SMEs Are Facing Unprecedented Cyber Threats – Here’s How to Build Real Resilience

Cyber security threats are no longer confined to major corporations with vast digital footprints. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the UK are now just as vulnerable. The recent attacks in June and July 2025 prove that no business is too small to be targeted. High-profile names like Marks & Spencer and Cartier have made headlines, but local businesses are suffering too.

One case that stands out is the collapse of a 158-year-old logistics firm following a ransomware attack. The attack was triggered by a single guessed password. That small gap in cyber hygiene led to the company shutting its doors and hundreds of employees losing their jobs. As a security professional, I can tell you this: cyber attacks rarely succeed because of sophisticated hacking. They succeed because of human error and overlooked basics.

Why SMEs Are Particularly Exposed

SMEs often operate with limited resources, and attackers know this. Criminal groups have evolved beyond brute-force hacking and are focusing on exploiting people. Social engineering and phishing campaigns are now the weapon of choice because they bypass even the strongest technical defences.

Groups like Scattered Spider, which has been linked to major breaches across Europe, specialise in exploiting internal workflows, often tricking helpdesks or employees to gain entry. This is not a problem technology can solve alone. Investing in people-focused cyber awareness training is just as important as investing in software.

Schools and Young People Are Becoming Targets Too

Schools have become frequent victims of ransomware. One recent attack on 11 schools in Shropshire disrupted coursework submissions and shut down networks. When education systems are interconnected, one weak link can bring the whole system to a halt.

Children are also increasingly targeted online. AI-generated scams, phishing emails and manipulative tactics designed to exploit trust are on the rise. It is essential that parents and educators step up to build digital awareness and resilience. Cyber security education must start early because young people are on the front line just as much as businesses.

The UK Government’s Ransomware Payment Ban

In July 2025, the UK Government introduced a ban on ransomware payments for public sector organisations and critical infrastructure, including NHS trusts, councils and schools. These organisations must now notify the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) before taking any action in the event of an attack. The goal is to disrupt the financial incentives that keep cyber crime thriving.

While SMEs are not yet subject to this ban, the message is clear: prevention, preparation and resilience are the only viable options. Paying a ransom is not a strategy, it is a last resort that often fails to restore full functionality or prevent further exploitation.

Immediate Actions for SMEs, Schools and Families

The good news is that there are practical steps every organisation and household can take to reduce their exposure:

For SMEs:

• Enforce strict password policies and multi-factor authentication.
• Regularly patch and update all systems.
• Maintain off-site, encrypted backups and test your restore process.
• Have a clear incident response plan and engage professional responders quickly if an attack occurs.

For Schools and Families:

• Run awareness sessions to help staff and children recognise phishing and scams.
• Discuss common online threats openly with children so they know how to respond.
• Apply parental controls and filters to limit exposure to harmful content.
• Update all devices, including smart home technology, with the latest security patches.
• Lock down your home network with a strong password and disable vulnerable features like WPS.

Cyber Security Is About People

Attackers are focusing on human behaviour as much as technical vulnerabilities. True resilience requires a shift in mindset. It is about building a culture of awareness and preparation at every level. Waiting for an incident to happen is not an option.

Want to strengthen your cyber resilience?

At Secure Recruitment, we connect organisations with leading cyber security professionals who can design and deliver robust security strategies. Whether you need expert talent, strategic advice, or access to our Cyber Connect community for ongoing support and learning, we can help you stay ahead of the threat curve.

Contact us today to discuss how we can protect your organisation.