TL;DR
Cyber security in 2025 is essential for SMEs. This practical cyber security checklist for SMEs outlines what your business needs to stay protected, compliant, and resilient. It includes guidance on backups, phishing prevention, user access, and the benefits of getting Cyber Essentials or Cyber Essentials Plus certified. You’ll also find official resources from the NCSC and ICO, plus links to Dial A Geek’s service and support options.
Why a Cyber Security Checklist for SMEs Is Essential in 2025
Cyber attacks are increasing, especially for small and medium-sized businesses. Threats like phishing, ransomware, and supply chain compromise are no longer rare. Compliance requirements are rising too.
This guide is your one-stop resource – whether you want to improve security, achieve certification, or simply reduce risk.
✅ Cyber Security Checklist for UK SMEs
1. Secure Your Devices and Network
- Use firewalls and endpoint protection across all systems
- Apply all software and firmware updates
- Restrict remote access using VPNs and firewalls
- Decommission unsupported or end-of-life software
2. Enforce Strong User Authentication
- Turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA) for email, cloud apps, and admin portals
- Use a business-grade password manager
- Never reuse or share passwords between staff
3. Protect Against Phishing and Human Error
- Implement spam filtering and email scanning
- Run monthly cyber security awareness training
- Use phishing simulations to test staff readiness
See how real businesses were affected in this breakdown of recent UK attacks:
https://www.dialageek.co.uk/resources/special-attack-brief-edition-ms-co-op-and-harrods-cyber-breach/
4. Back Up Your Data and Test It
Backups are a critical part of any cyber security checklist for SMEs, ensuring you can recover from attacks or outages quickly.
- Automate daily backups using secure cloud services
- Keep backups stored in multiple locations
- Test your recovery process quarterly
For practical guidance, the NCSC Small Business Guide is a great starting point:
https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/collection/small-business-guide
5. Control Access to Systems and Files
- Apply the principle of least privilege
- Disable accounts immediately when someone leaves
- Regularly audit folder permissions and third-party integrations
6. Monitor for Suspicious Activity
- Set alerts for failed logins, large file transfers, or off-hours access
- Review Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace logs weekly
- Use security dashboards such as Microsoft Defender or Sentinel
🛡️ Why Get Cyber Essentials Certified?
Cyber Essentials is a government-backed certification that proves your business meets baseline cyber security standards.
Full details:
https://www.dialageek.co.uk/cyber-security/cyber-essentials-certification/
Official scheme overview (NCSC):
https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/cyberessentials/overview
Certification helps you:
- Protect against 80% of common attacks
- Demonstrate trustworthiness to clients and partners
- Qualify for government contracts
- Meet requirements from cyber insurers and auditors
Cyber Essentials vs Cyber Essentials Plus
| Feature | Cyber Essentials | Cyber Essentials Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Self-assessed certification | ✅ | ✅ |
| Third-party technical audit | ❌ | ✅ |
| Ideal for most SMEs | ✅ | ✅ |
| Recommended for regulated industries | ❌ | ✅ |
Learn more about Dial A Geek as an NCSC-certified Cyber Advisor:
https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/organisation/dial-a-geek/cyber-advisor
💼 What About Compliance?
If you store or process any customer data, the ICO requires that you pay a data protection fee and handle data responsibly.
Check your registration or renew here:
https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/data-protection-fee/renew/
Cyber Essentials certification and sound internal controls help ensure you’re on track.
👎 Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Assuming you’re too small to be targeted
- Not testing your backups
- Using only a password to protect critical systems
- Not responding to software vulnerabilities
- Forgetting to train your team
🧰 How Dial A Geek Can Help You Use This Cyber Security Checklist for SMEs
We work with SMEs across the UK to provide managed, proactive cyber protection through our Protect & Grow packages.
Details:
https://www.dialageek.co.uk/managed-it-services/
With Dial A Geek, you get:
- Cyber Essentials and Plus readiness
- Security configuration for Microsoft 365 and cloud services
- Staff training and phishing testing
- Backup solutions and recovery testing
- Proactive monitoring and regular reviews
- 25 trees planted for every Microsoft seat migrated
Want to see how we’ve helped others?
https://www.dialageek.co.uk/case-studies/
📞 Book Your Cyber Security Review
If you are ready to implement a strong cyber security checklist for SMEs, book a consultation with Dial A Geek.
Call us: 0117 369 4335
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