When household names like M&S and Jaguar Land Rover make the headlines for being hacked, it’s tempting to think “that won’t happen to us.” But the truth is, cyber criminals aren’t only targeting global brands they’re increasingly going after small and medium businesses who often don’t have the same level of protection in place.
For M&S, the breach meant customer data at risk and trust shaken. For Jaguar Land Rover, it caused downtime in their systems, delays in production, and millions in lost sales. While the scale might be different for a shop in Skipton, an accountancy firm in Settle, or a trades company in Craven, the impact can be just as serious:
- Lost business and income during downtime
- Damage to your reputation and customer confidence
- Costs of recovering systems and replacing hardware
- Stress, disruption, and wasted time
The Basics Every Business Should Have in Place
Even without a big IT department, there are simple, practical steps every local business can take to reduce their risk:
- Strong Passwords & Multi-Factor Authentication
Avoid using the same password everywhere. Where possible, add a second layer of security such as SMS or app-based codes. - Staff Awareness Training
Most breaches start with a single mistaken click on a dodgy email. Regular training keeps staff alert to phishing scams and other tricks. - Regular Security Audits
Just like your accounts need reviewing, your IT setup does too. Spotting weak points early is far cheaper than recovering after a breach. - Software Updates & Antivirus
Out-of-date systems are easy targets. Keeping software patched and antivirus up to date protects against known vulnerabilities. - Backups That Actually Work
If the worst happens, having a secure backup could be the difference between bouncing back quickly or losing everything.
How Skipton Tech Can Help
At Skipton Tech, we work with local businesses across Craven to put these safeguards in place without the jargon or the eye-watering costs. Our cyber security services include:
- Staff Training – practical, engaging sessions to stop mistakes before they happen
- Security Audits – a full check of your systems, software, and policies with a clear action plan
- Software Setup & Management – ensuring your antivirus, firewalls, and backups are running smoothly
- Ongoing Support – because cyber security isn’t a one-off job
Whether you’re a small shop, a professional service, or a trades business, the right protection can save you thousands — and a lot of sleepless nights.
Ready to take the first step?
Contact Skipton Tech today for a free initial chat. We’ll look at where your business stands now and show you how simple steps can make a big difference.