7 Essential Cyber Security Steps for Small Businesses in Hull

Posted: 3rd November 2025

Cyber security isn’t just a concern for big corporations. Cyber criminals are increasingly targeting small to medium-sized businesses in Hull as their defences are often easier to breach. 

From phishing scams to ransomware, the threats are always there, but with the right approach, they can be manageable. With the right IT support and a few proactive measures, you can protect your data, your people, and your reputation.

Here are 7 essential cyber security steps every business should take and how professional IT support can help you put them into action.

Step 1. Asset Discovery: Know Where Your Data Lives

You can’t protect what you don’t know exists. 

Start by identifying every device, server, application, and cloud platform that comes into contact with company data.

Ask your IT support provider to:

• Run network scans to locate unmanaged or unknown devices.

• Document where sensitive data, including customer information, is stored.

• Flag any unauthorised devices, apps or storage.

 
At Jupiter IT Solutions, we conduct regular asset audits and flag risks before they become vulnerabilities.
 

Step 2: Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

According to Microsoft, MFA blocks over 99% of data breach attempts. Every Hull business, no matter the size, should enforce Multi-Factor Authentication across all systems.

Your IT support team should:

• Enable MFA for Microsoft 365, cloud services, and VPN access.

• Support hardware tokens or authenticator apps.

• Audit user compliance monthly.

 
At Jupiter IT Solutions, we work proactively to make sure simple preventions, like MFA, are in place for every client as standard.
 

Step 3: Backups & Disaster Recovery

Backups aren’t just about storage, they’re about survival. A tested disaster recovery plan ensures your business can continue operations even after a major incident.

What to expect from your IT support provider:

• Automated, encrypted backups of all critical systems.

• Regular recovery tests.

• Documented RTO (Recovery Time Objective) and RPO (Recovery Point Objective) to measure resilience.

 
Studies show that businesses that test data recovery regularly reduce data-loss by up to 60%. That’s why, at Jupiter IT Solutions, we check your backups daily.
 

Step 4: Patch Management & Endpoint Protection

Unpatched software is one of the top causes of breaches. Your IT partner should automate updates and employ endpoint protection across every device.

Checklist:

• Centralised patch management.

• Endpoint detection & response (EDR) tools.

• Monthly reporting to prove compliance.

 
At Jupiter IT Solutions, we don’t wait for you to ask, we apply updates automatically and without disrupting your day.
 

Step 5: Staff Training & Phishing Simulations

Over 80% of data breaches are the result of human error. Regular cyber security training builds awareness and a strong security-first culture throughout your business.

Your IT support should:

• Deliver ongoing cyber-security awareness training.

• Run phishing simulations at least quarterly.

• Track progress and report improvements.

 
At Jupiter IT Solutions, we provide all of our clients with free cyber security awareness training, tailored to your industry.
 

Step 6: Cyber Essentials Certification

Cyber Essentials is a UK government-backed scheme designed to help business build a secure foundation to protect against the most common cyber threats. When implemented properly, Cyber Essentials best practices can prevent up to 80% of data breaches.

A certified IT support provider can:

• Conduct a pre-assessment to identify gaps.

• Guide you through the self-assessment process.

• Implement required controls including firewalls, access management and malware protection.

 
At Jupiter IT Solutions, we have in-house Cyber Essentials Assessors who can guide you through the accreditation process seamlessly.
 

Step 7: Regular Audits & Security Posture Reviews

Cyber security isn’t static. It’s constantly evolving which means your defences should too.

Schedule quarterly reviews with your IT partner to:

• Reassess vulnerabilities.

• Test incident response procedures.

• Update your risk register.

 
As well as proactively monitoring your systems on a day-to-day basis, at Jupiter IT Solutions, we include regular cyber security audits as standard with all our contracts.
 

Quick FAQs

Q1: Do small businesses in Hull really need cyber security?
Absolutely. SMEs are now the most targeted group for cyber attacks in the UK. SMEs generally have smaller IT budgets and wrongly assume they’re not worth the hassle for hackers. This makes small businesses an ‘easy win’ for cyber criminals.

Q2: How often should I back up my data?
You should back up your data at least daily. Automated, off-site backups offer the best security. Your recovery process should also be tested every few months.

Q3: What is Cyber Essentials and why is it important?
Cyber Essentials is a government-backed certification that demonstrates your business meets baseline cyber-security standards. Gaining the accreditation is essential for building trust among your customers and supply chains, and for your peace of mind.

Q4: Can my IT support provider help with GDPR compliance too?
Yes. A proactive IT support provider can help you stay GDPR-compliant in many ways, including data encryption, controlling access, and providing audit trails.

We’re your IT support and so much more

Don’t wait for an incident to test your defences. Book a Free Cyber Security Check with Jupiter IT Solutions today, and see how secure your business really is.