What is Small Business Protect?

Small Business Protect is a comprehensive package of security software, e‑learning, and expert support designed to safeguard small companies that operate without a central IT department or corporate infrastructure. Small businesses often handle sensitive personal and commercial information relating to clients, suppliers, and partners, making robust cyber protection not just important but essential.

With multiple laptops, desktops, and mobile phones in daily use – and no dedicated IT security team – the risk of cyber incidents increases significantly. Small Business Protect provides everything needed to secure your business, your data, and your team.

The package includes nine integrated services: advanced protection software for multiple devices, five targeted e‑learning modules, a place on an NCSC‑aligned leadership course, and a one‑hour cyber health‑check with a qualified cyber‑security expert.

Why choose Small Business Protect?

  • Small businesses routinely access and manage personal information from customers, suppliers, and partners; any accidental exposure of this information can result in legal, financial, or reputational consequences. Company directors also hold legal responsibility for cyber security and must ensure appropriate precautions are taken.
  • The software included in Small Business Protect significantly reduces the likelihood of a successful virus infection and can even prevent never‑before‑seen cyber‑attacks.
  • The package includes e‑learning aligned with National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) guidance, helping to reduce the risk of human‑error incidents – the leading cause of cyber breaches in small organisations.
  • Small Business Protect is ideal for organisations requiring between 5–20 device licences, offering protection that grows with your business.

Benefits of Small Business Protect include:

  • Designed for small businesses: Tailored for companies without an internal IT security team or central infrastructure.
  • Zero‑trust, zero‑day protection: Blocks malicious activity before it can execute, without relying on outdated signature‑based detection.
  • Comprehensive device protection: Safeguards all your business laptops, desktops, and mobile phones with advanced, modern security controls.
  • NCSC‑accredited training: Five structured e‑learning modules equip your staff with essential knowledge to avoid human‑error cyber incidents.
  • Support from cyber experts: Step‑by‑step help with installing AppGuard and F‑Secure, supported by videos and direct access to experts.
  • One‑hour vCISO consultation: Direct access to a certified cyber‑security professional to answer questions and provide practical, tailored advice.

Small Business Protect Features

AppGuard SOLO for 5–20 desktops and laptops

  • A next‑generation endpoint protection platform originally developed for the US defence sector. AppGuard uses patented zero‑trust technology to stop malicious actions at the kernel level before they can cause any damage.

F‑Secure for mobile phones

  • Recommended by our cyber experts for mobile protection. Although there is no commercial relationship with F‑Secure, we provide full guidance and support for downloading, installing, and managing the software.

One place on a Cyber Resilience Board Course

  • A virtual half‑day course aligned with National Cyber Security Centre guidance. Essential for directors, senior staff, or business owners who must ensure that their organisation is protecting itself, its partners, and the individuals and businesses it supports.

Cyber Secure at Home – E‑learning (5+ places)

  • Builds baseline cyber awareness across your team, helping staff protect both personal and business devices and environments.

Mobile Device Security – E‑learning (5+ places)

  • Helps employees understand mobile‑based cyber threats and how to safeguard business‑related information on portable devices.

Phishing & Social Engineering – E‑learning (5+ places)

  • Raises awareness of phishing attempts, social‑engineering techniques, and how your staff can avoid falling victim to these threats.

Password & Access Management – E‑learning (5+ places)

  • Provides practical guidance on secure password hygiene and access control to protect critical business information.

Ransomware & Malware – E‑learning (5+ places)

  • Explains ransomware and malware threats and provides steps staff can take to prevent or mitigate attacks.

One‑hour vCISO Cyber Health‑Check

  • A one‑hour consultation with our virtual Chief Information Security Officer (vCISO), a certified CISSP professional, to discuss your cyber posture, answer questions, and provide actionable recommendations.

Optional Paid Add‑Ons

Additional vCISO time

  • Book extra 1‑hour sessions through the platform when additional support is needed.

Additional e‑learning modules

  • Including interactive training such as virtual cyber escape‑room exercises, ideal for team‑based learning.

GDPR & Data Protection Awareness Board Course

  • (Virtual, half‑day) – Perfect for those who need to understand data protection legislation and how to comply with legal responsibilities.

Additional places on the Cyber Resilience Board Course

  • (Virtual, half‑day) – Ideal for directors, owners, or senior leaders who must understand organisational cyber responsibilities.

Find out more

What our clients and experts say about CCoE:

Blaby District Council:

“As cyber threats grow in scale and sophistication, we as public sector leaders carry a profound responsibility - not only to protect systems, but to safeguard public trust. For local government, cybersecurity is not just about protecting data - it’s about protecting communities.”

Lisa Boland, ICT & Transformation Group Manager, Blaby District Council

Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council:

“Whatever your cyber expertise as an organisation, having a mirror held up from an external provider to show you where you are and where there could be gaps is not a bad thing.”

Ellis Cooper, Chief Executive, Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council

About CCoE

The Cyber Centre of Excellence (CCoE) was established in direct response to the escalating threat of cyber-attacks facing UK public services. Founded by IESE CIC and shaped by collaboration with local authorities and sector experts, CCoE’s mission is to make the UK the safest place to live, work, and play in the digital world. CCoE brings together leading expertise from across the public and private sectors to deliver military-grade cyber protection, training, and strategic support tailored for councils, schools, care providers, and small businesses.

By identifying, testing, and packaging advanced cyber security tools and services - including solutions like Small Business Protect - CCoE helps public sector organisations build resilience against both current and emerging threats. As a not-for-profit, sector-led initiative, CCOE operates with agility and a clear public benefit focus, ensuring that the latest cyber defence capabilities are accessible and affordable for all UK communities. Through innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to continuous improvement, CCOE is building a digitally secure future for the UK.

For more information about CCoE, visit: www.ccoe.org.uk
For more information about IESE visit: www.iese.org.uk