Cyber security has never been more business critical. With recent cyber attacks affecting organisations like M&S, the Co-operative Bank and several NHS trusts, the risks facing UK businesses are now front and centre.
These weren’t small, isolated incidents. They were serious breaches with national impact, and they highlight the reality that no business is too big, too small or too well-established to be a target.
From ransomware and data theft to prolonged downtime and loss of trust, the consequences of a cyber attack go far beyond the IT team. And if there’s one thing these events have shown us, it’s that cyber security can’t sit on the sidelines any longer.
Cyber security is no longer just an IT issue
At Evolution, we work closely with businesses across the UK to strengthen their IT infrastructure and improve their resilience to cyber threats. One of the biggest mindset shifts we encourage is this: cyber security is not just a technical problem. It’s an operational and reputational one.
When a cyber attack happens, it affects more than your systems. It impacts your people, your clients, your partners and your ability to function. It can take weeks or even months to recover, and the damage to your brand can be long-lasting.
The most common entry points are often the most basic. A phishing email. An unpatched device. A compromised password. Once attackers find a way in, they move fast. And without the right defences in place, businesses are left exposed.
What the recent attacks have shown us
The M&S data breach affected thousands of current and former employees when payroll data was compromised via a third-party supplier. The Co-operative Bank was also targeted in a recent cyber attack, leading to concerns about data privacy and service resilience.
Last year, a ransomware attack caused major disruption across several NHS hospitals, affecting pathology services and forcing thousands of patient appointments to be cancelled. It wasn’t just an IT issue. It was a public health one.
What all of these examples show is that even organisations with strong reputations and dedicated teams can be vulnerable. In many cases, the breach occurred through a supplier, a partner or a small internal oversight. It’s a clear reminder that cyber security must extend beyond your core systems and be embedded into your wider operations.
Building cyber resilience
Cyber security isn’t about panic or perfection. It’s about taking proactive, practical steps to strengthen your position.
At Evolution, we support businesses to understand where they are now, identify the gaps and implement a clear plan to protect themselves. Some of the most effective starting points include:
- A cyber audit to highlight current vulnerabilities
- Support with Cyber Essentials or Cyber Essentials Plus accreditation
- Strong password policies and multi-factor authentication
- Secure, encrypted backups stored off-site and regularly tested
- Employee awareness training to reduce the risk of human error
This isn’t about overwhelming your team with jargon or endless software. It’s about putting the right things in place at the right time and making cyber security part of the everyday.
Small gaps, big risks
What these recent incidents have highlighted is how easily cyber criminals can exploit the smallest weakness. A missed update. An old device. A supplier with less rigorous controls.
That’s why a layered approach is essential. There’s no single solution that will protect you from every threat. But multiple, well-considered measures can significantly reduce your exposure and help you recover quickly if something does go wrong.
This is where we can help. We don’t just install software and leave you to it. We work alongside you to make sure your policies, systems and people are aligned.
Ask the right questions
If you’re unsure where to start, here are three simple questions to consider:
- Do you know where your biggest cyber risks lie?
- Could your business recover quickly from a ransomware attack?
- Are your team confident in spotting suspicious activity?
If the answer to any of those is no or not sure, it’s time to take action.
We’re here to help
At Evolution Managed IT Services, we work with businesses across the North West and beyond to build stronger, smarter and safer systems. Whether you need help gaining Cyber Essentials accreditation, want to review your current infrastructure or need guidance on where to focus first, we’re here to support you.
Cyber security isn’t a luxury. It’s a business essential. And we’ll help you treat it that way, get in touch today.
