When your business sends information across a network—whether between your office computers, to cloud services, or to remote workers—there is a risk that this data could be intercepted or accessed by unauthorised parties. Encrypting data in transit means converting it into a secure code that only authorised recipients can decode, protecting sensitive information from being read or altered while it travels.
Why encryption matters for UK SMEs
Without encryption, your business faces several risks. Data breaches can lead to loss of customer trust, costly downtime, and potential fines under UK data protection laws like the Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR. For example, if payroll details or customer payment information is intercepted, this could trigger a serious security incident and regulatory scrutiny. Encryption helps reduce these risks by making intercepted data useless to attackers.
Moreover, many UK SMEs need to demonstrate compliance with standards such as Cyber Essentials or PCI DSS if they handle card payments. These frameworks often require encryption of data in transit as a baseline security control. Failing to encrypt network traffic can leave your business vulnerable to cyberattacks such as man-in-the-middle attacks or eavesdropping, which can cause operational disruption and reputational damage.
A typical SME scenario
Consider a UK-based company with 50 staff who regularly share sensitive client files via their internal network and cloud services. Without encryption, an attacker on the same network or intercepting Wi-Fi traffic could capture confidential information. A managed IT provider would assess the network setup, enable encryption protocols such as TLS for cloud connections, and implement VPNs for remote access. They would also ensure Wi-Fi networks use strong encryption like WPA3 and that internal systems use encrypted channels to communicate. This approach reduces the chance of data leaks and supports compliance with UK security best practices.
Practical checklist: What you can do now
- Ask your IT provider: Do you encrypt data travelling over our internal network and to cloud services? Which encryption standards do you use?
- Review network security policies: Check if Wi-Fi networks use strong encryption (WPA2 or WPA3) and if VPNs are in place for remote workers.
- Check software and device settings: Ensure browsers, email clients, and business applications use secure protocols like HTTPS and TLS.
- Verify access controls: Confirm that only authorised staff can access sensitive data and that multi-factor authentication (MFA) is enabled where possible.
- Include encryption requirements in supplier assessments: When working with third-party IT or cloud providers, request evidence of encryption practices and compliance with UK security standards.
- Regularly review logs and alerts: Monitor network activity for unusual access attempts or failures in encrypted connections.
Encryption of data in transit is a fundamental step to protect your business information and maintain trust with customers and partners. If you're unsure about your current network security or how encryption is implemented, it's sensible to discuss this with a trusted managed IT provider or IT advisor. They can review your setup, recommend practical improvements, and help align your security measures with UK best practices and compliance needs.