Cyber threats to look out for and how Cyber Essentials Plus can help

Cyber threats are hitting businesses hard: half of all UK companies (50%) faced a cyber security breach or attack in 2024. For medium and larger businesses, the risk is even greater, with a staggering 70% reporting incidents. With attacks on the rise, knowing which threats to watch out for is crucial, and so is having the right protection in place. Cyber Essentials Plus offers a straightforward, accessible way for businesses of all sizes to strengthen their defences. Let’s explore the key threats you should be aware of and how this certification can help protect your organisation from cyber threats.  

Why your business could be at risk

Every business has something cyber criminals want—whether data, money, or access. Cyber attacks fall into two broad categories: untargeted and targeted. Untargeted attacks cast a wide net, using phishing, malicious sites, or automated hacks to exploit any vulnerable business. Targeted attacks focus on specific businesses, using tactics like social engineering or exploiting known IT weaknesses. 

No business is too small to be a target. Cyber criminals seek out vulnerabilities such as outdated software, weak passwords, or employees unaware of phishing tactics. Financial data, customer information, and intellectual property all hold value, making even small companies attractive. Businesses working with larger organisations may also be targeted as a weak link in the supply chain.

Common cyber threats  

Here are some of the most common cyber threats businesses face today: 

Phishing

Phishing remains one of the most common and effective cyber threats. Attackers pose as trusted sources, such as banks, suppliers, or internal colleagues, to trick employees into revealing sensitive information or clicking on malicious links. 

Impersonation attacks

These attacks involve cyber criminals pretending to be senior executives, suppliers, or even customers. Through email or other communication channels, they manipulate employees into transferring funds or sharing confidential data.   

Viruses and other malware

Malware—such as viruses, ransomware, and spyware—can infect company systems through malicious downloads, email attachments, or compromised websites. Once inside a network, malware can steal data, encrypt files for ransom, or disrupt operations. 

User error 

Human error, such as clicking on a malicious link or mishandling sensitive data, remains a significant vulnerability for organisations. In many cases, employees unintentionally create entry points for cyber criminals through simple mistakes. Even the most cyber-aware individuals can be tricked into disclosing login details, unknowingly installing malware, or revealing information that attackers can exploit. 

How Cyber Essentials Plus can help avoid common cyber threats

Most cyber attacks are relatively unsophisticated. This means with just a few basic security practices in place, businesses can significantly lower their risk of being targeted. With this in mind, the UK Government developed the Cyber Essentials scheme. Cyber Essentials is a certification backed by the government, designed to help businesses protect themselves from common cyber threats. It focuses on five key areas that are crucial for keeping your business secure: 

• Firewalls – These act as a barrier between your network and the outside world, helping to block any unauthorised attempts to access your systems. 

• Secure configuration – This means setting up your devices and software in a way that minimises security risks from the start, so your systems are harder to hack. 

• User access control – This limits who can access sensitive information. By controlling who has access to what, you can prevent unauthorised users from viewing or changing important data. 

• Malware protection – This helps defend your systems against harmful software like viruses, ransomware, and spyware that could damage your data or systems. 

• Patch management – This ensures that your software and devices are always up to date with the latest security fixes, reducing the chances of attackers exploiting known weaknesses. 

Cyber Essentials is a self-assessed certification, meaning you can check your own business against these standards. However, Cyber Essentials Plus goes a step further and includes an independent review of your security. This extra check ensures that your business is properly protected and gives you added peace of mind that you’re following best practices for keeping cyber threats at bay. 

Strengthen your defences with Cyber Essentials Plus

The statistics make it clear: no business is immune from cyber threats, regardless of its size. The good news is that the most common cyber attacks can be prevented with simple, proactive steps. Cyber Essentials Plus gives businesses a clear, government-backed framework to improve their security, reduce their risk, and demonstrate their commitment to cyber resilience. 

When it comes to protecting your business from cyber threats, Cyber Essentials Plus is an accessible, effective step in the right direction. Our experts are here to simplify the process, ensuring you meet the requirements with confidence. Whether you’re pursuing Cyber Essentials Standard or Plus, we’ll guide you through the assessment and help you implement any necessary changes. 

If you have any questions about the Cyber Essentials scheme and how you can become certified, you can contact us on 03300 245447 or email info@techsol.co.uk.