1. What Happened: A Quick Look at the Recent Cyber Attacks

2. Why SMBs Should Be Paying Very Close Attention to Cybersecurity Solutions

3. What This Means for Your Business: What to Do Right Away

4. Building Enduring Resilience with Cybersecurity Solutions

5. The Bottom Line: Cybersecurity Solutions Are Critical for Everyone

6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Cybersecurity Solutions

In mid-April 2025, M&S were subjected to major disruption after a cyber attack on their in-house systems. As of early May, orders over the internet are still suspended, and stories are emerging that some suppliers are under pressure, and shelves are empty in shops.

In addition, Harrods announced a cyber security breach that potentially exposed customer data. Meanwhile, the Co-Op has claimed attempts to breach their systems illegally, though there is no confirmed loss of customer data.

How did the attackers gain entry?
Early reports suggest that the attackers employed social engineering — tricking IT helpdesks to reset passwords and gain access. Having gained entry, they could then steal data and cause business disruption.

Lesson: If major global brands such as M&S and Harrods can fall victim to human error, smaller businesses — typically with fewer defences — are equally vulnerable.

It’s easy to think, “We’re too small to be a target.” But that couldn’t be further from the truth. Hackers aren’t only after big businesses — they’re after easy ones. And many SMBs don’t have the same level of cybersecurity solutions in place.

According to the UK Government’s 2024 Cyber Security Breaches Survey:

• 32% of companies experienced a cybersecurity attack or breach in the last year
• That percentage explodes to 59% for mid-sized companies

And the harm doesn’t stop at technical:

• Outages cost money — quickly.
• Reputation damage can take years to repair.
• Regulatory sanctions (such as under GDPR) can cause serious pain.

One breach may harm an SMB more than a multinational. It’s one that no business can afford to take.

You don’t have to be an IT security guru to protect your business — but you do have to be proactive.
Begin here:

1. Check Your Cybersecurity Solutions Today

If you have no cybersecurity strategy — or if your strategy is over a year old — you’re falling behind.
Cyber threats are constantly evolving, and so do your defences.

Blue Saffron’s security solutions protect businesses of any size, with tried-and-tested, scalable solutions that fit your needs.

2. Secure the Basics First

Simple measures can fill huge holes and make your overall security solutions much more solid:

• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Supplement login security layers.
• Software Updates: Update everything — from operating systems to software.
• Employee Training: Train your employees to spot phishing emails and social engineering plots.
• Backups: Back up your data securely and test your recovery process regularly.

These basics are your front line of defence.

3. Create a Response Plan

In the event of disaster, a good response plan can mean the difference between a mere glitch and an all-out disaster.
Knowing exactly who does what — and when — can help contain damage and speed recovery.

At Blue Saffron, we help businesses build and test their cybersecurity response plans, giving them the confidence to make the right choices when things get uncertain.

Protecting your business is not a one-time job. It’s a continuous process. That means moving on from simple foundation defences:

• Regular cybersecurity scans
• Ongoing threat detection and monitoring
• Vulnerability scans and patching
• Advanced solutions like Zero Trust Architecture and Extended Detection and Response (XDR)

Modern cybersecurity solutions are built for a world where threats are always evolving. And if you’re not adapting, you’re falling behind.

Need help navigating it all?
Get in touch — Blue Saffron specialises in building practical, business-friendly cybersecurity strategies that grow with you.

The attacks on M&S, Harrods, and Co-Op show that even the biggest companies can be vulnerable. But they also signal that cybersecurity isn’t just a case of securing the technology — it’s a case of safeguarding the business.

If you’re an SMB, it’s time to treat cybersecurity solutions as business-critical infrastructure, not as an IT add-on. The good news? It’s easier — and cheaper — than you might imagine to get started.

A single cyber attack can create days of downtime, lost revenue, reputational damage, and unforeseen costs that sting much harder for small organisations. The risks are present — but so are the steps you can take to stay ahead.

Here at Blue Saffron, we assist organisations of all sizes to build usable, tailored defenses. No matter what you need — cybersecurity audits, employee education, vulnerability scans, advisory services, or comprehensive protection — we’re here to protect you — and to make you feel protected.

In today’s world, cybersecurity isn’t paranoia.
It’s being ready — with the right people behind you.

What cybersecurity solutions should I prioritise?

MFA, endpoint protection, and encrypted backups should be at the top of your list.

How do managed cybersecurity services prevent breaches?

Monitoring for threats, identifying unusual behaviour, and deploying defences before breaches happen.

What are the pros and cons of managed IT services?

Pros: Cost-effective, expert support, and 24/7 monitoring.

Cons: Potential reliance on third-party providers (though a good MSP will offer transparency and collaboration).

How can cybersecurity improve data privacy?

By encrypting sensitive information, limiting data access to authorised users, and monitoring data flow to detect unauthorised sharing.

What types of businesses benefit most from managed cybersecurity services?

All businesses regardless of their size, particularly where when handling sensitive client data is involved.