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Cybersecurity for businesses: Why falling behind is becoming a bigger risk

Roger Eddowes

CREATED BY ROGER EDDOWES

Published: 20/08/2026 @ 09:00AM

#CybersecurityConcerns #AIandCybersecurity #SophisticatedCyberattacks #QuantumComputingThreats #BusinessCybersecurity

Cybersecurity has been a business concern for years, but the nature of the threat is changing quickly. Artificial intelligence, increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks, and even developments in quantum computing mean businesses cannot afford to treat cybersecurity as something that only concerns their IT provider ...

Don't let the risk of falling behind compromise your business success

Don't let the risk of falling behind compromise your business success

One of the biggest developments is the increasing capability of AI agents. Unlike traditional AI tools that simply respond to questions, agentic AI can perform tasks, make decisions and interact with other systems.

That creates enormous opportunities for businesses
but it also introduces new risks!

As AI becomes better at identifying vulnerabilities and automating tasks, these capabilities can potentially be used to make cyberattacks faster and more sophisticated. Businesses adopting AI tools therefore need to decide what those systems can access, what permissions they have and what safeguards are in place.

Cybersecurity cannot be an afterthought added once an AI system is already embedded into the business; it must be the first thing you think about.

Also, be aware that powerful quantum computers could eventually undermine some of the encryption methods currently used to protect information. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) is consequently encouraging organisations to begin planning their transition towards post-quantum cryptography.

For most SMEs, this doesn't mean replacing systems tomorrow. However, businesses that hold sensitive information should understand where encryption is being used and ask technology suppliers how they are preparing for future standards.

Cyber resilience is becoming a business responsibility!

The Government launched its Cyber Resilience Pledge in July, encouraging organisations to make cybersecurity a board-level responsibility, use the NCSC's Early Warning service and consider Cyber Essentials throughout their supply chains. Cyber Essentials is particularly relevant to smaller businesses because it provides a practical framework for protecting against common cyber threats.

Cybersecurity is about resilience rather than attempting to predict every new threat.

For business owners, the important question is therefore not whether you understand AI agents, cryptography or the mechanics of a cyberattack. It's whether your business has appropriate protections, reliable backups, clear responsibilities and a plan for what happens when something goes wrong.

Technology will continue changing, so ensuring your business keeps pace is becoming part of running a resilient organisation.

Until next time ...


ROGER EDDOWES
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If anything I've written in my blog post resonates with you and you'd like to discover more of my thoughts about cybersecurity for businesses, then do call me on 01908 774320 and let's see how I can help you.

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#CybersecurityConcerns #AIandCybersecurity #SophisticatedCyberattacks #QuantumComputingThreats #BusinessCybersecurity

About Roger Eddowes ...

Roger Eddowes 

Roger trained at Edward Thomas Peirson & Sons in Market Harborough before working at Hartwell & Co, followed by Chancery, as a partner. He started Essendon Accounts and Tax with Helen Beaumont in 2014 as a general practitioner with a hands-on approach.

Roger loves getting his hands dirty, working with emerging, small-to-medium and family businesses to ensure they receive the best possible accountancy advice. Roger utilises an extensive network of business contacts to leverage the best guidance and practical solutions.

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