Why Cyber Security Matters for Small Businesses in Essex – and How LG Networks Can Help

We often hear people say, “when I was a kid, everyone left their front doors unlocked.” Sadly, in today’s world, that level of trust and safety rarely exists. Homeowners now invest in strong locks, alarms, CCTV, and even remote monitoring to protect what matters most.

The same principle applies to your business IT network. Cyber security is no longer a luxury – it’s a necessity. Just as burglars don’t only target large, wealthy homes, cyber criminals don’t only go after big corporations. In fact, small businesses are often seen as the “low-hanging fruit” of cybercrime, precisely because they tend to invest less in security.

At LG Networks, we work with small and medium-sized businesses across Essex to put the right protections in place – affordable, scalable, and tailored to each business.

Why Small Businesses Are Prime Targets

Many business owners assume cyber criminals only target multinationals or government agencies. Unfortunately, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Attackers know that small businesses often:

• Rely on outdated or unsupported systems (just like the NHS did before the 2017 WannaCry attack).

• Spend less on security, making them easier to compromise.

• Lack staff training, leaving employees vulnerable to phishing scams.

For cyber criminals, small businesses represent the perfect balance of vulnerability and opportunity.

The Layers of Cyber Security

Think of traditional antivirus like Microsoft Defender as shutting your front door. It’s the bare minimum. But just as you’d add locks to windows, secure outbuildings, and fit an alarm system, your IT security also needs layers.

Key areas to consider include:

• Email security – the most common entry point for attacks.

• Malware protection – software that prevents infections on your systems.

• Endpoint security – protection for devices such as laptops and mobiles.

• Backups and recovery – so you can bounce back quickly if the worst happens.

• Multi-factor authentication (MFA) – stopping brute force password attacks.

Our Recommended Solutions

At LG Networks, we partner with some of the industry’s most trusted providers to deliver complete, multi-layered protection for businesses in Essex.

1. Bitdefender – Next-Generation Endpoint Security

Bitdefender is one of the world’s leading names in cyber defence. Its advanced malware protection goes far beyond traditional antivirus, using machine learning and behaviour monitoring to stop threats before they can spread. For small businesses, this means:

• Protection against ransomware, spyware, and zero-day exploits.

• Centralised management across all devices.

• Minimal performance impact, so your staff can work without disruption.

2. Avanan – Cloud Email & Collaboration Security

Did you know that over 90% of cyberattacks start with email? Phishing remains the number one way criminals gain access to business systems. That’s where Avanan comes in.

Avanan integrates directly into Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace, securing your email, Teams, and shared files. It protects against:

• Phishing and Business Email Compromise (BEC).

• Malicious links and attachments.

• Account takeovers caused by weak or stolen credentials.

With Avanan, your email becomes a fortress, without disrupting the way your staff work day-to-day.

3. Redstor – Cloud Backup & Data Recovery

Even the best defences can’t guarantee 100% protection. That’s why every business needs a robust backup plan. Redstor provides fast, reliable, cloud-based backup and recovery for files, servers, and even SaaS platforms like Microsoft 365.

With Redstor, you get:

• Instant data recovery – get back to work within minutes.

• Protection against ransomware – recover clean copies of your data.

• Scalable storage – pay for what you need, when you need it.

This ensures your business can recover quickly, even after a major cyber incident.

Don’t Forget Human Error

Technology is vital, but human error is still the biggest cause of breaches. Whether it’s clicking a dodgy link, using weak passwords, or leaving a laptop unlocked in a café, mistakes happen.

That’s why cyber security awareness training is essential. At LG Networks, we provide training and workshops to help your staff spot threats and build a “security-first” culture.

Insurance and Compliance

Just as insurers require strong locks and alarms before covering your home, business insurers increasingly expect companies to have the right cyber protections in place. Multi-factor authentication, email filtering, endpoint security, and backup solutions are often no longer optional – they’re a requirement.

By partnering with LG Networks, you’ll not only strengthen your defences but also ensure you’re meeting your insurer’s and regulator’s expectations.

The Right Security for Your Business

There’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all cyber security plan. The right solution depends on your size, industry, and the type of data you hold. That’s why we take the time to understand your business before recommending a tailored security package.

Whether you’re looking for Bitdefender for device security, Avanan for email protection, or Redstor for backups, LG Networks can design and implement a strategy that keeps your business safe without breaking the budget.

Take the Next Step

Cyber threats are real, growing, and unavoidable – but with the right protection in place, your business doesn’t have to be vulnerable.

👉 Call LG Networks today on 01277 715553 for a no-obligation chat about your current IT security and how we can help you strengthen it.