Cyber attacks on UK small businesses are up 77% in two years. This guide gives you the exact steps to lock down your network — starting today.
7 Steps to a Secure Business Network
Step 1: Set Up a Proper Business Firewall
Your router has a built-in firewall — but the default settings are rarely adequate for business. A dedicated business firewall (Fortinet, Cisco Meraki, Sophos) gives you granular control over all network traffic, intrusion detection, and deep packet inspection.
Block all inbound traffic by default
Only allow explicitly needed services. The principle of least privilege applies to your firewall too.
Step 01
Enable Deep Packet Inspection (DPI)
Detect malicious payloads hidden inside legitimate-looking traffic.
Step 01
Set up IDS/IPS
Intrusion Detection and Prevention catches attacks in real time, not after the fact.
Step 01
Log and review denied connections weekly
Patterns in denied traffic reveal reconnaissance activity before attacks happen.
Step 01
Steps 2 & 3: Passwords + Updates
Step 2: Password Policy
- 14+ character passwords minimum
- Multi-Factor Authentication on all accounts
- Company-wide password manager (Bitwarden, 1Password)
- Rotate admin credentials every 90 days
- Never reuse passwords across services
Step 3: Patch Everything
85% of successful attacks exploit vulnerabilities with patches already available. Automate updates for:
- Windows / macOS operating systems
- Router, switch and access point firmware
- Applications and browsers
- Antivirus definitions (daily)
- WordPress core, plugins, themes
Steps 4–6: Wi-Fi, VPN & Backups
Step 7: Security Awareness Training
Technology only takes you so far. 90% of data breaches involve human error — phishing emails, social engineering, weak passwords. Your staff are both your biggest vulnerability and your best line of defence.
Need Help Securing Your Chester Business?
Progressive Robot provides comprehensive cybersecurity audits and managed security services for businesses across Chester and the Northwest. We'll identify your vulnerabilities and fix them — before someone else does.
