Cybersecurity is no longer something only large organisations need to worry about. Surrey SMEs are increasingly expected to prove that their systems, data and users are protected, especially when working with larger clients, regulated industries, insurers or public-sector organisations.
One of the most important areas to review is Microsoft 365 security. Email accounts are a common target, and a compromised account can quickly lead to data loss, invoice fraud or wider business disruption. Multi-factor authentication, secure admin accounts, email protection and access controls should all be reviewed.
Backups are another priority. Businesses should know exactly what is backed up, how often backups run and how quickly information can be restored if something goes wrong. Endpoint protection is also essential, especially for laptops and devices used by remote or hybrid teams.
Surrey businesses should also consider Cyber Essentials readiness. Even if certification is not required immediately, the framework gives SMEs a useful structure for improving cyber hygiene and addressing common weaknesses.
Key priorities include:
- MFA across Microsoft 365
- Strong admin account protection
- Email security and phishing protection
- Endpoint protection for business devices
- Reliable backup and recovery processes
- Secure sharing settings
- Patching and software updates
- Clear user access controls
- Cyber Essentials preparation
For Surrey SMEs, cybersecurity does not need to be overwhelming. The most important step is understanding where the gaps are and prioritising the fixes that reduce the most risk.
With the right support, businesses can strengthen security, improve resilience and give clients, insurers and internal teams greater confidence.
