NCSC launches free cyber consultancy for small businesses

The National Cyber Security Centre has announced a new initiative offering free 30-minute cyber security consultations to small businesses across the UK. The NCSC reports that Cyber Advisors will provide hands-on, practical guidance to help small organisations get started with cyber security, addressing a gap in accessible support for businesses that may not have dedicated IT or security teams. The consultations are designed to help small businesses understand their risk, prioritise practical steps, and build confidence in managing cyber security without requiring specialist knowledge or significant budget. This initiative reflects the NCSC's ongoing commitment to making cyber security accessible and actionable for organisations of all sizes, and comes at a time when small businesses are increasingly targeted by cyber-criminals and are often part of broader supply chains for larger organisations.

Why this matters for UK organisations

For many small and medium-sized businesses, cyber security can feel overwhelming, particularly when resources are limited and technical expertise is not readily available. This NCSC initiative provides a practical starting point for organisations that may not know where to begin or what to prioritise. The availability of free, expert-led consultations removes a significant barrier to entry and offers small businesses a trusted source of guidance that is independent, practical and aligned to UK threat intelligence. For larger organisations, this also serves as a reminder of the importance of supply chain security, as many small businesses operate as suppliers, partners or service providers within broader commercial ecosystems. Supporting smaller organisations to improve their security posture benefits the entire supply chain and reduces the risk of compromise through third-party access. The NCSC's approach reflects a recognition that cyber security is not just a technical challenge but a business resilience issue that requires accessible support and clear guidance.

What to review

For UK businesses, particularly those working with smaller suppliers or partners, this is an opportunity to encourage those organisations to take advantage of the NCSC's free support. If you are a small business yourself, this is a straightforward way to access expert advice and build a foundation for proportionate, practical security. Consider whether your supply chain partners are aware of this resource and whether you can support them in improving their own security posture. For larger organisations, review whether your supply chain risk management processes include support and guidance for smaller suppliers, and whether you have visibility into the security practices of the third parties you work with. This is also a prompt to consider whether your own organisation has clear, accessible security guidance for staff, partners and suppliers, and whether you are making it easy for people to do the right thing when it comes to managing risk.

Source: NCSC UK