Recent cyber security issues at major employers like Jaguar Land Rover in the West Midlands have shown that no organisation is too big – or too small – to be targeted by cyber criminals. While large companies make the headlines, small businesses are just as vulnerable. In fact, attackers often see small firms as easier pickings because budgets are tight, and protections are weaker.
The good news? You don’t need a huge IT budget to protect yourself. With some straightforward, low-cost steps, you can make your business a much harder target.
1. Keep Your Devices and Software Updated
Hackers rely on out-of-date systems because they contain known weaknesses.
- Turn on automatic updates for Windows, macOS, and mobile devices.
- Update your website CMS (like WordPress) and plugins regularly.
- Don’t ignore the update prompts – they’re patches against active threats.
2. Back Up Your Data – Automatically
If ransomware or hardware failure hits, your data is often the most valuable thing you risk losing.
- Use cloud backups (OneDrive, Google Drive, Dropbox) with version history enabled.
- Keep an offline backup on an external drive, updated weekly.
- Test restoring files every now and again so you know it works.
3. Strengthen Your Passwords
Weak or reused passwords are the easiest way in for attackers.
- Use passphrases instead of short passwords (e.g. ChairSunshineMarket2024!).
- Never reuse the same password across work accounts.
- Consider a password manager like Bitwarden or LastPass to store them securely.
4. Switch On Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Even if someone steals your password, MFA stops them logging in.
- Enable MFA on email, banking, Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, and any system that supports it.
- Use an app (like Microsoft Authenticator or Authy) rather than SMS where possible.
5. Stay Aware of Phishing Emails
Most attacks start with a dodgy email.
- Be cautious of unexpected invoices, links, or file attachments.
- Check the sender’s address carefully – fraudsters often use lookalike domains.
- If in doubt, don’t click – call the company directly to confirm.
Small Steps, Big Protection
You don’t need Jaguar-sized budgets to avoid cyber disasters. A handful of affordable practices can protect your data, your clients, and your reputation.
✅ Want Peace of Mind?
At Black Country Tech Support, we offer a low-cost Cyber Security Health Check for small businesses across the West Midlands. We’ll review your setup, highlight the risks, and give you simple fixes you can put in place right away.
