Recent high-profile cyber-attacks on organisations such as Marks & Spencer and the Co-op serve as a stark reminder of just how vital strong cyber security has become. When even huge, well-resourced companies can fall victim, it’s a clear warning that every business is at risk.
For small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), the challenge is even greater. Without the extensive budgets or dedicated IT teams of larger enterprises, SMBs often have to do more with less – yet they remain prime targets for cybercriminals looking for easy entry points, with small businesses three times more likely to be targeted by cybercriminals.
But with the right tools and IT support provider, you can significantly strengthen your protection. As a WatchGuard Platinum Partner, Redinet helps businesses take practical, achievable steps to enhance cyber security from the ground up.
1. Strengthen Access Controls and Authentication
One of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent cyber incidents is by tightening access controls. Weak or reused passwords remain one of the most common causes of data breaches. With around 19 billion compromised passwords published online, attackers have an easy way into company systems.
Start by introducing clear password policies across your organisation. Encourage the use of long, complex passwords and consider a password manager to help staff keep track of them securely. But the most important step you can take is enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible.
MFA adds an additional layer of protection by requiring a second form of verification, such as a code sent to an email inbox or a mobile device. Even if a password is stolen, this extra step makes it far harder for cybercriminals to gain access.
As a WatchGuard Platinum Partner, Redinet deploys advanced authentication solutions that make this simple to implement and manage. With the right configuration and ongoing support from a certified partner, you can ensure that only the right people have access to your data.
2. Keep Systems Updated and Patched
Outdated software is one of the easiest targets for cybercriminals, which is reflected in the data – around a third of ransomware attacks start with an unpatched vulnerability. When security updates are missed, vulnerabilities remain open for exploitation.
For SMBs, managing updates can feel like a time-consuming task, especially when balancing other operational priorities. But staying on top of them is essential for maintaining strong cyber security. Set up automatic updates wherever possible and keep an inventory of all your hardware and software so you know exactly what needs attention. Regular patch schedules and clear accountability also go a long way in keeping your systems secure.
Working with a certified partner like Redinet removes much of this burden. Through proactive monitoring and managed update services, we ensure your systems and endpoints receive patches as soon as they’re available. Combined with WatchGuard’s advanced security technology, this helps close gaps before attackers can exploit them, keeping your business protected and your operations running smoothly.
3. Train Your Team to Recognise Threats
Even the most advanced cyber security tools can’t fully protect your business if your people aren’t prepared to spot potential threats. Human error is responsible for 95% of all data breaches, from clicking on a phishing email to downloading a malicious attachment, and cybercriminals rely on these mistakes to gain access.
Building awareness across your team is one of the most cost-effective defences an SMB can invest in. Regular cyber awareness training helps employees recognise suspicious messages, understand safe password practices, and know how to report anything that doesn’t look right.
You can also go a step further by running simulated phishing exercises. These realistic tests reveal where knowledge gaps exist and help staff build the confidence to identify and avoid attacks in the future.
4. Secure Your Network and Devices
Your network is the backbone of your business, but it’s also one of the most common entry points for attackers. Every device connected to it, from laptops to smartphones, can be a potential target if not properly secured.
For SMBs, strong network protection doesn’t have to mean enterprise-level complexity. Start by ensuring that firewalls are active and correctly configured, antivirus software is up to date, and Wi-Fi networks are encrypted with strong passwords. Network segmentation (dividing your network into smaller, more controlled sections) can also help limit the spread of any breach that does occur.
This is where choosing the right technology partner makes a difference. As a WatchGuard Platinum Partner, Redinet delivers enterprise-grade protection tailored for SMBs, including next-generation firewalls, advanced endpoint protection, and secure Wi-Fi solutions. These systems provide real-time monitoring and threat detection, ensuring vulnerabilities are identified and resolved before they can impact your operations.
5. Back Up Data and Test Recovery Plans
Even with strong security in place, no system is completely immune to risk. From hardware failures to ransomware attacks, data loss can happen when you least expect it – and the speed at which you recover determines how much impact it has on your business.
Regular, secure backups are your safety net. Store copies of critical data in multiple locations, ideally a combination of on-premises and cloud-based storage, to ensure you can recover quickly if disaster strikes. Automating this process helps eliminate human error, while scheduling regular recovery tests ensures your backups work when they’re needed most.
Redinet helps SMBs design and manage reliable backup and recovery strategies that align with business continuity goals. As a certified partner, we ensure data is stored securely, easily recoverable, and protected from unauthorised access. Combined with WatchGuard’s robust security ecosystem, this proactive approach minimises downtime and keeps your operations resilient.
Proactive Steps Today for Stronger Protection Tomorrow
In today’s threat landscape, no business is too small to be targeted. The cyber-attacks on major organisations like Marks & Spencer and the Co-op show how determined and sophisticated attackers have become, but they also serve as a reminder that strong defences don’t have to be complicated or costly.
By putting these five practical steps into action, your business can build a far more resilient foundation against cyber threats. As a WatchGuard Platinum Partner, Redinet combines enterprise-grade technology with the insight and experience of a certified partner. From proactive monitoring to strategic planning, we help SMBs create a security framework that protects today and prepares for tomorrow. If you’re ready to strengthen your defences, get in touch with us today and discover how our Platinum Partner expertise can safeguard your business from the ground up.
