TL;DR: 42% of UK small businesses were hit by cyber attacks last year. If you’re based in Bristol, here’s how to protect yours with practical advice from local experts who get it sorted, fast.
42% of UK small businesses were hit by cyber attacks last year. If you’re one of the many SMEs based in Bristol, here’s how to protect yours with practical advice from local experts who get it sorted, fast.
If you’re looking for reliable cyber security for SMEs in Bristol, this guide covers what every local business needs to know
Why cyber security matters more than ever for small businesses in Bristol
Let’s start with a stat that should make every business owner take notice:
👉 42% of UK small businesses experienced a cyber attack or breach in the past year
(Source: Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2025)
These weren’t all big-name targets. We’re talking about local businesses, from estate agents in Southville to engineering firms in Bedminster. Hackers don’t discriminate by size, they look for easy wins. Today this is why cyber security for SMEs in Bristol has never been more important.
“It takes 20 years to build a reputation and a few minutes of cyber-incident to ruin it.”
— Stephane Nappo
What actually puts your business at risk?
- Clicking dodgy links in fake emails
- Reusing weak passwords
- Having no working backup
- Skipping software updates
- Thinking “we’re too small to be a target”
“Amateurs hack systems; professionals hack people.” — Bruce Schneier
5 practical ways to improve your cyber security (without needing an IT degree)
1. Train your team, it’s your best defence
Most breaches happen due to human error. Regular, relevant cyber awareness training reduces your risk fast. It’s one of the simplest ways to level up cyber security for SMEs in Bristol.
Ask us about cyber training for your team
2. Turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA)
Passwords get cracked. MFA adds a second layer to block access, even if your login leaks.
Need help enabling MFA? We’ve got you.
3. Protect every device, not just the office server
Modern endpoint protection like EDR or MDR is essential in a hybrid world. If you want serious cyber security for SMEs in Bristol, start by securing every device your team uses.
How we secure remote working setups
4. Back up your data and test it regularly
Backups are only useful if they work. Automate daily backups and run restore tests monthly.
Is your Microsoft 365 really backed up?
5. Get Cyber Essentials certified
Cyber Essentials shows clients and suppliers you take security seriously—and we can help you get certified with minimal hassle.
We offer Cyber Essentials Bristol support that’s fast, friendly, and aligned with what local businesses actually need.
“Cybersecurity is more than a technology issue; it is a business issue.” — Ginni Rometty
But we don’t have time for all this…
That’s where we come in. At Cloud & More, we make cyber security simple and baked into your everyday IT support.
- No jargon
- No call centres
- Just local people who care and get things sorted
Explore our complete IT support services
What happens if you ignore cyber security?
- Lost or leaked data
- Operational downtime
- Fines, ransom demands, or reputation loss
“An incident will eventually happen. Have a response plan—it could save your business.” — Menny Barzilay
Need a team that puts cyber security first?
We’re proud to offer tailored Bristol cyber security support that keeps your business safe without the stress.
We provide fully managed cyber security solutions for small businesses, built to meet the unique needs of the Bristol region.
Tip: Want a more cyber secure business? Make your team feel heard, supported, and respected, starting with how you speak to (and about) them. They’re people. And they’re your first line of defence in cyber security.”
Ask us about our managed cyber security support
- Book a free cyber security check
- See how we support modern working
- Read more about our IT support approach
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Want to know how protected your business really is?
- Take our free security resilience assessment, it is quick, FREE and you will get the results instantly
FAQs
1. Why is cyber security for SMEs in Bristol so important?
Because hackers don’t care about your size, just your weaknesses. SMEs often have fewer protections in place, making them easier targets. And with 42% of small UK businesses hit last year, it’s clear no one’s too small to be on the radar.
➡️ Learn how Cloud & More helps protect Bristol businesses
2. What’s included in a cyber security health check?
We’ll review your current setup, identify any gaps (like weak passwords or missing backups), and give clear, jargon-free advice on what to fix first.
It’s totally free and often eye-opening.
➡️ Book your free cyber health check now
3. Can you help us get Cyber Essentials certified?
Absolutely. We’ve guided loads of Bristol-based businesses through Cyber Essentials and made it as stress-free as possible.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or almost there, we can help you get over the line.
➡️ Ask about cyber essentials certification support
4. What’s the easiest way to improve our cyber security?
Start with simple wins: turn on MFA, update devices regularly, and run cyber training for your team. And if you’re not sure where to begin, just ask.
➡️ Check out our cyber security services
How cyber resilient is your business
Take our 2-minute cyber resilience assessment to find out how prepared your business or organisation really is.
See what our clients have to say
Not sure where your gaps are? Let’s fix that.
Book your free cyber security check with our Bristol-based team, no jargon, no pressure, just straight answers.
👉 Book a free cyber security vulnerability assesment or just drop us a message to say hello.
No ticket numbers. No pushy sales. Just people who care about doing IT properly.
