How Safe is Your Business From a Cyber-Attack?

By Steffen Gorgas, Founder of SharePortals & Betasoft 

In a world where digital touchpoints multiply every year, cyber security has become a daily concern for every business. As we mark Cyber Security Awareness Month, it’s worth asking a simple question: how safe is your business from attack? 

Cyber Risk is Real and Expensive 

According to the UK Government’s Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2024, half of all UK businesses experienced a breach or attack in the past 12 months. The average cost of the most disruptive incident was £1,600 per business, rising sharply for those with more serious outcomes. 

Phishing remains the most common method, involved in around 85% of recorded incidents. Despite this, only 22% of UK businesses have a formal cyber-security incident plan in place — leaving the majority exposed to repeat or escalating attacks. 

Why “Digital Organisation” is Your First Line of Defence 

While it’s tempting to think of cyber security as a technical issue, the truth is more practical: poor digital organisation increases your risk. When files and emails are scattered across laptops, mobile devices, shared drives and inboxes, it becomes much harder to: 

• detect unauthorised edits or suspicious additions; 

• identify duplicated or outdated files; 

• monitor who has accessed, shared or exported information. 

At SharePortals and Betasoft, we’ve found that disorganised file systems create blind spots — exactly the gaps cyber-attackers exploit. Organised systems are easier to monitor, back up and secure. 

Practical Steps for SMEs:

1. Centralise your data: Keep customer and supplier files in one secure cloud environment rather than across personal devices. 

   
   

2. Apply strong access controls: Use two-factor authentication, user permissions and audit trails to see who is accessing what. 

   
   

3. Train every employee: Regular training builds awareness of phishing, data sharing and device security. 

   
   

4. Create and test a cyber-security plan: Assign responsibilities and rehearse your incident response process at least annually. 

Why We Rely on Microsoft Cloud 

At Betasoft, we use Microsoft 365 and Azure for their secure cloud architecture, built-in authentication tools, and access logs. Once information is centralised, you can control exactly who can view, edit or share it — a simple but powerful step in reducing risk. 

The Takeaway 

Cyber-security is not just an IT problem; it’s a governance issue that affects everyone in your organisation. Start with what you can control: keep your data structured, your systems secure, and your people informed. 

Now is the time to review your digital filing systems, check where sensitive data lives, and make sure your processes are as organised as your intentions. 

If you’re unsure where to start, SharePortals can help you audit, organise and secure your business data -  all within your own, secure Microsoft 365 environment. 

Contact us today to learn how to reduce cyber risk with better file and access management.