Cyber Security for SMEs: From the Boardroom to the Frontline

Are you confident your SME could recover from a cyber attack?

Do your staff know how to recognise phishing emails or secure business data?

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are no longer under the radar. With limited in-house security and growing digital footprints, UK SMEs are now primary targets for cyber criminals. And many aren’t prepared.

This guide will help you understand the growing risks, see real-world examples, and take immediate steps to protect your organisation—starting at the leadership level.

Why Are SMEs Prime Targets for Cyber Attacks?

Cyber criminals see SMEs as easier targets than enterprises.

SMEs often lack dedicated cyber security teams, operate with legacy systems, and rely on informal processes. These gaps make them vulnerable to attacks that are fast, inexpensive, and devastating in impact.

In 2023 alone, over half of UK SMEs reported suffering a cyber incident. Common attack vectors include:

• Phishing emails with malicious links or attachments
• Ransomware that locks access to critical files
• Credential theft via reused passwords or insecure logins

Case Study: The Redcar & Cleveland Council Cyber Attack

Real-world breaches illustrate what’s at stake.

In 2020, a ransomware attack brought Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council to a standstill. Systems were offline for eight months. Critical services like bin collections, planning applications, and social care were affected. The estimated cost: over £10 million.

Bondgate IT was featured in the BBC’s Cyber Siege: From Russia to Redcar, where Managing Director Garry Brown explained how a single phishing email crippled a council. He described it as, “a thief trying every door on a street until one opened.”

This wasn’t a targeted attack. It was opportunistic—and it succeeded because basic protections weren’t in place.

Cyber Security Isn’t Just an IT Problem It’s a Leadership Issue

Security must start in the boardroom to work across the business.

If the C-suite doesn’t prioritise cyber security, neither will frontline staff. Leadership sets the tone for policy, investment, and urgency. Your board should:

• Appoint a board-level cyber risk owner
• Review regular cyber health reports
• Budget for protection and training
• Ensure policies and backups are in place

Quick Cyber Resilience Checklist for SMEs

Use this list to identify immediate risk areas.

• Do you have a documented cyber policy?
• Are staff trained to recognise phishing emails?
• Are backups performed daily and stored securely?
• Do you use multi-factor authentication (MFA)?
• Are admin privileges limited and reviewed regularly?
• Do you test your response plan at least twice a year?

If you answered "no" to more than two questions, you likely have a vulnerability that could be exploited tomorrow.

How Bondgate IT Is Helping UK Organisations Respond

We believe in proactive defence and public awareness.

Bondgate IT is helping to elevate awareness of cyber threats across the UK. As part of the BBC documentary, we highlighted how untrained staff, poor email hygiene, and lack of preparedness can bring entire councils or businesses to a halt.

Our goal is to help SMEs build resilient systems, educate teams, and treat security as an ongoing business priority—not a reactive expense.

What’s Next: Build a Culture of Security Awareness

Technology alone isn’t enough. People are your strongest—or weakest—defence.

To build true cyber resilience, you need a workplace culture that prioritises security at every level. This includes:

• Cyber awareness training in onboarding
• Monthly security reminders in team meetings
• Clear reporting channels for suspicious activity
• Leadership accountability and communication

Cyber Security Starts with You

SME cyber threats are real and rising. You’ve now seen where the risk lies and how to respond.

One phishing email, one weak password, or one unchecked device could put your business offline.

Start with the checklist. Then, speak to experts who can help you assess your systems and train your team.

At Bondgate IT, we help UK organisations proactively manage cyber threats. Whether you need audits, strategy, or team training, we’re here to help.

👉 Ready to assess your cyber health?
.