Blog / For businesses

Free cyber security help for Hertfordshire businesses

If you run a small business, charity or school in Hertfordshire, you don't have to pay anyone to get started with cyber security. Some of the most useful help available is free, impartial and backed by the police or government. Here's where to look.

If something is happening right now

If you're in the middle of a live cyber attack, call Hertfordshire Constabulary on 101. For anything that has already happened, such as a scam, fraud or hacked account, report it to Report Fraud online or on 0300 123 2040. Report Fraud replaced Action Fraud in December 2025, so update any old instructions your staff might have.

If you think money has been sent to a fraudster, call your bank straight away. Dialling 159 connects you to most UK banks' fraud teams.

The Eastern Cyber Resilience Centre

The Eastern Cyber Resilience Centre (ECRC) is a police-led, not-for-profit organisation covering Hertfordshire and the wider East of England. It's part of a national network set up to help small and medium organisations protect themselves. Free membership gets you guidance, alerts and access to their wider services. It's the best first step for most local businesses.

Police Cyber Alarm

Police Cyber Alarm is a free tool that monitors your internet connection for suspicious activity and sends you regular reports. It's funded by the Home Office and available through your local police force or cyber resilience centre.

National Cyber Security Centre guidance

The NCSC Small Business Guide covers the essentials in plain English: backups, malware protection, keeping devices safe, passwords and phishing. If you only read one thing this year, make it this.

Two more worth knowing: you can forward suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk, and suspicious texts to 7726.

Cyber Essentials

Cyber Essentials is the government-backed certification that shows you've put five basic technical controls in place. It's increasingly asked for in contracts and supplier questionnaires. The requirements themselves are free to read, and working through them is worthwhile even if you don't certify.

Come and ask

If you're not sure where to start, come to a Herts Cyber meetup. The first half of every evening is for business owners, and no question is too basic.