Cybersecurity on a Budget: Simple Steps for Small Businesses
Cybersecurity isn’t just a problem for big companies. Small businesses are regularly targeted — often because attackers know they’re less likely to have protection in place.
The good news is, you don’t need a huge budget to make a big difference.
Here are low-cost, high-impact ways to boost your business’s cyber defences.
🔒 1. Turn on Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Cost: Free
Benefit: Protects your email and accounts even if a password is stolen.
Set up 2FA on:
Microsoft 365 or Gmail
Accounting software (Xero, QuickBooks)
CRM or file storage platforms
Use an app like Microsoft Authenticator or Google Authenticator – avoid text-message-based codes if you can.
🔐 2. Use a Password Manager
Cost: ~£2–£4 per user/month
Benefit: Stores strong, unique passwords securely.
Good options: Bitwarden, 1Password, or Keeper. These stop team members from reusing weak or guessable passwords.
📬 3. Learn to spot phishing emails
Cost: Free or low-cost
Benefit: Prevents fraud and malware by stopping the human error part of the attack.
What to look for:
Urgent or strange requests
Odd email addresses
Suspicious links or attachments
Free resources: NCSC's phishing guide
🛡 4. Keep software up to date
Outdated software is one of the most common ways attackers get in.
Turn on automatic updates where possible
Regularly check that your laptops, phones, and plugins are patched
🧯 5. Have a basic recovery plan
What happens if someone clicks the wrong link?
Have a clear process for what to do
Know how to reset accounts, check backups, and alert your IT support
Save the steps somewhere secure but accessible
Small steps, big protection
You don’t need enterprise firewalls or six-figure systems to be secure — just smart habits, a few good tools, and clear processes.
I help businesses across Newry and Mourne build practical, budget-friendly cyber strategies that actually work.
🟢 Need a quick review or plan? Let’s talk – no hard sell, just helpful advice.