Ensuring your IT support provider follows the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) good practices means they are using recognised methods to keep your business's technology safe and reliable. For a UK small or medium-sized business, this isn't just about ticking boxes—it directly affects how well your systems run, how protected your data is, and how confident your customers and staff feel about your digital security.
Why NCSC Good Practices Matter for Your Business
IT support that aligns with NCSC guidance helps reduce risks such as cyberattacks, data breaches, and costly downtime. For example, if your IT provider enforces strong password policies, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and regular software updates, they lower the chance of unauthorised access. This protects sensitive customer information and helps you meet UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018 requirements. On the other hand, poor IT support can lead to system failures or data loss, disrupting your operations and damaging your reputation.
A Typical Scenario: How Good IT Support Makes a Difference
Imagine a UK-based SME with around 75 employees that handles customer data and processes payments. Without proper IT support, they might use weak passwords and have inconsistent backups. One day, a ransomware attack locks their files, and recovery takes days, causing lost sales and frustrated customers. A good IT partner following NCSC guidance would have implemented MFA, regular tested backups stored securely offsite, and kept systems patched. They would detect suspicious activity early and respond quickly, minimising downtime and data loss.
Checklist: How to Check Your IT Support Follows NCSC Good Practices
- Ask about their security approach: Do they implement multi-factor authentication for all users? How often do they apply software updates and patches?
- Inquire on backup procedures: Are backups performed regularly and tested? Where are backups stored—onsite only or also offsite/cloud?
- Review access controls: Can they provide a list of who has administrative access? How do they manage user permissions?
- Check incident response readiness: Do they have a documented plan for cyber incidents? How quickly do they respond to support requests?
- Request evidence of compliance: Can they demonstrate alignment with Cyber Essentials or ISO 27001 standards?
- Examine reporting and monitoring: Do they provide regular security reports or alerts? Are logs maintained and reviewed?
- Evaluate staff training: Do their technicians receive ongoing cybersecurity training consistent with NCSC recommendations?
Next Steps
Reviewing your IT support provider's practices against NCSC good practice is a practical way to reduce cyber risks and improve your business resilience. If you're unsure about your current provider or need help assessing proposals, consider speaking with a trusted managed IT services firm or an independent IT advisor. They can help you understand what good security looks like and how to ensure your IT support meets those standards without unnecessary complexity or cost.