The Leeds-based firm said the new service will help protect sole traders, start-ups and organisations with less than 50 employees against rising threats.

According to the Government’s Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2021, 38 per cent of micro and small businesses reported a cyber security breach or attack in the past 12 months, with 27 per cent attacked at least once a week.

Where a breach has resulted in a loss of data or assets, the average cost of a cyber attack for micro and small businesses is £8,170.

Blok was founded in Leeds by Helen Phelan and Neil Peacock.

Mr Peacock said: “Small businesses and sole traders don’t think cyber attacks will happen to them, but they’re no less vulnerable.

“We have launched Blok as we found that although there is lots of advice, there was no organisation dedicated to providing managed security services specifically for small businesses and the self-employed.

“Drawing on our experience, knowledge and utilising industry leading technologies, Blok is taking on the cyber criminals and making it easier and affordable for our clients to help protect their business and reputation.”

Ms Phelan said: “We saw an opportunity to provide small businesses and sole traders with a high quality cyber security service to ensure that they receive immediate protection and peace of mind.

“There is a real lack of female representation in the cyber security industry. I am excited to launch Blok and join a growing number of women breaking the cyber security glass ceiling. Having a more diverse team means we are better placed to engage with our clients and provide the service they need.”

Blok offers a range of cyber security subscription packages which are managed by its team 24/7, 365 days a year.

These have specifically been designed for small businesses and the self-employed and offer immediate, affordable, comprehensive, endpoint protection, detection and response, cloud security, malware defence, identity protection, network and perimeter security, plus technical support and training.

Mr Peacock has over 20 years experience in the information and cyber security industry and has

specialised in auditing and providing solutions to protect small and medium enterprises. A Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), he has worked across

financial, education, retail, manufacturing, health, and public sectors, identifying vulnerabilities and advising organisations on the best solutions to prevent cyber attacks.

Ms Phelan is one of just eight per cent of cyber security professionals in the UK who are women. Only 10 per cent of cyber security professional in management positions are women.

Ms Phelan is responsible for operations at Blok. Drawing on her experience of successfully launching and establishing businesses, she will manage the finances, implement and execute business development plans, liaise with clients, undertake recruitment and marketing activity.

To set-up a free trial, customers can sign up to one of Blok’s subscription packages starting at £12.50 per month, or for more information, visit blokcybersecurity.co.uk.