Network security policies are the rules and procedures your business uses to protect its IT systems and data from cyber threats. Reviewing these policies regularly ensures they remain effective against evolving risks and continue to support your business needs. This is especially important as technology, staff roles, or regulatory requirements change.
Why regular reviews matter for UK SMEs
Outdated or incomplete network security policies can leave your business vulnerable to cyberattacks, data breaches, or accidental data loss. Such incidents often cause downtime, disrupt staff productivity, and harm your reputation with customers and suppliers. For UK businesses, failing to keep security policies up to date can also increase the risk of non-compliance with standards like UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018, or Cyber Essentials, potentially leading to fines or audit difficulties.
A typical scenario
Consider a UK SME with around 50 employees that recently expanded its workforce and introduced remote working. Their existing network security policy was written before these changes and doesn't cover secure remote access or multi-factor authentication (MFA). After an attempted phishing attack targets remote users, the business realises their policy needs updating. Working with their managed IT provider, they review access controls, implement MFA, update user training, and add procedures for managing remote devices. This reduces their cyber risk and improves compliance readiness.
Checklist: When and how to review your network security policies
- Review policies at least annually, or sooner if you have significant changes such as new technology, staff changes, or regulatory updates.
- Check whether your policies cover current risks like remote working, cloud services, and mobile device security.
- Ask your IT provider: How do you monitor and respond to emerging threats relevant to our sector?
- Verify that access controls are up to date — who can access what systems and data, and are permissions regularly reviewed?
- Confirm that multi-factor authentication (MFA) is enforced where appropriate, especially for remote or privileged access.
- Ensure backup procedures and disaster recovery plans are documented and tested regularly.
- Review user training and awareness programmes to keep staff informed about phishing and other common attack methods.
- Check logging and monitoring capabilities to detect suspicious activity promptly.
- Make sure supplier and vendor security requirements are included, especially if they handle sensitive data.
Next steps
Keeping your network security policies current is a key part of protecting your business and maintaining customer trust. If you are unsure whether your policies are fit for purpose, consider discussing your needs with a trusted managed IT provider or IT advisor. They can help you assess risks, update policies, and implement practical controls aligned with UK security standards and compliance expectations.