Overview

Cyber security is no longer just an issue for large organisations. SMEs are increasingly targeted through phishing emails, weak passwords, fake invoices, hacked social media accounts, ransomware, and human error. Yet many business owners feel overwhelmed by technical jargon and assume cyber protection is too complicated or expensive. This practical, plain-English masterclass helps SMEs understand the real risks, the most common mistakes, and the simple actions that can dramatically improve business security, customer trust, and operational resilience. The focus is on practical awareness, prevention, and smarter digital habits.

Key Topics

• Why SMEs are now major cyber targets
• The most common cyber attacks affecting small businesses
• Phishing emails explained simply
• Fake invoices and payment scams
• Social media account hacking
• Password security and password managers
• Multi-factor authentication (MFA)
• Safe use of AI tools and online platforms
• Overview of the EU AI Act
• Public Wi-Fi risks
• Cloud storage safety
• Employee mistakes and human error
• Safe file sharing
• Backups and disaster recovery
• GDPR and customer trust
• Recognising suspicious activity
• Cyber security for remote and hybrid working
• AI-generated scams and deepfakes
• What to do if your business is hacked
• Creating a simple cyber response plan
• Low-cost cyber protection tools for SMEs
• Questions to ask your IT provider or web developer

Practical Workshop Activities

• Cyber risk self-assessment worksheet
• “Spot the Scam” exercises
• Password strength exercise
• Business vulnerability checklist
• Cyber emergency response planner
• Team cyber-awareness checklist
• “Questions to Ask Your IT Provider” worksheet

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this session, participants will:

• Understand the most common cyber threats affecting SMEs
• Recognise warning signs of scams and phishing attacks
• Improve password and account security practices
• Understand simple ways to reduce business risk
• Develop stronger cyber awareness habits
• Know what questions to ask technical providers
• Create a basic cyber protection action plan for their business
• Improve customer trust and digital resilience

The content is designed to reflect both current industry trends and the real-world challenges SMEs are experiencing at the moment, particularly around AI, customer expectations, digital overwhelm and online trust.