Cyber criminals could see SMEs as softer target to attack

In recent months, we’ve seen the devastating effects of cyberattacks on some of the UK’s most recognisable businesses.

Jaguar Land Rover – a cornerstone of the Midlands economy – suffered significant disruption following a reported cyber incident at its parent company.

Not long before, Marks & Spencer also faced operational challenges tied to cybersecurity breaches.

These incidents make national headlines and serve as stark reminders of the digital threats facing modern businesses.

But what’s not often reported is that cyberattacks are not just a “big business problem.”

They affect companies of every size, every day – including those right here in Greater Birmingham.

While larger firms have more resources to manage the fallout, many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) lack the resilience to bounce back from a serious breach.

In fact, for some, a single cyberattack can be enough to force closure.

At the Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, we are increasingly concerned about the growing cybersecurity threat to our business community.

Despite the high-profile nature of recent attacks, there remains a dangerous perception among SMEs that “it won’t happen to us.” This belief is not only misguided – it’s potentially fatal for a business.

Cybercriminals are not just targeting multinational corporations - they’re targeting vulnerabilities. And SMEs are often perceived as softer targets due to their limited investment in cybersecurity measures.

Whether it’s phishing emails, ransomware, data theft, or system infiltration, the risks are real and rising.

The immediate impact of a cyberattack can include halted operations, financial loss, reputational damage, and loss of customer trust.

For example, when Jaguar Land Rover was affected, production lines were reportedly paused – an extremely costly consequence.

For a small business, a similar level of disruption could mean missed orders, late payments, or even legal consequences if customer data is compromised.

Moreover, cyberattacks often have a knock-on effect across supply chains. If one part of the network is compromised, partners and customers may also suffer.

In a region as interconnected as Greater Birmingham, the ripple effects can be substantial.

It’s time for all businesses – especially SMEs – to take a more proactive approach to cybersecurity.

This doesn’t mean spending thousands on high-end security systems, but it does mean adopting some essential best practices:

• Educate and Train Staff: Human error is one of the leading causes of security breaches. Simple phishing emails can deceive even experienced employees. Regular training on identifying suspicious activity and following best practices (such as strong passwords and secure browsing) is vital.
• Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): MFA adds an extra layer of protection by requiring users to verify their identity in more than one way. It’s a simple yet effective measure that can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorised access.
• Keep Software and Systems Updated: Outdated systems are more vulnerable to attack. Ensure all operating systems, antivirus programs, and applications are up to date and regularly patched.
• Back Up Your Data: Regular, secure backups ensure that if data is lost or held to ransom, your business can recover. These backups should be encrypted and stored in a separate location from your main systems.
• Create an Incident Response Plan: Just as you would plan for a fire or flood, plan for a cyber incident. Know who to contact, how to isolate systems, and how to communicate with customers and partners.

The Chamber is committed to supporting members in strengthening their cyber resilience.

We will continue to host workshops, connect businesses with expert partners, and advocate for funding and support at both local and national levels.

We urge every member – from sole traders to growing enterprises – to assess their cyber readiness today, not tomorrow.

Cybersecurity is not an IT issue. It’s a business survival issue. Let’s treat it with the seriousness it deserves.

Dr Nasir Awan MBE DL is president of Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce and CEO of Awan Marketing International