How Do I Protect My Business From a Cyber Attack in 2026?

Cyber attacks have become a major concern for organisations of every size. While large companies often make the news when something goes wrong, smaller organisations face the same risks and are frequently targeted because attackers know they may have weaker protection. This has led many business owners to ask the same important question: how do I protect my business from a cyber attack? The answer lies in understanding how these attacks happen and taking clear steps to reduce the chances of a criminal gaining access to your systems.

Protecting your business is not only about installing security tools. It also involves training staff, creating simple processes, and keeping your systems updated. When these areas work together, your organisation becomes more resilient and better prepared for the challenges that cybercrime presents.

What a cyber attack is and why businesses are targeted

A cyber attack is any attempt by a criminal to access, damage, disrupt or control your systems or data. Attackers may be searching for personal information, financial details, login credentials or anything else they can use for financial gain. Some attacks are carefully planned, but many are automated and scan the internet for easy targets. This means that even if your organisation is not singled out, it can still be affected if a weakness is found.

Businesses of all sizes store valuable information, whether that is customer records, financial data or intellectual property. Criminals often look for organisations that have weak passwords, outdated systems or staff who are unaware of common scams. These weaknesses make it easier for attackers to break in. Recognising that every organisation holds something of value is the first step in improving your defences.

Common cyber threats businesses should be aware of

Most cyber attacks fall into a few well-known categories. By understanding what these threats look like, you can take simple steps to reduce your risk.

Phishing is the most common form of attack. A phishing email or message is designed to look genuine and often appears to come from a trusted source. Its purpose is to trick someone into clicking a link or opening an attachment. This can lead to stolen credentials or harmful software being installed. Phishing attempts often create a sense of urgency, making people more likely to act without thinking.

Malware is harmful software that enters a system without permission. This includes viruses, spyware and ransomware. Malware often arrives through email attachments or fake downloads. Once installed, it can steal information, monitor activity or disrupt your system.

Ransomware is a type of malware that locks your files so you can no longer access them. The attacker then demands payment in exchange for restoring your data. Ransomware is particularly damaging because it can stop a business from operating completely.

Other threats include denial of service attacks that flood systems with too much traffic, password spraying, where criminals try common passwords on multiple accounts, and man-in-the-middle attacks, where a criminal intercepts communications. These threats highlight the need for strong internal processes and aware employees.

Strengthening your organisation's cyber security

When considering how to protect my business from a cyber attack, it is important to focus on three areas. These are staff awareness, secure technology and clear organisational processes. When these areas are well managed, your organisation becomes much harder to attack.

Improve staff awareness and training

Human error is one of the main reasons cyber attacks succeed. A staff member may open a suspicious attachment, share a password or respond to a fraudulent email. Regular training helps people recognise threats and gives them the confidence to report anything that seems unusual.

The National Cyber Security Centre offers free training modules that explain common risks in a clear and practical way. Encouraging staff to take part in ongoing training builds a culture of awareness across the organisation.

Strengthen passwords and use multi-factor authentication

Weak passwords make it far easier for criminals to access accounts. Organisations should encourage the use of long, complex passwords or passphrases. Staff should avoid using the same password for multiple accounts. A password manager can help by safely storing and generating strong credentials.

Multi-factor authentication adds an extra layer of protection by requiring more than one method of verification. This makes it much harder for an attacker to gain access, even if they manage to obtain a password. It should be used on accounts such as email, banking platforms and administrative systems.

Keep all software updated

Software updates often include important security fixes that protect you from known vulnerabilities. When updates are ignored, systems become exposed. Cyber criminals actively search for organisations running outdated software because it makes their job easier.

Operating systems, antivirus software, routers, applications and even mobile devices must be kept up to date. Using automatic updates can help ensure everything stays current without placing additional workload on staff.

Use firewalls, antivirus software and secure configurations

Technical controls provide a strong layer of protection. Firewalls help block unauthorised access to your network, while antivirus tools scan devices for harmful software. These tools must be kept updated to remain effective.

Devices should be configured securely. This includes removing unnecessary software, disabling unused services and ensuring that default passwords on equipment such as routers are changed immediately. These simple steps reduce the number of entry points for attackers.

Secure networks and support safe remote working

With remote and hybrid working becoming more common, network security is more important than ever. Business devices should connect only to secure, password-protected networks. Public Wi Fi carries significant risks because criminals can intercept unencrypted data.

A virtual private network encrypts data and keeps it secure when staff are working away from the office. Staff should also understand the risks of using unknown USB drives, leaving devices unlocked or connecting through insecure networks.

Limit access to sensitive information

Not every employee needs access to every system. Access should be limited based on job role. This reduces the risk of damage if an account is compromised. Administrative privileges should only be given to staff who genuinely need them.

Using individual accounts instead of shared logins makes it easier to identify suspicious activity. Organisations can also control the use of external storage devices to prevent the accidental introduction of harmful files.

Back up your data and test your recovery processes

A strong backup strategy is essential, particularly due to the growth of ransomware attacks. Backups should be stored in separate locations, ideally using both cloud-based storage and offline copies. They should also be encrypted.

It is important to test backups regularly. A backup is only useful if it can be restored when needed. Regular testing ensures your organisation can return to normal more quickly after an incident.

Trusted government resources and certifications

The UK provides several helpful tools to support organisations in improving their cybersecurity. The National Cyber Security Centre offers guides and training that explain how to reduce risk in practical ways. These include the Small Business Guide and the Response and Recovery Guide.

Cyber Essentials is a government-backed certification that helps businesses protect themselves against common cyber threats. It focuses on key areas such as secure configurations, access control, firewalls, patch management and malware protection. Achieving certification can help reduce risk and demonstrate that an organisation takes security seriously.

Tools such as the Cyber Action Plan allow organisations to answer simple questions and receive tailored guidance. These resources are useful for businesses that want clear steps to follow without needing specialist knowledge.

Spotting early warning signs

Recognising unusual behaviour early can prevent a small issue from becoming a major incident. Warning signs may include unexpected password prompts, unknown software installations, devices running much slower than usual or emails sent from accounts without the user’s knowledge.

Keeping communication open and encouraging staff to report anything unusual helps organisations spot problems early before they escalate.

What to do if your organisation is affected by a cyber attack

Knowing how to respond is just as important as knowing how to prevent attacks. If an incident occurs, the first step is to isolate affected devices to prevent further damage. Changing passwords and switching to secure backups may also be necessary.

Any financial loss should be reported to Action Fraud. If personal data has been compromised, the organisation may need to notify the Information Commissioner’s Office within 72 hours. Significant cyber incidents can also be reported to the National Cyber Security Centre.

Clear and calm communication helps staff and customers understand what has happened and what steps are being taken.

Conclusion

Many organisations now ask how to protect their business from a cyber attack, but the answer lies in taking consistent action. When staff are trained, systems are updated, passwords are strong and clear processes are followed, the risk of a successful attack is greatly reduced. By combining practical steps with reliable guidance from trusted sources, organisations can protect their systems, their data and their future.

If you need training or guidance on improving your cybersecurity or want expert support to strengthen your organisation’s defences, you can get in touch with Secarma today.