Even brief outages can be problematic for small businesses in today’s technology-focused society. In the UK, however, where the National Grid has occasionally signalled potential winter shortages or local outages, grid failures are not just a remote possibility, they’re something every business should be planning for.
Implementing the right cybersecurity measures now can protect SMEs in a time of no power.
How Grid Failures Can Cause Cyber Threats
Power cuts increase a business’ vulnerability to cyber-attacks. A grid failure does not only mean power disconnection, but unstable internet connectivity, servers shutting down, and devices rebooting without any safeguard.
Hackers may be waiting for these moments of vulnerability and act with malice, filtrating sensitive business information and taking advantage of less-secure small businesses with poor security in place.
What Are Common Cyber Threats for Small Businesses
Small businesses across the UK face the risk of cyber attacks in many different forms, including phishing, ransomware or data breaches. UK companies should begin securing their network and devices, while ensuring strong back-up measures to overcome a cyber attack. Some of the most common cyber threats for small businesses are:
- Malware where malware is disguised in an application or anything else downloaded from the internet
- Password hacking can occur if a business does not thoughtfully implement strong passwords that contain letters, numbers and special characters
- Phishing attacks are common among SMEs across the world which is where a cybercriminal attempts to trick a person into sharing personal information via email
Importance of Reliable Broadband Providers During a Power Outage
A broadband operator is very important in maintaining the connectivity and security of your business.
In most cases, a reputable provider is likely to have reliable broadband equipment that provide battery backup power hardware to ensure network security with minimal risks during power cuts. Additionally, known providers tend to have good response time and provide a 24 hour customer service, which comes in handy when there are problems needing immediate attention during hand over periods.
Key Cyber Risks to Watch
A proactive approach to threats such as unauthorised devices connected to your network, phishing attempts, and poor security could salvage your operations during a power outage.
Poorly Protected Network Equipment
While the power is on, components like routers security settings automatically save to further so nothing is erased, however, in a sudden power cut unsaved sensitive information may be lost.
Phishing During Confusion
Local power outages can lead to network disruptions whereby hackers can take advantage of the situation and send out emails fraudulently disguised as “IT support” and “Power Supply companies.”
Power Supply Issues
Systems, especially those reliant on Power Supply Units (PSU), can undergo file change corruption due to unexpected system shutdown.
Security System Failures
The absence of battery backups for alarms and CCTV systems may result in deactivation during power outages or a surge in company theft.
How Can You Enhance Cybersecurity For Your Business?
There are a variety of measures small businesses can take to help reduce the potential damage should a cyberattack occur:
Ensure UPS on all Equipment – Place an UPS on all essential items: WiFi router, computer, and debit/credit card processing gadgets. This eases the strain of troubleshooting and allows systems to continue smoothly during surges and short blip interruptions.
Educate Employees on Incident Protocols – Staff should be trained on specific steps to take on a grid failure: how to save documents instantaneously, what systems to shut down, and how to spot possible phishing or scam messages that could follow.
Using the Cloud With Offline Capabilities – Most UK companies utilise cloud software such as Xero, Google, or Microsoft 365. Essential files need to be offline accessible and must be synced after power recovery. Use multifactor authentication (MFA) to protect login access, particularly after a reboot on other devices, to mitigate security risks.
Storing Sensitive Company Information Correctly – Sensitive company data should be stored to cloud services and external drives regularly. This is crucial for customer data under GDRP provisions.
Secure Physical Entry Points – Most alarm systems go offline when power cuts occur. If you run a retail shop or have a small office, ensure that access control measures operate independently of electricity. You may also wish to use battery-operated CCTV and alarm systems.
