Securing small businesses – the weakest link in a supply chain?

Abstract

Small and micro businesses are often now the weakest link in a supply chain. The UK government, defining micro businesses as firms that employ 0–9 employees and small businesses as firms that have 10–49 employees, has announced the investment of £1m into a new grant scheme to help SMEs boost their cyber-security.1 In addition, it has issued cyber-security guidelines for small businesses.2 But is this enough and should larger companies be spending money on securing their smaller partners? The UK government has announced the investment of £1m into a new scheme to help SMEs boost their cyber-security, and has issued guidelines for small businesses. But is this enough and should larger companies be spending money on helping to secure their smaller partners and suppliers? Tracey Caldwell discusses some of the risks and threats faced by the supply chain and provides industry commentary on the issues and recommendations arising.