When was the last time you stopped to consider how exposed your business might be to current cyber threats? For many Reading businesses handling sensitive client information, the answer is often “not recently enough.”
As cyber risks continue to evolve, the need for stronger, more proactive protection has never been greater. That’s where EAC Network Solutions comes in.
Reading businesses need more than basic protection to stay safe – especially as threats grow more sophisticated each year. For many organisations prioritising cyber security in Reading, staying proactive is not optional.
The Top Cyber Threats Facing Reading Organisations
Cybercriminals are evolving quickly, using a mix of technical attacks and clever social engineering to target local organisations.
With Reading’s mix of long-established firms and fast-growing startups, businesses in the area present valuable opportunities for attackers seeking financial gain, sensitive data, or operational disruption:
Phishing: The Easiest Way In
With recent data revealing a 10.6% increase in phishing emails (vs. the previous six months), this remains one of the leading causes of security breaches. Emails impersonating suppliers, clients, or even internal staff are becoming harder to distinguish from the real thing. Once an employee clicks a malicious link or shares their login details, attackers often gain direct access to business systems. For Reading firms dealing with confidential files, a single compromised account can expose entire data sets.
Ransomware: Locking Down Operations
Ransomware has shifted from a rare headline-grabber into a regular and persistent threat. Attackers infiltrate systems, encrypt data, and demand payment for its release. The impact can be severe – days or even weeks of downtime, financial loss, and damage to client confidence. For sectors where immediate access to information is critical, ransomware can completely halt operations and trigger compliance investigations.
Insider Risks: Accidental and Intentional
Insider risks are often overlooked but are rising quickly. These incidents can stem from an employee accidentally sending data to the wrong person, storing files in unsecured locations, or mishandling access permissions. In other cases, it may involve deliberate actions by a disgruntled staff member. Regardless of intent, insider risks can lead to data exposure, system disruption, and regulatory issues.
Business Email Compromise (BEC)
A rapidly growing form of attack across the UK, BEC is where criminals infiltrate or spoof senior leaders, suppliers, or finance teams to trick staff into transferring funds or sharing sensitive documents. Because these emails often appear legitimate and don’t include obvious malicious links, they can be extremely difficult to detect without strong email security and authentication controls.
Supply Chain Attacks
More Reading businesses now rely on third-party software, cloud platforms, and managed services. Attackers are increasingly targeting these suppliers as a way to access multiple organisations at once. A breach in a supplier’s system can quickly cascade into your own environment – even if your internal security is strong. This makes supply chain scrutiny and vendor risk management essential.
Why Layered Cyber Security Is Essential
To ensure your business can prevent as many threats as possible, you need comprehensive cyber security. Effective cyber security depends on multiple layers working together to identify, block, and respond to malicious activity.
This is particularly critical for Reading organisations handling high-risk or regulated data, where expectations go far beyond basic antivirus software and firewalls. A layered approach provides protection at every stage of the digital journey. Key components include:
- Strong authentication controls to prevent compromised passwords from granting attackers unrestricted access – think Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and a password manager.
- Continuous network monitoring that flags unusual activity early, reducing the risk of large-scale breaches.
- Regular patching and updates to close software vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
- Security awareness training that equips staff to recognise suspicious behaviours and avoid common threats.
Layered security also plays a crucial role in compliance. Whether it’s GDPR or sector-specific standards in finance, healthcare, or education, organisations are expected to implement appropriate technical and organisational measures.
Without multiple layers of protection, it becomes difficult to demonstrate that adequate safeguards are in place.
How EAC Protects Reading Businesses
At EAC Network Solutions, we deliver a complete, customised cyber security strategy that’s designed around local business needs. Our managed IT support blends proactive monitoring, rapid response, and long-term planning to ensure organisations stay protected now and as threats evolve. This includes:
- Proactive Threat Detection and Monitoring: At EAC, we use round-the-clock monitoring to spot unusual activity, suspicious logins, and early signs of breaches – minimising disruption and reducing data loss.
- Enhanced Email Security and User Awareness: With phishing on the rise, we strengthen email protection through advanced filtering, impersonation checks, and real-time scanning, backed by training that helps staff recognise threats.
- Secure Backup, Recovery, and Continuity: Our experts provide reliable backup and rapid recovery solutions so Reading businesses can restore systems quickly after ransomware, data loss, or human error.
- Compliance-Ready Cyber Security Support: We help organisations meet GDPR and sector-specific requirements by implementing the right controls, preparing audit-ready documentation, and maintaining secure processes.
- Tailored IT Support for Reading Firms: We deliver personalised IT support – covering strategic planning, proactive maintenance, and fast assistance – to keep systems secure, modern, and aligned with long-term goals.
By combining cyber expertise with robust IT support, EAC acts as a trusted, long-term partner for Reading businesses looking to strengthen resilience and safeguard their data.
Stay Protected with a Trusted Local Expert
The cyber threat landscape continues to grow more complex, and Reading businesses cannot rely on outdated protections. Understanding the top threats, implementing layered security, and partnering with an experienced cyber security provider are crucial steps toward long-term resilience.
Book your free Cyber Health Check with EAC’s security team today and take the first step towards stronger cyber security in Reading.
FAQs
- How do I know if my business needs stronger cyber security?
If your organisation handles sensitive data, relies heavily on digital systems, or has limited internal IT resources, it’s likely that your current protections need strengthening. Regular risk assessments and cyber health checks can help identify gaps. - What makes EAC different from other IT providers in Reading?
EAC combines deep cyber security expertise with local, personalised IT support. Rather than offering generic solutions, EAC tailors protection to each business’s systems, industry requirements, and growth plans – providing a more strategic, long-term approach. - How often should Reading businesses review their cyber security?
Cyber threats evolve quickly, so it’s recommended to review your cyber security posture at least every quarter. This ensures your protections, policies, and systems stay aligned with emerging risks, new compliance requirements, and changes within your organisation.
