One of the region’s leading experts on cyber-security has warned businesses are still leaving themselves “wide open” to attacks.
Cyber security expert Roy Shelton, technology expert and CEO of managed services provider Connectus Business Solutions says he is taken aback by business owners who think cyber-security is a low priority for them.
Mr Shelton said: “I am shocked at the slow take up of proven counter measures around cyber-security and improving the security postures of SMEs.” The biggest push back I hear is:
- It won’t happen to me, we only make widgets
- We are too small
- We will take the risk
- We can’t afford it
“I get it: when budgets are tight and the economy uncertain, SMEs have enough to worry about. However, they fail to realise that a cyber-attack could destroy their business overnight.”
Mr Shelton warned the loss of earnings and profits, the cost of paying a ransom, remediation, brand damage, and the potential litigation can be crippling.
He points out that hackers no longer focus only on large corporations.
He said: “Small and medium-sized businesses are seen as easy targets, often with valuable data, limited protection or technical knowledge and weaker systems.
“Over 40% of cyber attacks now target SMEs. The average cost of a cyber breach for a UK SME is now over £20,000 and many never fully recover. Entrepreneurs must see cyber resilience as financial risk management, not just IT hygiene.
“Customers, suppliers, and investors expect their data to be protected. A single cyber lapse can destroy hard-earned trust overnight.
“Demonstrating good cyber hygiene, like Cyber Essentials, or even better Cyber Essentials Plus certification, shows that your business takes responsibility and professionalism seriously.
“With GDPR, data protection laws, and sector-specific regulations, entrepreneurs have a legal duty to safeguard data. Failing to do so can lead to investigations, fines, and reputational harm that small firms can’t easily absorb.
“Businesses that can prove their security maturity win more contracts, especially in B2B and public sector supply chains. Being secure isn’t just defensive; it’s a sales enabler, helping entrepreneurs build partnerships and scale with confidence.
“Entrepreneurs must treat cyber-security as a strategic investment, not a technical afterthought. It protects your reputation, customers, cash flow, and future growth – the very foundations of your business.”
Five reasons why dealing with cyber security is serious business for entrepreneurs:
1.
Cyber attacks can cripple a business overnight, causing financial losses, operational disruption, and expensive remediation. Many SMEs underestimate their exposure, assuming they are too small to be targeted. In reality, attackers increasingly exploit weaker systems and limited defences, making smaller firms prime targets with potentially devastating consequences for their future.
2.
The financial impact of a cyber breach extends far beyond ransom payments. Costs include system recovery, legal advice, compliance penalties, lost productivity, and long-term revenue decline. For SMEs operating on tight margins, even a single incident can trigger financial strain, threaten cash flow, and undermine the sustainability of the business.
3.
Reputation is one of an entrepreneur’s most valuable assets, yet it is also one of the most fragile. A single cyber lapse can destroy customer confidence, damage supplier relationships, and weaken investor trust. Recovering lost credibility is slow, costly, and often incomplete, making strong cyber hygiene central to business resilience.
4.
Legal and regulatory obligations around data protection are becoming stricter worldwide. Non-compliance with GDPR or sector-specific rules can lead to investigations, fines, and enforcement actions. For SMEs, absorbing such penalties is difficult. Proactive cyber-security reduces legal exposure, supports audit readiness, and ensures businesses handle sensitive information responsibly and transparently today.
5.
Strong cyber-security is now a growth enabler, not just protection. Businesses that demonstrate robust security postures win more contracts especially in B2B and public sector supply chains. Certification builds confidence among partners and customers, helping entrepreneurs scale sustainably. Treating cyber resilience as strategic investment creates competitive advantage and operational stability.
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