How to Choose a Cyber Security Provider in Sussex

Posted16 June 2025

Updated16 June 2025

Choosing the right cyber security provider is one of the most important decisions a business can make. With cyber threats on the rise and small to medium-sized businesses often targeted, working with a reliable provider can make all the difference in protecting your data, systems, and reputation.

If your business is based in East or West Sussex, this guide will help you understand what to look for in a local cyber security partner and how to make an informed decision.

1. Prioritise Local Expertise and Onsite Availability

Working with a local cyber security provider means you get faster support, personalised service, and a team that understands the local business environment.

Benefits of choosing a Sussex-based provider:

Faster onsite response when needed
Familiarity with local industries and compliance needs
Stronger client relationships and better accountability
Ability to support nearby towns like Brighton, Eastbourne, Lewes, Chichester, Crawley, and Worthing

Local providers often offer the flexibility and responsiveness that national companies can’t match.

2. Check for Cyber Essentials Certification Support

Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus are key government-backed accreditations that demonstrate a strong baseline of cyber security. Your provider should either hold these certifications or be able to help your business achieve them.

What to look for:

Experience supporting clients through the certification process
Understanding of the technical and administrative requirements
Guidance on documentation, patch management, and access control
Ongoing support to remain compliant year after year

Working with a provider who understands UK frameworks is essential for legal and insurance purposes.

3. Ask What Services Are Included

Cyber security should be proactive and layered — not a one-off install or add-on.

Your provider should offer:

24/7 threat monitoring and alerting
Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)
Phishing and email filtering
Firewall and network security management
Regular vulnerability scans and patching
Staff awareness training
Data backup and recovery planning

You want a partner who delivers a complete security posture — not just antivirus.

4. Ensure They Understand Your Industry

Different industries face different risks. For example:

Legal firms in Lewes and Brighton must protect sensitive client data
Retailers in Eastbourne need to secure POS systems and payment data
Healthcare providers in Worthing must comply with GDPR and NHS standards

Choose a provider who has experience working with businesses like yours and understands the relevant risks and compliance challenges.

5. Assess Their Response Times and Support

In the event of a cyber incident, response time is critical. You need to know that your provider will act fast and keep you informed.

Ask:

Do you offer guaranteed response times?
Can you provide examples of incident response scenarios?
Do you offer remote and onsite support across Sussex?
Will I have a dedicated point of contact?

A good provider will be transparent about how they handle threats and how quickly they respond.

6. Look for Transparency and Plain-English Communication

Cyber security can be complex, but your provider should make it easy to understand. Avoid companies that use too much jargon or try to sell unnecessary services.

Look for:

Clear, itemised proposals and pricing
Regular reports and updates
Willingness to explain risks, tools, and policies
Proactive recommendations without fear tactics

At Cyber United, we believe that clarity builds trust — and trust builds strong security partnerships.

7. Check for Client Reviews and Case Studies

Social proof matters. Look for client testimonials from other Sussex-based businesses and ask to see examples of past work.

Where to check:

Google Reviews mentioning towns like Horsham, Bognor Regis, or Hailsham
Case studies showing successful threat detection or recovery
Feedback on the provider’s professionalism, communication, and results

This can give you confidence that they deliver real value — not just a checklist of services.

8. Ask About Ongoing Improvement and Strategy

Cyber security is never static. The best providers offer continuous improvement and long-term planning — not just reactive support.

Ask:

Do you review our security regularly?
Will we get monthly or quarterly reports?
Do you provide strategic advice or roadmap planning?

Security should evolve with your business, and your provider should help you stay ahead of the latest threats.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right cyber security provider in Sussex means finding a partner who can protect your business, support your growth, and act fast when something goes wrong. Focus on local knowledge, comprehensive services, plain communication, and a proactive approach.

Whether you’re based in Brighton, Chichester, Uckfield, Worthing, or Seaford, working with a local cyber security provider like Cyber United ensures your business stays secure and compliant — without the stress.

Need Cyber Security Support in Sussex?

At Cyber United, we provide expert, proactive cyber security services to businesses across East and West Sussex. From advanced threat protection to Cyber Essentials certification and incident response, we help you stay secure, supported, and one step ahead.