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Cyber security services for London SMEs.

Most cyber attacks succeed because of a small number of avoidable gaps — accounts without multi-factor authentication, software that hasn’t been patched, and staff who weren’t prepared for a convincing phishing attempt. We close those gaps.

Cyber Security Services

Cyber crime is no longer something that only happens to large organisations. The majority of attacks now target small and medium-sized businesses — and they succeed because the fundamentals are not in place. No multi-factor authentication. Software that hasn’t been updated. Staff who clicked a link in a convincing email. These are not failures of technology, they are failures of management, and they are entirely preventable.

We manage cyber security for London SMEs as part of a fixed-fee IT support contract. Not as an add-on or an afterthought — as a core part of the service.

Why London SMEs are targeted

Small businesses hold genuinely valuable data: client records, payment details, supplier relationships, staff information, and often access into their clients’ own systems. At the same time, most SMEs invest significantly less in security than larger organisations. Attackers are aware of this gap.

Automated tools mean that a business with 10 employees is just as likely to receive a phishing campaign as one with 1,000. The difference is that the larger organisation is more likely to have the monitoring in place to detect it, and the technical controls in place to stop it. We give SMEs the same standard of protection.

The key threats facing London businesses

Phishing

Phishing — fraudulent emails designed to steal login credentials, trigger payments, or deliver malware — is the entry point for the majority of cyber attacks. It is increasingly convincing. AI tools have made it possible to generate phishing emails without the spelling errors and awkward phrasing that used to be the giveaway. The defences are email filtering, safe link scanning, staff awareness training, and — most importantly — multi-factor authentication, which stops an attacker from using stolen credentials even if they obtain them.

For a plain-English explanation of one of the strongest defences against phishing, see our post on what makes a good passphrase and why length matters more than complexity.

Ransomware

Ransomware encrypts the files on a device or network share, making them inaccessible, then demands payment for the decryption key. Most ransomware enters a business through a phishing email or a compromised remote access connection. Payment does not guarantee recovery — and the business may still face regulatory consequences if personal data was exposed during the attack.

Protection requires a combination of controls: endpoint security, email filtering, patched software, restricted access controls, and independent backup. The backup is the recovery option of last resort — everything else is aimed at stopping the ransomware reaching your files in the first place.

Insider threats

Not all security incidents involve an external attacker. A departing employee with unrevoked access, a contractor who was given broader permissions than necessary, or a member of staff who accidentally exposes sensitive data are all common causes of data loss. We manage user access controls and offboarding procedures as part of our standard service, so accounts are disabled promptly and access is removed at the point it is no longer needed.

What our cyber security service covers

Threat monitoring

Continuous monitoring of your environment for signs of compromise, unusual activity, and security policy violations. We use Microsoft’s Defender toolset and endpoint detection to surface threats before they cause damage.

Email security

Configuration of anti-phishing policies, safe link scanning, and safe attachment checking for your email environment. For Microsoft 365 clients, this uses the security tools built into your licence — the tools are there, they just need to be switched on and properly configured. See our Microsoft 365 security management page for the full detail on what this covers.

Endpoint protection

Antivirus and endpoint detection across every device that connects to your business systems. We manage this centrally, verify that protection is active and up to date, and respond to alerts. We also enforce device compliance policies so that only devices meeting your security baseline can access company data.

MFA enforcement

Multi-factor authentication enforced across every account, with no exceptions. This is the single most effective control against account compromise. For more on how MFA works and why it matters, see our comparison of MFA vs 2FA.

Patch management

Operating system and software updates applied consistently across your devices. Unpatched software is one of the most common ways attackers gain access to a business network. We manage patching centrally so nothing is missed.

Security audits

Regular review of your security posture: what is in place, what is not, and where the highest-impact improvements lie. For Microsoft 365 clients, we use Microsoft Secure Score as a running measure and work through improvements systematically.

Staff awareness

Security awareness guidance for your team — what to look for in a phishing email, how to verify an unusual request, and what to do if something looks wrong. Human error is involved in the majority of security incidents. A team that knows what to look for is a meaningful layer of defence.

Cyber Essentials

Cyber Essentials is the UK government-backed certification scheme that verifies a business has the five foundational security controls in place: firewalls, secure configuration, user access control, malware protection, and patch management. These are the same controls that form the foundation of our cyber security service. Getting them right in practice is the first step towards both genuine protection and formal certification.

For managed support clients, Cyber Essentials readiness support is included in the contract. See our Cyber Essentials page for more detail on the certification process.

Part of your managed support contract

For Network Fish managed support clients, cyber security management is included as part of the service, not priced separately. You get threat monitoring, email security configuration, endpoint protection, MFA enforcement, patch management, and Cyber Essentials readiness support — all covered by your fixed monthly fee.

One monthly fee. One number to call.

The day-to-day work of keeping your business secure becomes our job, not yours.

Book your free site survey   or call +44 (0) 207 403 4031

Common questions about cyber security

Why are small businesses targeted by cyber criminals?
Small businesses hold genuinely valuable data — client records, payment details, supplier relationships, and staff information — while typically investing less in security than larger organisations. Attackers are aware of this gap. Automated attack tools mean a small business is just as likely to be targeted as a large one; the difference is that the larger organisation is more likely to detect and stop it.
What is phishing and how common is it?
Phishing is the use of fraudulent emails, messages, or websites designed to trick someone into revealing login credentials, clicking a malicious link, or transferring money. It is by far the most common entry point for cyber attacks on businesses. Most ransomware infections start with a phishing email that successfully tricks one member of staff. AI tools have made phishing emails increasingly convincing, removing the obvious spelling and grammar errors that used to be the giveaway.
How does ransomware work?
Ransomware is malicious software that encrypts files on a device or network share, making them inaccessible, then demands payment for the decryption key. It typically enters a business through a phishing email, a compromised remote access connection, or an unpatched vulnerability. Payment does not guarantee recovery, and a business that has been hit may still face regulatory consequences if personal data was exposed. Protection requires layered controls: endpoint security, email filtering, patched software, restricted access, and independent backup.
What is an insider threat?
An insider threat is a security risk from within the organisation — a current or former employee, contractor, or supplier with legitimate access to systems or data. This can be intentional (a disgruntled employee deleting files before leaving) or accidental (a staff member who mishandles sensitive data). We address insider threats through access controls, prompt offboarding, and staff awareness guidance as standard.
Does cyber security help with Cyber Essentials certification?
Yes. The five technical controls assessed under Cyber Essentials — firewalls, secure configuration, user access control, malware protection, and patch management — are the same controls that form the foundation of a properly managed cyber security service. Getting these right is the first step towards both certification and genuine protection. Network Fish includes Cyber Essentials readiness support for managed support clients.
Is cyber security included in a Network Fish managed support contract?
Yes. For clients on a full managed support contract, cyber security management is included as part of the service. This covers threat monitoring, email security configuration, endpoint protection, MFA enforcement, patch management, and Cyber Essentials readiness support. Where specific security software licences are required, these are priced separately and flagged in advance.
Also from Network Fish

Microsoft 365 Support  —  IT Support London