Cyber security isn’t just something large corporations have to worry about. Small and medium-sized businesses (SME) are increasingly targeted by cyber criminals because they often have weaker defences in place. The good news is that protecting your company doesn’t have to be expensive. With a few straightforward and affordable measures, you can significantly reduce your risk and give your team greater confidence when working online. At Edmondson's we help businesses put practical and cost-effective safeguards in place.

Use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication

Weak or reused passwords are one of the easiest ways for attackers to gain access to your systems. It’s a good idea to make a habit of using strong, unique passwords for every account. A strong password should be long, contain a mix of letters, numbers and symbols, and avoid obvious words or known personal details. To make this easier, consider using a password manager so staff don’t have to remember them all. Adding multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible provides an extra layer of protection, as logging in requires more than just a password.

Secure your website with an SSL certificate

An SSL certificate encrypts data transmitted between your website and its visitors, which is especially important if you collect personal information or payment details. Many hosting providers now offer SSL certificates through services like Let’s Encrypt. Installing one is quick, it gives your visitors confidence that your site is safe and can even improve your search engine rankings. For a small business, this is one of the simplest and most cost-effective upgrades you can make.

Keep systems updated

Out-of-date software is a common entry point for cyber-attacks. Hackers actively look for known vulnerabilities in old operating systems, browsers and business applications. Ensuring that updates are installed regularly is one of the most effective ways to stay protected. Most updates are free and can be set to install automatically. At Edmondson's we often see businesses running outdated systems without realising the risks, and updating them makes an immediate difference to their security posture.

Providing basic staff training

Employees are often the first line of defence against cyber threats, yet they’re also the most common target. Simple training on how to spot phishing emails, avoid suspicious links and handle sensitive data can prevent costly mistakes. Training doesn’t have to be formal or expensive. Even short awareness sessions or regular reminders can go a long way to building good habits. Creating a culture where staff feel comfortable reporting anything suspicious is just as important as the training itself.

Back up your data securely

A ransomware attack or accidental deletion could wipe out important files in seconds. Regular data backups ensure that your business can recover quickly without paying criminals or suffering permanent loss. Affordable cloud-based services are widely available, and even local backups on external drives can provide an extra safety net if managed properly. The key is to make sure backups happen automatically, are stored securely, and are tested so you know they will work when needed.

Limit access to sensitive information

Not every employee needs access to every file or system. By restricting access based on roles, you reduce the risk of accidental or deliberate misuse of information. Most modern systems allow you to set user permissions at no extra cost, so it’s a simple step to improve security without adding expense.

Why affordable measures matter

It’s easy to assume that proper cyber security requires a large budget and advanced tools. In reality, many breaches occur because of basic oversights. By putting these cost-effective measures in place, you can help to prevent most attacks. They may not cover every possible risk, but they will strengthen your defences significantly and buy you valuable time to respond if something does happen.

Final thoughts

Cyber criminals are opportunists, often going after the easiest targets. By addressing the basics, you make your business far less appealing to them. At Edmondson's we work with SMEs across Yorkshire to build practical and affordable security strategies that fit their needs and budgets. If you’re ready to strengthen your cyber security without breaking the bank, you can get in touch with our team today.