Follow practical steps to build cyber resilience
October is Cyber Security Awareness Month, a global initiative that reminds us there are simple ways to protect your business and yourself from online threats.
The month provides an opportunity to focus on cyber security best practices and simple actions every business can take to help keep their systems and data secure. As a minimum, you should
- back up essential data regularly and test recovery
- keep software up to date across all devices
- use strong passwords (and password managers when available)
- use multi-factor authentication on critical accounts
- provide security awareness training for all staff, including new starts
- monitor admin rights and limit access to sensitive information
- document a simple response plan for security incidents
- foster a culture of shared responsibility for security across the business
With threats, including hacking, phishing and ransomware on the rise, it is essential for every business, regardless of size, to take proactive cyber security measures. Guidance is available from nibusinessinfo.co.uk on
Information is also available on IT risk management and processes you should follow to manage and mitigate the wider IT risks in your business.
A wide range of trusted organisations also provide free guidance, toolkits, and practical support to help businesses strengthen their cyber defences.
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) provides a whole host of free services and tools including
In partnership with IASME, the NCSC also runs Cyber Essentials – a government backed certification scheme that sets the minimum cyber security standard for UK organisations.
Locally, the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Cyber Crime Centre promotes different supports available to NI businesses, and offers free cyber awareness sessions to local organisations.
The NI Cyber Security Centre also maintains a helpful list of resources to help organisations develop better cyber security practices, and a has specific, easy-to-understand information hub designed for small businesses in Northern Ireland.
Take advantage of these resources, and the Cyber Security Awareness Month, to review and refresh your daily routines, and embed better cyber security practices in your business.
First published 2 October 2025
