Cyber-attacks are no longer rare; they’re a daily reality for UK businesses of every size. Whether you’re a manufacturer in Grimsby, a retailer in Lincoln, or a digital start-up in Boston, protecting your data and systems is now as essential as protecting your premises. In Greater Lincolnshire, where many businesses operate as part of tightly connected supply chains, a single weak link can have serious ripple effects.
Cyber security isn’t just about compliance or technology; it’s about protecting your reputation, maintaining customer confidence, and keeping your operations running smoothly. Investing in resilience today can save you from costly disruption tomorrow and position your business as a trusted, professional partner in an increasingly digital economy.
The reality behind the risk
The latest Cyber Security Breaches Survey reveals that almost one in five UK businesses experienced a cyber-crime in the past year. Phishing remains the number one threat, while ransomware attacks have doubled since 2024. For many small and medium-sized enterprises, the impact of even one incident can be severe, leading to data loss, downtime, and long-term reputational harm. Once a business has been attacked, it’s also more likely to be targeted again.
Simple steps with big impact
Building resilience doesn’t always require major investment. Often, it’s about getting the basics right:
- Use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication: These simple defences can block the majority of common attacks. Apply MFA to your email, banking, and cloud systems to make it much harder for criminals to get in.
- Keep secure, offline backups: Regularly back up critical data and test your recovery process. This ensures that, even if you’re hit by ransomware, your business can be back up and running quickly.
These small steps significantly reduce the risk of disruption and help you focus on growth with confidence.
Read the Information Commissioner’s Office’s essential cyber security tips for small businesses here.
Business Lincolnshire offers a comprehensive library of tools and guidance designed to help small and medium-sized businesses boost their cyber resilience. Click here to access training and support around Cyber Aware, Free Cyber Action Plans, government-backed certifications, Cyber Governance training, and much more. Cyber threats don’t have to be tackled alone; these resources are here to support your business.