Category: CyberRisk

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Managing Cyber Risks: Essential Steps for SMBs in the UK

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, managing cyber risks effectively is crucial for UK businesses to avoid costly breaches and maintain operational resilience. Recent data highlights that over 50% of businesses have experienced some kind of security breach in the past year, underscoring the urgency for proactive measures. Here are a few key steps Business Leaders should take to mitigate cyber threats:

Stay Informed About Regulatory Changes

The UK is introducing stricter cybersecurity regulations, including the strengthening of UK GDPR & Data Protection Laws and the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure (PSTI) Act, which will come into effect in April 2025. Staying updated on these changes is essential to ensure compliance and avoid hefty fines. Implement robust data protection policies and conduct regular cybersecurity audits to align with evolving laws.

Address AI-Driven Threats

AI is transforming cybersecurity, but it also empowers cybercriminals. AI-driven threats, such as automated phishing attacks and AI-enhanced malware, are becoming more sophisticated. Invest in well designed and easy to manage threat detection services and train employees to help them identify any cyber threats or scams. Implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) and advanced email & web filtering can help to prevent unauthorised access.

Bridge the Cybersecurity Skills Gap

UK organisations across both Public and Private sectors faces a significant cybersecurity skills gap, with 90% of technology leaders acknowledging this challenge. Address this by investing in employee training and hiring fractional cybersecurity experts. We can’t avoid human error, but by upskilling and training our existing employees we can try to reduce the impact and likelihood.

Secure Remote Work Environments

With hybrid and remote work now the norm for most organisations, securing cloud-based systems and personal devices is critical. Enforce strict remote work security policies, including secure remote usage and endpoint encryption. Regularly conduct cybersecurity drills to test response effectiveness.

Develop Incident Response Plans

Preparation is key to mitigating damage from cyber incidents as much as possible. Develop a robust incident response plan that caters for the different scenarios, as a ransomware attack may require a very different response to an accidental data disclosure, with clear roles and responsibilities (and don’t forget to a communications plan for internal and external stakeholders). Get your teams to perform tabletop exercises of the plans to ensure familiarity and identify gaps.

Evaluate Cyber Insurance

As cyberattacks become more frequent and costly, cyber insurance is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Evaluate cyber insurance policies to ensure coverage aligns with potential risks. Implement proactive risk management processes and strategies to lower insurance premiums and ensure that claims are not easily rejected.

Adopt AI Cyber Security Standards

The UK Government has introduced a world-first AI cyber security standard to protect AI systems from cyber-attacks. This standard provides guidance on securing AI systems against hacking and sabotage, ensuring that models are developed and deployed securely. Adopting this standard can help businesses thrive in the age of AI while maintaining security.

Conclusion

In 2025, managing cyber risks requires a proactive and multi-faceted approach. With such a breadth of areas that require your attention, such as staying informed about regulatory changes, addressing AI-generated cyber threats, bridging the skills gap, securing remote work environments, developing incident response plans, evaluating cyber insurance, and adopting AI cybersecurity standards, it’s critical that UK SMBs don’t let their guard down to the risk of a cyber breach. As the threat landscape continues to evolve at pace, staying ahead of emerging risks is crucial for maintaining operational resilience and achieving long-term success.

By engaging with Somniac Security, our experienced team can help you build and maintain the appropriate strategies and processes for your organisation which enable you to effectively manage your cybersecurity risks.  Contact us at info@somniacsecurity.com today to help safeguard your business against tomorrow’s challenges!
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Top Issues for Small & Medium Sized Businesses retaining Cyber Talent

As the digital landscape grows, and our interconnectivity continues to increase, it makes finding and retaining cybersecurity staff both difficult and frustrating for Small to Medium-sized Businesses (SMBs). The cyber threats we’re exposed to have become increasingly sophisticated and ever more frequent, with the potential to critically derail their organisation. However, SMBs often find themselves at a disadvantage when competing for cyber talent, as they can struggle to compete with the well-funded larger organisations to attract and subsequently retain the people they need. This challenge is exacerbated by a broader industry-wide shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals, leaving SMBs vulnerable to cyber risks which could leave them exposed to cyber-attacks or data breaches.

The UK-Wide Cyber Skills Shortage

The UK is grappling with a significant cybersecurity skills gap, which affects businesses of all sizes. Just under half of all UK businesses face basic cybersecurity skills gaps, while about a quarter lack advanced skills such as penetration testing and incident response. This shortage is reflected as part of the global trend where the demand for cybersecurity professionals far exceeds the supply. The UK’s cybersecurity sector is experiencing growth, but still requires over 10,000 professionals just to meet current demands, this doesn’t include the additional requirements to help secure AI. The current shortage not only makes it very difficult for SMBs to find the right cyber staff but also means that those individuals who do have the necessary skills are also in high demand, making retention an ongoing and significant challenge.

The Cost of Cyber Skills

The cost of hiring and maintaining cybersecurity talent is prohibitively high for many SMBs. The salaries for cybersecurity professionals in the UK are very competitive; starting salaries for an entry-level role can be around £25,000  to over £250,000 for senior position such as Chief Information Security Officers (“CISOs”). Beyond salaries, SMBs must also consider the ongoing expenses of training and retaining these professionals. Continuous learning and professional development is expected by cybersecurity professionals due to the rapidly evolving nature of threats, which adds to the financial burden of running a team. For SMBs with limited budgets, these costs can be difficult during lean times, making it challenging to compete with larger organisations that have more resources that they can use to invest in their cybersecurity talent.

Retaining Cybersecurity Skills in a Competitive Market

Retaining cybersecurity talent can be as challenging as it was finding or developing it, especially in a market where global demand is high. Large organisations often lure skilled professionals away from SMBs with better pay and benefits, whilst Governments can’t compete financially they do have greater complexity and unique threats. The global cybersecurity skills shortage means that professionals with in-demand skills like cloud security and incident response are highly sought after, leading to a very competitive job market where all organisations struggle to hold onto their cybersecurity talent. Furthermore, the stress and workload associated with certain cybersecurity roles can lead to burnout, which further complicates retention. As a result, SMBs often find themselves in a constant cycle of recruitment, training and turnover, which can disrupt their cybersecurity operations and leave them vulnerable to attacks.

Leveraging Specialist Cybersecurity Partners

Given the challenges of finding and retaining cybersecurity talent, SMBs should consider partnering with specialist cybersecurity providers, such as Somniac Security, to complement their existing teams.

These partnerships will offer them continuity and expertise, helping them to navigate the complex cybersecurity landscape even when their own staff choose to further their careers elsewhere. By utilising your cybersecurity partner’s functions, SMBs can access a broader pool of skilled professionals without the long-term recruitment costs. By adopting this approach, SMBs are able to focus on driving their business forward while knowing that they have a dependable cybersecurity partner supporting them. Moreover, if they choose the right Cybersecurity Partner they will help the SMBs stay up-to-date with the latest threats and technologies. In a market where cybersecurity talent is scarce and retention is difficult, partnering with a specialist like Somniac Security should be considered a long term strategic move which enables SMBs remain secure and competitive in the digital age.

Contact Somniac at info@somniacsecurity.com today to help safeguard your business against tomorrow’s challenges!
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Is Your Supply Chain Your Biggest Security Risk? Here’s How to Protect It.

One of the questions we often get asked a lot is around supply chain risk, i.e. those associated with your third and fourth party suppliers. Over the years, we’ve seen first-hand how the supply chain can become the Achilles’ heel of an organisation’s security posture. In today’s interconnected business landscape, we all rely heavily on external vendors to streamline operations and enhance our efficiency. However, this reliance can also can introduce issues and situations that can have devastating consequences for us.

Imagine your organisation as a fortress, with each part of your supply chain representing a potential weakness in your defences for cyber attackers to target. These vendors may not adhere to the same stringent security standards as your organisation, creating blind spots that can be exploited by malicious or motivated actors. The consequences of these attacks can be severe: operational disruptions, data or financial loss, and damage to your reputation.

But the risk doesn’t stop there. Fourth-party vendors—companies that provide services to your third-party suppliers—extend the web of potential vulnerabilities even further. A breach or disruption at this level can have a cascading effect, impacting your organisation’s operations directly. For instance, if a critical third-party supplier relies on a fourth-party vendor for essential services, a failure at this fourth-party level can bring your entire supply chain to a grinding halt.

For business leaders without a technical background, understanding and mitigating these risks can be daunting. This is where partnering with a cybersecurity specialist like Somniac Security becomes crucial. Somniac offers comprehensive security solutions designed to align with your organisation’s vision and goals. They work collaboratively with your organisation to help identify and manage your cyber risks, ensuring that security is embedded from the outset of any project. Due to the breadth of their experience and expertise, they understand that every business is different and requires a solution fit for purpose and relevant, not just a rebadged deck from their previous client.

In essence, managing your supply chain risk requires a proactive and informed strategy. By working with Somniac Security, business leaders can confidently address these challenges, ensuring their organisations remain secure and resilient in an increasingly complex threat environment.

Contact Somniac at info@somniacsecurity.com today to help safeguard your business against tomorrow’s challenges!
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Shielding Your Business: Tackling the Top 4 Cybersecurity Risks

Cybersecurity risks are evolving rapidly, they continue to threaten businesses of all sizes across the UK. From ransomware to geopolitical cyber threats, understanding these risks and taking proactive measures is essential for safeguarding reputation. From our analysis, we’ve dived into what we believe are the top four risks and explore how you can help mitigate them effectively.

1. Ransomware Attacks

Ransomware is a devastating cyber threat that locks businesses out of their systems and data until a ransom is paid. For organisations, this can lead to business interruption and operational downtime, financial losses, and reputational damage. These attacks often start with a simple phishing email or malicious link clicked by an unsuspecting employee, with consequences ranging from a minor annoyance to a catastrophic incident that halts everything. The mechanisms to combat ransomware are the same everywhere. 1. Businesses must prioritise regular backups of critical data and configurations, ensuring it is stored securely offline or in an isolated cloud environment (the last thing you need during an incident is to discover that your backups are also unavailable). 2. Employee training is equally vital—helping and empowering staff to identify phishing attempts can significantly reduce exposure (integration into your email platform is often an effective way to boost engagement). Finally, investing in advanced endpoint security solutions (often referred to as EDR, Endpoint Detection and Response) can help detect, block and prevent ransomware before it takes hold.

2. Supply Chain Vulnerabilities

Your supply chain could be your weakest link in cybersecurity. Many organisations rely on third-party suppliers whose systems might lack robust security measures, creating an entry point for attackers. A breach within a supplier’s network could cascade into your organisation by disrupting their operations or exposing your sensitive information to the attackers. To help mitigate this risk, conducting thorough due diligence and vendor assessments is crucial—ensuring that your suppliers meet a level of cybersecurity that you’re comfortable with. Additionally, to further support this you should include contractual obligations which mandate your suppliers to maintain strong security processes. If they are on your networks, you should limit access between your systems and those of third parties to minimise your exposure to any of their potential threats.

3. Legacy System Weaknesses

Outdated software and hardware—known as legacy systems—pose significant security risks due to unpatched vulnerabilities and lack of ongoing manufacturer support. Hackers often exploit these weaknesses to gain unauthorised access to these services, with the intent to disrupt operations, steal your sensitive information or as a launchpad to access other parts of your network. Businesses should upgrade legacy systems where they can to modern alternatives that receive regular updates and support. Where this isn’t possible, they should deploy additional controls that help protect the legacy system from other hosts and vice-versa. Often restricting access to legacy systems and monitoring their activity closely ensures that any unusual behaviour is quickly identified and can be addressed. Where updates are available, they should be applied as soon as reasonably possible, with the risks of doing so against not doing so considered together.

4. Geopolitical Cyber Threats

The rise in geopolitical tensions has given rise to state-sponsored cyber-attacks targeting businesses as part of political conflicts or espionage efforts. These sophisticated threats can lead to data theft, sabotage, or operational disruption for organisations caught in the crossfire due to their industry, location, or partnerships with politically sensitive entities. Staying ahead of these threats is extremely difficult and potentially costly. By collaborating with industry groups and government bodies for real-time threat intelligence sharing, you can develop a tailored incident response plan which ensures your business can react swiftly in the event of an attack. Additionally for certain industries, adopting advanced security frameworks such NIST Cyber Security Framework (NIST CSF), NSCS’s Cyber Assessment Framework (CAF) or ISO 27000 series will help to make you harder to target than your competitor.

Partnering with Somniac Security

Cybersecurity risks are complex and ever-changing—but you don’t need to tackle them alone. The team at Somniac Security specialises in designing and implementing tailored cyber risk mitigation strategies that help address the unique challenges faced by your organisation. Our experts will work closely with you to understand what makes your organisation unique which ensures you have the right solutions deployed to create the resilience you need to enable you to grow confidently.

Contact Somniac at info@somniacsecurity.com today to help safeguard your business against tomorrow’s challenges!
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Navigating Outsourced IT Risks for SMBs

As a business owner, you’re likely no stranger to the delicate balance between operational efficiency and your cyber security needs. For many small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), outsourcing IT services is a really attractive solution to help manage costs and have access to specialist expertise when needed. However, this approach can introduces a unique set of cybersecurity challenges that may not always be obvious until after it’s too late.

One of the primary concerns we hear is concerning the limited amount of cyber experience available from the IT Outsourcer, particularly those with small IT Security teams. These teams may often lack the specialised and experienced cyber skills needed to tackle complex cyber threats, which again unknowingly leaves your business exposed to sophisticated cyber attacks. Moreover, relying solely on the standard IT security measures such as firewalls and antivirus software is unlikely to be sufficient against today’s threats, furthermore advanced cyber solutions are often beyond the reach of small IT security teams.

Outsourcing your IT can also increases your level or risk if it’s not managed effectively – especially if your chosen third party also outsources elements of your service or delivery to fourth parties. The more third and fourth parties that have access to your data and services, the more likely it is that you are inadvertently creating vulnerabilities through process weaknesses or social engineering attacks. Additionally, should the worst happen, having a wide and varied supply chain of third and fourth parties can be challenging during an incident, especially if their processes were partly to blame. If other customers have incidents they will be managing multiple clients, potentially leaving your organisation vulnerable at the worst possible time.

To mitigate these challenges, it’s crucial to partner with cybersecurity experts, such as the team at Somniac Security, who can provide you with comprehensive solutions tailored to your business needs. They can also help fill the cyber expertise gap required to support your business and assist the IT outsourcer to implement advanced cyber security measures beyond the standard IT Security tools. In addition they can ensure you have secure data handling practices compliant with industry standards, establishing clear communication channels and response protocols, which ensure you are managing your cybersecurity risks in an open, transparent and cost effective way.

By engaging with Somniac Security, we can help you build and maintain the appropriate cyber strategies and processes for your organisation, which will enable you to effectively manage your cybersecurity risks.

Contact Somniac at info@somniacsecurity.com today to help safeguard your business against tomorrow’s challenges!
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