April brought several significant updates impacting cyber security for SMEs across the UK. According to recent findings from the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), phishing attacks have increased by 30% this month, with a sharp focus on businesses through advanced email scams. SMEs remain especially at risk, largely due to constrained resources for robust cyber defences.
Here are the top stories you need to read:
Data breach costs for UK SMEs reach record high
A new UK government report shows data breaches now cost SMEs an average of £75,000 per incident in 2025 – a record high. Rising regulatory fines, reputational damage, and customer loss are the primary factors driving these escalating costs.
Economic uncertainty and your Cyber Security
Proactively investing in your digital security protects your data, your reputation, and your bottom line, particularly during uncertain economic times. Consider scalable and cost-effective measures like Cyber Essentials certification, regular vulnerability scans, and employee cyber awareness training.
Breaking in to keep hackers out: the essential work of penetration testers
Organisations hire ethical hackers – also known as penetration testers or pen testers to identify vulnerabilities before cyber criminals can exploit them. But what exactly does this work involve? And how do you choose the right type of test for your organisation?
Good security practice for domain registrars
The National Cyber Security Centre has shared key outcomes and recommendations to encourage good practice and help reduce harmful domain registrations.
Small Business Guide: Cyber Security
Cybersecurity doesn’t have to be overwhelming for small business owners. This guide outlines five simple and effective steps that could help you save time, reduce costs, and protect your business’s reputation.
UK pioneering global move away from passwords
The UK government is set to roll out passkey technology for its digital services later this year replacing SMS-based verification with a more secure and cost-effective alternative, potentially saving millions of pounds annually.
Government to prioritise cyber as key growth area in Industrial Strategy
The cyber sector will be a ‘prime target for economic growth’ in the upcoming Industrial Strategy as government secures Britain’s future and delivers the Plan for Change.