Cyber security quotes: a practical guide for UK SMEs

If you run a business of 10–200 staff in the UK, you’ll have seen the emails and read the headlines: cyber attacks are a thing, and they can be expensive. The sensible next step is to get some Cyber security quotes. Trouble is, quotes can range from a couple of hundred pounds to figures that make your finance director sit bolt upright. This guide explains what those quotes mean, what to look for, and how to pick a sensible option without being sold the kitchen sink.

Why get multiple cyber security quotes?

Like any professional service, prices vary because the scope varies. One quote might cover a single health check; another might bundle monitoring, staff training and an incident response plan. Getting multiple quotes helps you: compare what’s actually being offered, spot vendors who underprice (and underdeliver), and understand the recurring costs — not just the up-front fee.

For UK businesses there’s also a regulatory angle. If you process customer data, you’re working under GDPR. That doesn’t mandate a specific solution, but it does mean you should be able to demonstrate you’ve taken reasonable steps. A clear, comparable set of quotes makes that easier at board level.

What influences a cyber security quote?

Costs are driven by three things: complexity, risk and service model.

Complexity — number of sites, types of systems (legacy servers, cloud apps, bespoke software), and how many users you have. A two-site distributor and a single-site consultancy with the same headcount can have very different needs.
Risk profile — are you a high-value target (handling payment data or intellectual property)? Are you regulated (healthcare, finance)? Higher risk usually means more controls and a higher price.
Service model — one-off project (audit and report), retainers (ongoing monitoring and patching), or fully managed security (24/7 detection and response). Managed services cost more monthly but reduce the likelihood of a catastrophic incident.

What should a good quote include?

Ignore fancy product names and focus on deliverables. A clear quote should say:

Exactly what’s included: vulnerability scan, penetration test, device hardening, training, monitoring windows, response times.
What’s excluded: clarifying rework, legacy system fixes, or third-party software licences.
Timescales and milestones: when the assessment happens, and when you’ll get a report.
Pricing model: one-off, monthly, user-based, device-based.
Responsibilities: what the vendor needs from you (access, credentials, downtime windows).

Vendors who can’t clearly state these are hard to compare and harder to hold to account.

How to compare quotes (without losing your mind)

Line up the quotes and create a short checklist: scope, exclusions, reporting format, ongoing costs, and post-engagement support. Put numbers against recurring costs for a three-year view — headaches often come from unexpected monthly fees.

Don’t be dazzled by long lists of acronyms. Ask: will these measures reduce the likelihood of a breach that would stop us trading? Will they make a regulator or insurer nod approvingly? If the answer is no, it might be noise.

When you’re ready to read a proposal in more detail, it helps to have a pragmatic checklist. You might also want an overview of what services typically look like from a provider — for that, a straightforward page on cyber security services can help frame discussions: cyber security services.

Common red flags in quotes

Some things to watch for:

Vague scope: “security work” without specifics. Ask them to pin it down.
Overreliance on tools rather than expertise. Automated scanning is useful, but without human context it can miss business-critical risks.
Low-ball pricing with massive change fees. It may be cheaper initially, but you’ll end up paying for scope-creep.
No incident response offer. If a supplier says “we only do assessments,” ask who you’ll call at 3am if something goes wrong.

Questions to ask suppliers

Some short, useful questions to separate the competent from the theatrical:

What does success look like for this engagement?
How will you measure improvements for our business?
Who within your team will do the work and what are their credentials?
Can you work with our current software and cloud setup, or do you expect a rip-and-replace?
How do you handle sensitive data and access during testing?

Budgeting and procurement tips

For businesses with 10–200 staff, a practical approach is to treat cyber security as a risk-reduction investment. Allocate budget across three areas: prevention (patching, firewalls), detection (monitoring, alerting), and response (plan, retained counsel, incident support). Spend a bit more on the first two and you’ll likely need the third less.

Procurement should be pragmatic. Don’t buy the most expensive option because it sounds impressive. Buy the mix that reduces the specific risks you face: downtime, data loss, regulatory fines, and reputational damage. Your finance director will appreciate a clear narrative linking cost to risk reduction and potential savings.

How to get a reliable, comparable quote

Preparation is half the work. Before asking for quotes, prepare a short briefing: number of staff, locations, key systems, and any regulatory requirements. Be honest about legacy systems and remote working patterns — surprises increase costs later.

Ask suppliers to provide a scoped proposal with milestones and a three-year total cost of ownership. Consider requesting a small pilot or phased approach: start with an assessment, then agree the follow-up work once you have the findings. It’s the business equivalent of taking the temperature before deciding on surgery.

Local practicalities in the UK

Working with a supplier who knows UK law and common local practices helps. They’ll understand GDPR expectations, and they’ll be familiar with the operational rhythms of British businesses — from high-street shops to regional offices in Manchester or Glasgow. That familiarity matters when questions about data residency, supplier contracts or even bank holiday response times come up.

Final thoughts

Cyber security quotes aren’t just numbers — they’re promises about what someone will do to keep your business running. Treat them like that. Get a handful, compare like with like, and prioritise outcomes over impressive-sounding tech. A good quote will reduce the chance of an incident and limit the damage if one occurs; it should also be something your board can understand and approve without a technology degree.

FAQ

How many quotes should I get?

Aim for three. Fewer and you miss market context; more and it becomes an admin task. Three gives a reasonable spread of approaches and price points.

Can I trust online quote calculators?

They’re useful for ballpark figures but often miss business specifics. Use them to set expectations, then follow up with scoped proposals from providers who inspect your environment.

Should I opt for one-off projects or ongoing support?

Both have merits. One-off projects are good for discovery and fixes. Ongoing support is the sensible choice if you want continuous detection and peace of mind — especially with hybrid working and cloud services.

Will a better quote reduce our insurance premiums?

Possibly. Insurers look for reasonable controls and documented processes. A clear, professional security programme can make conversations with insurers smoother and, in some cases, reduce premiums.

How quickly can we expect improvements?

Some controls (patching, multifactor authentication) can be implemented in days. Others, like cultural change and full monitoring, take months. Talk to suppliers about a phased plan that gives early wins while building longer-term resilience.

Choosing the right Cyber security quotes means focusing on outcomes: reduced downtime, lower risk, better credibility with customers and regulators, and the calm that comes from knowing someone sensible is watching your back. If you prepare a clear brief and compare like with like, you’ll save time and money — and sleep easier.