What the NCSC says
The NCSC Annual Review 2026 describes Russia as the UK's most audacious cyber threat at the time of the review. Read NCSC Annual Review 2026.
The NCSC Annual Review 2026 says AI and automation are already helping some threat actors find vulnerabilities and target victims. Read NCSC Annual Review 2026.
The NCSC's January 2026 warning describes Russian-aligned hacktivists disrupting UK organisations, while distinguishing them from groups under direct state control. Read NCSC's 19 January 2026 warning.
These are attributed security assessments, not a judgement about any country's people. Do not treat state-backed operations, state-aligned activism and every criminal attack as interchangeable.
How a small business gets caught up
The NCSC Annual Review 2026 describes disruption spreading from the Jaguar Land Rover incident to its suppliers and wider business activity. Read NCSC Annual Review 2026.
| Hypothetical dependency | Possible business impact | Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| Supplier to a larger target | Orders or payments are interrupted | Alternative contacts and a cash-flow decision process |
| Compromised software or service provider | Access must be restricted while it is checked | An inventory, updates and an independent recovery route |
| Ransomware affecting local systems | Files and applications cannot be used | Containment instructions and tested recovery copies |
What actually reduces the risk
| Measure | Our service | From per month, plus VAT |
|---|---|---|
| Multi-factor sign-in and secure settings | Account hardening | £2.50 per user |
| Account-activity monitoring | 24x7 breach monitoring | £4 per user |
| Software updates | Managed patching | £2.50 per device |
| Staff preparation | Training and phishing tests | £3.50 per user |
| Independent recovery | Microsoft 365 backup | £2.50 per user, included in support agreements |
| Baseline controls | Cyber Essentials preparation | From £95 monthly; scope confirmed in writing |
What not to worry about
We do not recommend buying specialist nation-state defences just because of a news headline. Start with your records, customers, suppliers and contractual requirements. A business with particularly sensitive responsibilities may need specialist advice, but that should follow an assessment.
The UK Government Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2025/2026 identifies phishing as the most prevalent breach or attack type reported by businesses. Read UK Government Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2025/2026.
The NCSC's small business guide covers backups, protection of devices and accounts, and recognising scams. Read NCSC small business guide.
What we can do for you
We help you agree priorities, document workarounds and check the recovery arrangements. Continuity planning is quoted as a fixed fee after a free 30 minute call. The technical fallbacks use our standard prices.
| Technical fallback | From per month, plus VAT |
|---|---|
| Independent Microsoft 365 backup | £2.50 per user, included as standard in support agreements |
| Email filtering | £1.50 per user, not needed as an additional filter with Microsoft 365 Premium |
| Server backup with cloud failover | £35 per server |
| Desktop and laptop backup | £10 per device |
| Business phone system | £11 per user |
Monthly starting prices exclude VAT and use a 3 year term billed monthly. Shorter terms cost a little more. Your price and the actual fallback arrangements are confirmed in a written quote.
Questions about this service
Does a backup keep every service running?
No. Backup provides a recovery copy. Alternative access, replacement equipment, staff instructions and decisions are separate parts of a continuity plan.
Will you guarantee a recovery time?
We agree targets after reviewing the systems, dependencies and test results. A planning target or example is not a contractual recovery guarantee.
Is security monitoring an out-of-hours helpdesk?
No. Our security partner's analysts provide the contracted 24x7 account monitoring. Normal support hours are Monday to Friday, 08:30 to 17:30, excluding UK bank holidays.
Where should we start?
Call 01494 866668 for a free 30 minute planning conversation. Describe the activity you could least afford to lose and the arrangements already in place.
Continuity tools
- Free business continuity plan template for small businesses
- How much does an hour of IT downtime cost your business?
- Find your single points of failure
Use these planning aids to prepare a conversation. Do not put passwords or confidential records in a worksheet.
Related information
Talk to us about your business
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