Protecting your business from cyber threats requires a clear, structured approach that addresses people, systems, and data. This cyber security checklist for businesses in Portsmouth outlines five core areas that local organisations should prioritise in 2026 to strengthen IT security, protect sensitive information, and reduce the risk of disruption.
Cyber security combines technical controls, internal processes, and employee awareness to reduce exposure to cyber incidents. For small and medium-sized businesses, a single breach can result in downtime, financial loss, and reputational damage, particularly where client or customer data is involved.
With a significant proportion of UK businesses experiencing cyber-attacks in recent years, having a practical cyber security checklist in place is essential. A structured approach helps Portsmouth businesses protect their operations, meet compliance requirements, and maintain trust with customers and partners.
Five Key Elements of a Cyber Security Checklist for Businesses in Portsmouth
1. Cyber Security Awareness Training
Employees play a critical role in business cyber security. Awareness training helps staff recognise phishing emails, suspicious links, and unsafe online behaviour that can lead to data breaches or ransomware incidents.
Effective cyber security awareness training uses short, engaging modules such as videos and quizzes to reinforce learning without disrupting daily work. By ensuring employees understand how to identify and report potential threats, businesses can significantly reduce the risk of incidents caused by human error.
Find out more about cyber security awareness training here.
2. Cyber Essentials Certification
Cyber Essentials is a UK government-backed scheme that demonstrates a business meets recognised cyber security standards. Certification shows that appropriate controls are in place to protect systems and data from common cyber attacks.
For many businesses in Portsmouth, Cyber Essentials is also a requirement within supply chains, particularly when working with larger organisations or public sector bodies. Achieving certification strengthens security while supporting commercial credibility.
Find out more about the Cyber Essentials Certification and how our team can help here.
3. Advanced Email Security
Email continues to be one of the main channels for cyber-attacks. Advanced email security helps protect businesses by scanning inbound and outbound messages to identify phishing attempts, malicious links, and infected attachments.
By filtering harmful content before it reaches inboxes, email security reduces the likelihood of compromised accounts, data breaches, and fraudulent activity, helping businesses maintain secure and reliable communication.
Find out more about advanced email security here.
4. Antivirus and Anti-Malware Protection
Antivirus and endpoint protection are essential for safeguarding business devices against viruses and malware. Protecting laptops, desktops, and servers reduces the risk of infections spreading across the network and disrupting operations.
Consistent endpoint protection supports secure day-to-day working and helps ensure that every device connected to the business network is appropriately protected.
Find out more about antivirus protection here.
5. Secure Backups
Reliable backups protect critical business data from accidental deletion, hardware failure, and ransomware attacks. A well-structured backup strategy ensures essential information can be restored when needed, limiting downtime and disruption.
Regularly maintained and tested backups support business continuity and provide reassurance that data can be recovered following unexpected incidents..
By addressing these five areas, businesses in Portsmouth can build a strong foundation for cyber security in 2026. Carrera provide managed IT and cyber security services tailored to SMEs. Our team works closely with businesses in Portsmouth to identify vulnerabilities, implement bespoke solutions, and provide ongoing monitoring and support, helping to ensure your IT infrastructure remains secure.
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About Carrera UK
Carrera UK provide IT support, IT services, and telecoms to small businesses in Portsmouth & Southampton in Hampshire, and across the South of England.
We offer a complete suite of IT and telecoms service solutions for small and medium-sized businesses, including IT support, cyber security, email and Microsoft 365 services, VoIP business phones, and lease IT equipment.
We know how important IT is to your business and we will work hard as your trusted IT and telecom service provider to find the best solutions for you. Our IT support and solutions give you the assurance that your business technology will be robust, reliable, and cost-effective.
