The Most Common Cyber Attacks Affecting UK SMEs
What we actually see hitting UK SMEs week by week, and the controls that stop each one.
Most SMEs hear about cyber attacks through the news, which heavily over-represents the unusual and the dramatic. The day to day reality is more mundane and easier to defend against. This guide covers the attacks we actually see across UK SME engagements.
Phishing and credential theft
Still the number one entry point. A fake login page, a stolen password, and an attacker is inside your email within minutes. MFA blocks the vast majority of this.
Business email compromise
An attacker who has been quietly inside your email for weeks waits for a payment conversation and redirects funds at the right moment. Multi-channel verification of bank changes is the single best control.
Ransomware
Usually arrives after weeks of quiet reconnaissance inside the network. Strong identity, EDR and tested backups are the controls that matter.
Remote access exploitation
Unpatched VPNs and remote desktop services scanned and exploited within hours of disclosure. Patch fast or replace with modern alternatives.
Supplier compromise
A trusted supplier or customer is breached and the attack pivots into your network. Documented supplier assurance and tight integration controls are the answer.
Frequently asked questions
What is the single most effective control?+
Multi-factor authentication on email and other critical systems. It blocks the majority of credential-driven attacks immediately.
Does antivirus still matter?+
Modern endpoint detection and response goes further than traditional antivirus and is essential. Legacy AV alone is not enough.
How quickly do attackers move?+
From initial access to encryption can be hours or weeks. The average is shrinking every year.
Next step
Want to talk this through?
Book a free 30 minute consultation. No sales pitch, just clear answers.
Book free consultation