Captain Compliance: A Simple Cybersecurity and Resilience Guide for UK SMEs

In the newest feature from MDSS, we are pleased to introduce our resident Captain Compliance, who helps protect the Hallowed Wall of Fame for MDSS ensuring accreditations and memberships are upheld to the highest standards.

The first topic for discussion is:

How UK Businesses - Big and Small - Can Safely Monitor Cybersecurity and Operational Resilience

In today’s interconnected economy, cybersecurity and operational resilience are no longer optional—they’re essential. For all UK businesses, from high-growth startups to micro businesses, the threat landscape is rapidly evolving.

However, despite growing awareness and more mainstream publicity, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can sometimes lack time, budget, or in-house expertise to monitor cyber risks effectively.

📉 The Reality of Cyber Security for UK SMEs

• Over 32% of small businesses identified a cyber-attack or breach in the past 12 months.

• Among those, 57% experienced phishing attacks, the most common method of attack.

• Alarmingly, only 23% of micro businesses have a formal cybersecurity policy in place.

  (Source: UK Government Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2024)

As they often have a less complex infrastructure, SMEs are prime targets for cybercriminals because they’re seen as easier to breach—and can often be connected to larger supply chains.

Top Concerns for UK Businesses (Especially SMEs)

Whether you’re a growing Law firm in Cardiff or a startup micro business in Bristol, the key questions remain:

• How can we detect and prevent threats with limited resources?

• Are we monitoring the right risks without overstepping legal or privacy boundaries?

• What happens if a cyberattack hits our systems or a critical supplier?

• Can we maintain compliance with UK laws like GDPR, NIS Regulations, or FCA/PRA rules if we operate in regulated sectors?

  
  

✅ A Safe and Scalable Monitoring Strategy for UK Businesses

Here’s how businesses – of any size – has the ability to safely monitor their cybersecurity and operational resilience:

The Basics: Governance and Ownership

For all businesses, it’s critical to assign responsibility for cybersecurity – even if it’s not a full-time role.

• Identify a security lead, for smaller businesses this may be the owner or a dedicated IT manager.

• Create a cyber policy outlining what’s monitored, who has access, and how incidents are reported. (There are plenty of free tools online for all to use; don’t be afraid to approach your IT Support – who may be able to provide you with the necessary information to create your own bespoke policy). 

Simple, Effective Monitoring Tools

You don’t need a six-figure system to stay secure. There are affordable and even free tools that SMEs can use, but always seek professional advice from your IT Support to ascertain what your business would need.

Routine Resilience

Operational resilience isn’t just about cyberattacks—it’s about being able to operate under stress.

• Automate data backups

• Schedule patch updates and system health checks.

📌 Stat: Over 85% of UK ransomware attacks in 2023 were linked to unpatched systems or outdated software.

Train People, Not Just Your Systems

Most attacks begin with human error—clicking a malicious link or falling for social engineering.

• Offer basic cyber hygiene training every 6–12 months.

• You can Simulate phishing tests using free tools.

• Establish a "report it" culture so staff flag issues early.

Monitor Third Parties

Even small businesses rely on third parties: web hosts, payroll providers, or cloud services. One weak link could expose you.

• Maintain a supplier list and identify who handles sensitive data.

• Check for cyber certifications like Cyber Essentials or ISO 27001 (UKAS accredited).

• Require notification of incidents from critical suppliers.

Stay GDPR-Compliant

Under UK GDPR, all monitoring - especially when personal data is involved – must be:

• Proportionate and transparent.

• Based on a lawful purpose.

• Supported by privacy policies and (if needed) Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs).
  

🚨 SMEs can sometimes forget: employee monitoring tools (e.g. screen monitoring, productivity tracking) can easily breach privacy laws if not clearly disclosed.

Plan for the Worst - then Test It

Whether you’re a team of 5 or 500, best practices should be that you need:

• A business continuity plan (BCP).

• An incident response plan (IRP).

• Regular tabletop simulations—even just a “what-if” meeting.
  

📊 Stat: Less than 25% of UK small businesses have tested their cyber incident response plan in the past year.

💡 Final Thought: Cyber Security for UK SMEs

Cyber threats don’t care about the size of your company – but your customers, regulators, and partners do. A resilient, secure business is more likely to:

• Retain customers

• Attract partnerships and contracts

• Meet insurer and investor requirements
  

Consider simple modest steps—enable MFA, train your team, and automate updates – the simplest solutions can have a huge impact.

What else can I do if I’m an SME in the UK?

• ✅ Get certified with Cyber Essentials – it’s often required by public sector contracts.

• ✅ Review your IT provider’s role in monitoring and resilience.

• ✅ Use government-backed resources like NCSC’s tools and the ICO’s GDPR checklist.