Protecting Your Business: Why Cyber Security Awareness Training Is More Important Than Ever

Email remains the #1 entry point for cyber threats in 2025, and the risks are only increasing. A recent 2025 Email Threats Report from cyber security partners Barracuda highlights some worrying trends that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) cannot afford to ignore:

Key Threat Insights:

• 1 in 4 emails are malicious or unwanted spam.
• 20% of companies face at least one account takeover (ATO) per month.
• 83% of malicious Microsoft 365 documents contain QR codes leading to phishing websites.
• Half of businesses lack DMARC protection, leaving them vulnerable to email spoofing. [Link back to DMARC post]

These threats range from generic phishing emails and spoofing to sophisticated attacks using malicious attachments, QR codes, and account takeovers. For SMEs, who often lack large IT teams or advanced cyber defences, even one successful attack could result in financial loss, reputational damage, or regulatory penalties.

Why Cyber Security Awareness Training Matters

While technical defences are critical, human error remains one of the weakest links in cyber defence. Cyber Security Awareness Training, like that offered by SCG Midlands, plays a vital role in protecting SMEs by:

• Educating employees to recognise phishing and malicious emails.
• Training staff to handle suspicious links and attachments safely.
• Building habits to prevent account takeover and social engineering attacks.
• Encouraging vigilance around QR codes and spoofed email addresses.
• Ensuring employees know how to report potential threats quickly.

The Bottom Line

Cyber criminals are continuously evolving their tactics, and technology alone cannot block every threat. A well-informed and cyber-aware workforce is your first line of defence. By investing in Cyber Security Awareness Training, SMEs not only reduce the risk of successful attacks but also strengthen compliance and build a culture of security.

Protect your people and protect your business – because awareness is as critical as technology in today’s email threat landscape. Join us for our Cyber Security Breakfast Briefing  on 18^th June at West Bromwich Albion Club.

Click here for details and registration.

Cyber Security Breakfast Briefing at The Hawthorns

Join the SCG Midlands team at The Hawthorns, home of West Bromwich Albion Football Club, on June 18th for a Cyber Security Breakfast Briefing.

Enjoy a continental breakfast in the Bassett Suite located on the second floor of The Hawthorns’ East Stand, followed by a Cyber Security Briefing that delivers a practical, engaging overview of the current cyber threat landscape, specifically targeting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Hosted by SCG MD for Managed IT and Cyber, Grant Packham and Director of Professional Services, Ben Ryder, and supported by a live audience discussion, the event begins with a focus on the fundamentals of password security – highlighting how easily weak passwords can be cracked and reinforcing the importance of strong, complex credentials.

The session then discusses some recent high-profile cyber incidents involving major retailers like Harrods, Co-op, and M&S and goes on to explain the current trend of SMEs increasingly being targeted by cyber criminals.

The first session is concluded by an introduction of a layered approach to cyber defence, combining tools and strategies, like those offered by a Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP) and how this can significantly reduce the risk to a business.

We then have a short session introducing and demonstrating our Cyber Security Awareness Training and Phishing Simulation Service and how it can strengthen your first line of defence against cyberattacks – your human firewall.

We close with a guest speaker from pan European corporate insurance experts Verlingue, explaining business cyber insurance policy basics, security requirements and cyber claims.

MD Tim Docker will introduce the team at SCG Midlands.

Our cyber security experts will be on hand to answer any questions and discuss any cyber security concerns you may have after the briefing.

All attendees will be offered a FREE 90-day trial of a digital simulation that trains you to spot the current threats!

Timings

09:00 – Registration and Breakfast
09:30 – Cyber Security Overview
10:15 – Cyber Security Awareness Training Service
10:30 – Cyber Insurance Introduction
10:40 – Q&A
11:00 – Close

Venue

The Basset Suite
West Bromwich Albion Football Club
The Hawthorns
West Bromwich
West Midlands
B71 4LF

Just a five-minute drive from Junction 1 of the M5 and only five miles from Birmingham City Centre, with complimentary car parking.

The Hawthorns is also served by its own train and tram station – a short walk from the venue – that is easily accessible from Birmingham’s mainline train stations.

DMARC Email Security Explained

At SCG Midlands, we know how vital email is to day-to-day business. But with its convenience comes risk – and no threat is growing faster than email spoofing and phishing. These attacks target businesses of all sizes, but small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are particularly vulnerable. That’s why it’s essential to understand and implement DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting and Conformance) to protect your business and brand.

What is DMARC and Why Does It Matter?

DMARC is an email validation system designed to detect and prevent email spoofing. It works alongside SPF (Sender Policy Framework) and DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) to ensure only authorised senders can use your domain.

SPF (Sender Policy Framework)

SPF checks whether the server sending the email is really allowed to use your domain name. If the server is not on the list, the email gets flagged as suspicious or blocked.

DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail)

DKIM adds a digital signature to your outgoing emails. Think of it as sealing your message in a tamper-proof envelope. Receiving servers use this signature to confirm that the email really came from your domain and hasn’t been altered in transit.

Together, SPF and DKIM provide the authentication DMARC uses to check whether incoming messages are legitimate. If an email fails these checks, DMARC can take action—whether that’s monitoring, quarantining, or rejecting the message entirely.

With DMARC in place, businesses can:

• Prevent impersonation attacks that could deceive customers, partners, or staff.
• Stop phishing emails from reaching inboxes by blocking unauthenticated messages.
• Safeguard their reputation, ensuring that customers only receive legitimate emails from your domain.
• Gain insights and control over who is sending emails on your behalf.

Why SMEs Can’t Afford to Ignore DMARC

According to the latest industry data, nearly half of businesses have no DMARC policy in place, and even fewer enforce it. Without it, fraudsters can easily impersonate your domain, leading to:

• Financial fraud and scams
• Data breaches
• Loss of customer trust
• Legal and regulatory issues

As a regional partner for SMEs, SCG Midlands often sees businesses mistakenly believe that these kinds of attacks are reserved for larger enterprises. Unfortunately, cyber criminals increasingly target smaller businesses, viewing them as softer targets with weaker defences.

How SCG Midlands Can Help

Implementing DMARC can be complex, but you don’t have to do it alone. At SCG Midlands, we offer:

• Expert advice and tailored solutions to help you configure SPF, DKIM, and DMARC properly.
• Ongoing monitoring and reporting so you can see who’s sending email using your domain and stop any unauthorised use.
• Cyber Security Awareness Training to ensure your team is informed about email-based threats and best practices.

Take Control of Your Email Security Today

DMARC is not a “nice to have” anymore – it’s a critical part of any modern cyber security strategy. At SCG Midlands, we make it easy for SMEs to adopt robust security measures that protect both their data and reputation.

Talk to us today to find out how we can help you implement DMARC and strengthen your email security.

Contact Us to learn more and start your journey to safer email.