Cyber security is no longer a background concern for franchise businesses. It is a core operational risk that directly impacts revenue, reputation and long term growth. Cybercrime costs the UK up to £4.6 billion every year, and with 81 percent of cyberattacks and data breaches targeting small and medium sized businesses, no organisation is safe. However, with modern and comprehensive cybersecurity services in place, 97 percent of cyberattacks and data breaches can be prevented.

For franchise networks, the risk is amplified. Multiple locations, varied systems and distributed users create a larger attack surface for cybercriminals to exploit. The key to reducing this risk lies in adopting a layered and practical approach to security, something we will explore during this Top Topic Tuesday session with the British Franchise Association.

A critical starting point is the human layer. Your people are often the first line of defence but can also be the easiest route in for attackers. Phishing emails and social engineering tactics are becoming more convincing, often designed to bypass traditional technical controls by targeting individuals directly. Building awareness through ongoing training and simulated phishing exercises helps employees identify threats early and respond appropriately, creating a stronger and more resilient security culture.

Alongside user awareness, protecting communication channels is essential. Email remains the entry point for the vast majority of attacks, from phishing attempts to ransomware campaigns. Advanced email filtering solutions that use behavioural analysis and intelligent detection can block malicious messages before they reach inboxes, significantly reducing exposure. For franchises that rely on collaboration tools and shared platforms, ensuring these environments are also protected is crucial to maintaining productivity without increasing vulnerability.

Data protection is another priority area. Franchise businesses handle large volumes of sensitive information, including customer data, financial records and operational systems. Without the right safeguards in place, this data can be stolen, corrupted or lost. Strong password management, multi factor authentication and reliable cloud backup solutions help ensure that even if an incident occurs, the business can continue operating with minimal disruption.

Visibility is equally important. Many organisations are unaware of what information about them may already be exposed online. Monitoring for compromised credentials and checking business domains for vulnerabilities provides an early warning system, allowing issues to be addressed before they are exploited.

To support BFA members in strengthening their security posture, we are offering a range of exclusive free trials:

• 90 days free Security Awareness Training and Phishing Simulation service to build staff awareness
• A free email filtering trial to detect phishing and malware before it reaches users
• A free Cyber Vision audit to check business domains for compromised passwords

Improving your cyber security does not require a complete overhaul overnight. By taking practical steps across people, systems and data, franchise businesses can significantly reduce their risk and build resilience against evolving threats.

Join us for this session to gain clear, actionable guidance tailored specifically for franchise organisations, and take the next step towards protecting your business, your data and your reputation.