basics. Put a clear policy in place. Educate your staff. Get expert support if you need it.

Because the question isn’t if your business will be targeted. It’s when.