“How much does cyber security cost?” is one of the most common questions we get, and the honest answer is: less than you might fear, and far less than an attack. There is no single price, because it depends on your size and needs, but this guide breaks down the typical costs so you can budget sensibly.
How much does cyber security cost?
So how much does cyber security cost for a small business? There is no single price, but a solid layered package usually works out at a manageable per-user monthly fee. The NCSC small business guide sets out the essentials.
Why there is no single price
Cyber security is not one product, it is a set of layers. What you need depends on how many staff and devices you have, the kind of data you hold, your compliance requirements and your current setup. A five-person firm and a fifty-person firm have very different needs, so costs are best thought of as a per-user monthly figure rather than one big number.
The typical building blocks and costs
- Email security and filtering: a few pounds per user per month to stop phishing and spam before it lands.
- Endpoint protection (antivirus and more): a small monthly cost per device for modern threat detection.
- Multi-factor authentication: often included with Microsoft 365 licences, so minimal extra cost for a big security win.
- Backup and disaster recovery: priced by data volume, protecting you if the worst happens.
- Security awareness training: a low per-user cost to turn staff into a strong last line of defence.
- Cyber Essentials certification: a modest annual fee, plus any work to close gaps.
What it costs as a whole
For many small businesses, a solid layered security package works out at a manageable per-user monthly fee, often bundled into managed IT support. Rather than buying tools piecemeal, most SMEs are better served by a package that covers the essentials together, which is usually cheaper and leaves no gaps. Getting Cyber Essentials certified is an affordable way to prove the basics are in place.
The cost of getting it wrong
Set the cost of protection against the cost of an incident. A serious cyber attack can bring lost data, days of downtime, recovery bills, regulatory fines and lasting damage to your reputation, running into many thousands of pounds. Viewed that way, layered security is not an expense but insurance that also prevents the disruption in the first place.
How to budget for cyber security
- Start with a review of what you have and where the gaps are.
- Prioritise the high-impact, low-cost wins first, such as MFA and email filtering.
- Bundle the essentials into a managed package for predictable monthly costs.
- Include Cyber Essentials to give your spending a clear framework.
A free cyber security audit is the simplest way to see what you need and what it will cost, with no obligation.
How ATS Connection can help
We provide layered, affordable cyber security for businesses across West Sussex, including IT support Chichester,, bundled into proactive managed IT support with clear, predictable pricing. Start with a free cyber security audit, or get a quote. Call 01903 255 159.
Frequently asked questions
How much does cyber security cost for a small business?
There is no single price, but for many SMEs a solid layered package works out at a manageable per-user monthly fee, often bundled into managed IT support. It depends on your size, data and needs.
What does cyber security spending typically include?
Email filtering, endpoint protection, multi-factor authentication, backup and disaster recovery, staff awareness training, and certification such as Cyber Essentials.
Is cyber security worth the cost?
Yes. The cost of protection is small compared with a serious attack, which can bring downtime, recovery bills, fines and reputational damage running into thousands of pounds.
What is the cheapest way to improve cyber security?
Start with high-impact, low-cost wins such as enabling multi-factor authentication (often free with Microsoft 365) and email filtering, then build from there.
Does Cyber Essentials cost much?
The certification itself is a modest annual fee. The main cost is usually any work needed to close gaps first, which a provider can handle for you.