In 2026, cyber security is the biggest risk to cash flow and  compliance for SMEs

For finance leaders who need to protect budgets and support growth, cybersecurity is fast becoming a strategic investment, not a niche IT problem.

This guide sets out the five critical shifts finance leaders across the UK’s SMEs are focusing on in 2026, with clear actions to reduce exposure, strengthen compliance, and get more value from existing systems.

What you’ll learn from the report:

  • How finance leaders can turn cybersecurity compliance into a financial advantage
  • How to protect revenue and reputation by closing supplier-related security gaps
  • How to get more value from the security tools you already pay for
Download the Finance Leader’s guide to cybersecurity
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Quotes from the report

“You know the picture: Finance Directors in every UK Small and Medium Business are juggling priorities and demands, tight budgets, overstretched IT Teams, the rapidly changing nature of cyber threats and overly complex cyber tooling. 
 
When it comes to cybersecurity, SMEs find themselves especially vulnerable. But it is entirely possible to cut the number of systems, simplify the set-up and in some cases cut costs by using tools your business already has.”
David McLeod,
CEO and Co-Founder, Backbone.

Quotes from the report

“Firms are only as secure as the weakest link in their supply chain. A small company can play an economically critical role. SMEs require more support in their efforts to confront an ever more volatile and uncertain international environment.”
Business and Trade Committee report “Toward a new doctrine for economic security”
House of Commons, July 2025

About Backbone

Backbone is a Managed Security Service Provider and strategic IT partner focused on helping fast-growing UK SMEs simplify their IT.
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Microsoft-first security partner with 15+ years of experience.

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UK-based 24/7 Security Operations Centre (SOC).

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Seamless integration with your IT and compliance goals.

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Transparent reporting and clear communication, no jargon.

Ready to secure your business?

Learn how to  increase security spend ROI, mitigate financial liability, and ensure security compliance and business continuity
Download the report now
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