A recent study conducted by Markel Direct has shed light on the growing concerns of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) regarding the security of remote working environments. The survey, which gathered insights from 500 SME owners, revealed that a significant 23% of respondents identified securing remote workspaces as a primary challenge. This concern ranks second among cyber security issues, trailing only behind the rising sophistication of cyber threats, which alarmingly affects 62% of those surveyed.
Understanding the Landscape of Cyber Security
When exploring how SMEs safeguard company data accessed by remote employees, the findings were revealing. A majority of 52% reported utilizing virtual private network (VPN) access, while 48% emphasized the importance of training their employees on secure remote work practices. Additionally, 46% have established remote access policies and controls to further enhance security.
However, the study also highlighted a troubling gap in preparedness. Nearly half of the SMEs, specifically 49%, admitted they would be at a loss on how to respond in the event of a cyber-attack. Furthermore, 69% of those surveyed did not have a cyber security policy in place, raising concerns about their overall resilience against potential threats.
Despite these challenges, many UK SMEs are taking proactive steps to fortify their defenses against cyber threats. An impressive 72% have invested in antivirus and anti-malware software, while 69% ensure their system software is regularly updated. Additionally, 52% have adopted multi-factor authentication as a layer of security.
Proactive Measures Against Cyber Threats
| Measures in place to prevent cyber attacks | % of SMEs with these in place |
| Have antivirus/anti-malware software | 72% |
| Regularly update system software | 69% |
| Keep IT systems up to date | 53% |
| Use multi-factor or two-factor authentication | 52% |
| Email filtering for spam and phishing emails | 49% |
| Staff training | 49% |
| Have a firewall | 47% |
| Secure Wi-Fi networks | 46% |
| Conduct regular data backups | 46% |
| Data encryption | 44% |
| Encourage employees to update passwords | 35% |
Nevertheless, there is still room for improvement. A notable 43% of SMEs reported that their employees are not trained on best practices and potential threats. Additionally, over half, specifically 53%, lack cyber insurance, leaving them exposed to significant risks in the event of a breach.
Rob Rees, Divisional Director of Markel Direct, emphasized the importance of staying ahead of cyber threats, particularly as AI-driven attacks become more prevalent. He stated, “Having a robust cyber security policy in place can help create a framework to safeguard against ongoing threats, whilst cyber insurance can help to protect your business in the event of a targeted attack.”
Rees also pointed out the critical nature of preparedness, noting that almost half of SMEs do not know how to respond to a cyber-attack. To address this, Markel Direct offers cyber insurance policyholders access to a cyber response helpline, ensuring expert guidance is available to small business owners facing a cyber security incident.
