Avoiding Cyber attack – don’t let your infrastructure be a sitting target

SMEs in the UK are improving their Cyber Hygiene and protecting themselves from attack.

Cyber Attacks are not going away, nor is the need for better Cyber Security

This government article makes an interesting read

In summary Cyber Attacks on small to medium sized businesses are beginning to reduce and this is because businesses are at last taking responsibility for their Cyber Hygiene.

Is your business now in the Cyber security minority?

85% of small businesses across the UK when surveyed commented that Cyber Security was a priority. 

Are you one of them?  If not, you are more vulnerable to attack as businesses who do prioritise Cyber Security are harder to attack making your business a target.

Contact Qi to discuss improving your hygiene!

Cyber Hygiene – Preventative Measures

Just as personal hygiene habits like brushing your teeth or washing your hands help prevent illness, cyber hygiene involves consistent, proactive steps to protect digital environments from threats. Practicing good cyber hygiene helps maintain the health and integrity of your systems, data, and networks.

Key Components of Cyber Hygiene (how hygienic are your practices?)

Here are some essential Cyber Security best practices:

• Use Strong, Unique Passwords
• Conditional Access policy configuration is now strongly recommended to avoid Microsoft 365 Token Theft.
• Avoid using the same password across multiple accounts.
• Use a password manager to generate and store complex passwords.
• Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
• MFA adds an extra layer of protection by requiring more than one method of verification.
• Keep Software and Systems Updated
• Regularly update operating systems, applications, and firmware to patch known vulnerabilities.
• Install and Maintain Antivirus/Antimalware Software
• Keep your security software up to date and perform regular scans.
• Backup Data Regularly
• Use both local and cloud backups to ensure data can be recovered in case of a breach or ransomware attack.
• Be Aware of Phishing and Social Engineering
• Educate yourself and others on how to recognize suspicious emails, links, and attachments.
• Secure Your Network
• Use firewalls, secure Wi-Fi configurations, and network segmentation when possible.
• Limit Administrative Privilege
• Only give admin access to users who absolutely need it and monitor privileged accounts.
• Review and Manage User Access
• Remove access for former employees and unused accounts promptly.
• Monitor for Unusual Activity
• Use intrusion detection systems or SIEM tools to identify suspicious behaviour in real time.

Get help with your Cyber Security

In short, cyber hygiene is about consistency—small, regular actions that make a big difference in reducing risk and ensuring your digital environment stays safe and resilient against cyber threats.

Ransomware is on the increase – Improve your Cyber Security

According to the National Cyber Security Centre (government body) one in two businesses experienced a security breach in 2025.

Qi strongly recommends that your business takes sensible steps to avoid being one of them.

Here is a video to some basic tips to start your Cyber Health review.

Cyber Security and Supply Chains – tendering successfully

Small businesses have seen a significant increase in those carrying out risk assessments covering cyber security (48% in 2025, up from 41% in 2024).

Get ready for Cyber Essentials or be prepared to lose out on business

Even if you don’t want to get fully Cyber accredited now – your business should be in the best place possible to achieve it.  Even if your cyber security status doesn’t keep you up at night, knowing that you will lose out on business because of it, should?

Contact Qi Ltd to discuss benchmarking to Cyber Essentials

Cyber Essentials Accreditation (painless and cost effective)

Contact Qi to discuss our full Cyber Essentials Accreditation service.  From getting your infrastructure hygienic to certification and recertification each year Qi looks after everything for you. Call: 01525 243490 email: adviseme@qil.co.uk

Read a customer story here

Thought for the Day

Do everything you can to avoid being the next business victim of Cyber Attack or Cyber Crime you hear of.