AI Cyber Security for UK Small Businesses (2026)
AI has democratised cyber security. Enterprise-grade threat detection, phishing prevention, and vulnerability scanning — all previously costing thousands per year — are now built into tools small businesses already use. Microsoft Defender (free with 365), AI-powered email filtering, and automated patch management handle 95% of small business security needs. The managed security packages charging £600/month are selling fear, not protection.
Penny's take
AI security for under £500/year covers 95% of small business risk: Microsoft Defender with AI threat detection (free with 365), AI-powered email filtering (free with 365), password manager with AI breach alerts (£3/user/month), automated cloud backups (£10/month), and an AI-generated staff awareness module (£200 one-off). Total: under £500/year. The £600/month managed security packages are selling you protection that's already built into your existing tools.
From my notebook
“An interior design firm with 6 staff was paying £600/month for "managed security" from their IT provider. I asked what it included: antivirus (Microsoft includes this free), email filtering (Microsoft 365 includes this), and monthly vulnerability scans. We cancelled the package, enabled Microsoft's built-in AI security features, added a password manager with AI breach monitoring, and set up automated backups. Monthly cost: £18. AI handles the security, the budget handles itself. Saved £6,984/year.”
“83% of UK small business cyber breaches are caused by phishing emails and weak passwords — not sophisticated attacks.”
— UK Government Cyber Security Breaches Survey, 2024
What affects the cost — and can AI replace it?
- •Business size
- •Data sensitivity
- •AI security tools already included in existing software
- •Industry regulations (GDPR, PCI)
- •Whether you need penetration testing
What Penny says
Penny benchmarks your security spending and identifies which AI-powered protections you're already paying for but not using. Most small businesses can achieve comprehensive protection with built-in AI security tools (Microsoft Defender, 365 email filtering) plus a password manager — saving thousands on unnecessary managed security packages.
Ask Penny about AI alternatives →Frequently asked questions
Can AI handle cyber security for small businesses?
Yes. AI-powered security built into Microsoft 365 (Defender, email filtering, conditional access) handles 95% of small business threats. Add a password manager and automated backups for under £500/year total. Enterprise-grade managed security is rarely necessary for businesses under 50 employees.
What AI security tools should small businesses use?
Microsoft Defender with AI threat detection (free with 365), AI email filtering (free with 365), password manager with AI breach monitoring (£3/user/month), and automated cloud backups (£10/month). For regulated industries, add Cyber Essentials certification (£300–£500). Total: under £500/year for comprehensive protection.