Guide
Cutting business overheads without cutting quality
Where UK SMEs typically overpay on telecoms, software and office contracts.
Read guideCompare cyber security
Compare UK cyber security services — endpoint protection, managed detection, Cyber Essentials certification and staff training.
Compare cyber security quotes TrustpilotTrustScore 4.7 | reviews
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How cyber security works
Most UK business breaches start with email or stolen credentials, so the highest-value controls are multi-factor authentication, endpoint protection and staff awareness.
Cyber Essentials is the government-backed baseline certification, increasingly required to bid for public sector and larger corporate contracts.
Managed detection and response services add 24/7 human monitoring on top of the software you already run.
What affects the cost of cyber security
- Number of users and endpoints
- Level of monitoring (software only or 24/7 managed)
- Certification requirements such as Cyber Essentials Plus
- Email security and phishing simulation training
- Incident response retainer
Why compare cyber security with us
Cyber Essentials ready
Meet the baseline controls buyers increasingly demand.
Endpoint protection
Modern EDR stops ransomware before it spreads.
Email security
The channel behind most successful UK attacks.
Staff training
Phishing simulations measurably cut click rates.
Typical cyber security costs
Indicative monthly costs excluding VAT.
| Service | Per user per month | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Endpoint protection (EDR) | £3 - £8 | Per device |
| Email security | £2 - £5 | Per mailbox |
| Managed detection (MDR) | £8 - £20 | 24/7 monitoring |
| Security awareness training | £1.50 - £4 | Includes phishing simulations |
Certification and testing costs
One-off costs for assurance and compliance.
| Item | Typical cost | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Cyber Essentials | £320 - £600 | Annual |
| Cyber Essentials Plus | £1,500 - £4,000 | Annual |
| Penetration test | £2,500 - £10,000 | Annual or on change |
| Incident response retainer | £1,200 - £6,000/yr | Annual |
Expert advice
Our team reviews UK business suppliers, contract terms and pricing models throughout the year.
“Multi-factor authentication, patched devices and tested backups. Get those three right before spending on anything else.”
cyber security: pros and cons
Pros
- Cyber Essentials opens doors to public sector contracts
- MFA and EDR block the large majority of common attacks
- Often reduces cyber insurance premiums
- Training measurably lowers phishing success rates
Cons
- Managed services add meaningful monthly cost
- Cyber Essentials Plus requires a technical audit
- Security controls can add friction for staff
How to choose cyber security
The cheapest headline price rarely wins. Check these points before you sign.
- 1
Start with MFA everywhere
It's usually free with your existing licences and stops most credential attacks.
- 2
Get Cyber Essentials early
It's cheap, structured, and increasingly a tender requirement.
- 3
Check incident response cover
Know who you call at 2am before you need to know.
- 4
Match monitoring to risk
24/7 MDR is worth it if downtime or data loss would be severe.
Compare cyber security
See what's available for your business today. It takes just minutes.
How to compare cyber security
It takes a few minutes and there is no obligation to switch.
1. Tell us about your business
Team size, sites and roughly what you spend today.
2. See matched suppliers
We shortlist UK providers who serve businesses like yours.
3. Compare the full package
Contract length, support levels and set-up costs, not just monthly price.
4. Switch when you're ready
Your chosen supplier handles onboarding and any migration.
Things to watch out for
Cyber insurance policies often require specific controls — a claim can be refused without them.
Backups must be tested; untested backups fail exactly when you need them.
Certification is a baseline, not proof you're secure.
Our cyber security service
We compare cyber security from established UK suppliers so you can see pricing, contract terms and support side by side.
Comparing is free, and we will tell you plainly if your current deal already looks competitive.
Getting started
1
Gather your current bills
Your latest invoice shows spend, contract end date and notice period.
2
Map what you actually need
List must-haves versus nice-to-haves so you don't overbuy.
3
Check your exit terms
Most UK business contracts need 30 to 90 days' notice before renewal.
Why choose Grow Your Business?
Wide choice of providers
We compare a broad range of UK providers so you can find the option that actually fits how your business operates.
Exclusive offers
We work hard to bring you exclusive deals, switching incentives and cashback where they're available.
Simple and fast
It takes just a few minutes to compare with us — and the deal you find could be well below what you pay today.
Types of cyber security
The right option depends on your size, budget and how fast you're growing.
Endpoint protection (EDR)
Antivirus successor with behavioural detection.
Managed detection and response
24/7 human-monitored security operations.
Cyber Essentials certification
Self-assessed or audited government-backed scheme.
Penetration testing
Point-in-time testing of applications and networks.
Providers we compare
Logos are shown for identification. We are not affiliated with every supplier listed and do not compare the whole market.
Microsoft
CrowdStrike
SentinelOne
Sophos
Mimecast
KnowBe4Comparing with us is a no-brainer
“Cyber Essentials took two weeks and immediately unlocked tenders we couldn't previously bid for.”
Anita, IT services firm, Newcastle
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Buying software for a growing team
Per-seat pricing, onboarding costs and how to avoid paying for unused licences.
Read guidecyber security FAQs
How much does cyber security cost for a small business?
A solid baseline of EDR, email security and training typically runs £7 to £17 per user per month.
What is Cyber Essentials?
A UK government-backed certification covering five baseline technical controls, often required in tenders and supply chains.
Do I need 24/7 monitoring?
It depends on your risk. If a breach would halt trading or expose sensitive data, managed detection is worth the cost.
Will security reduce my cyber insurance?
Often yes, and many insurers now require MFA, EDR and tested backups as a condition of cover.
Written by the Grow Your Business editorial team · Updated 26 July 2026