A Hull-based IT solutions provider is offering businesses free systems and software health checks to beef up their cybersecurity and defend themselves against the threat of cyberattacks.
Layer8 is providing businesses with a rare opportunity to gain in-depth insight into the weaknesses and vulnerabilities in their digital systems from experienced IT professionals at absolutely no cost.
The IT health checks will give businesses a detailed overview of any areas which may be susceptible to cyberattacks. Experts from Layer8 will use industry benchmarked practices to pinpoint vulnerabilities, identify out-of-date software, ensure users are logging on safely, and much more.
Participating companies will receive a detailed report highlighting any problems or vulnerabilities identified, as well as any issues which are likely to arise in future, information on misconfigurations, and recommendations for how the business can improve its security measures.
The process will only involve around an hour of the participating business’s time but could provide years of lasting benefits and peace of mind from improved security.
Data from the National Cyber Security Centre revealed that “highly significant” cyberattacks rose by 50% in 2025, with the UK’s security services now dealing with a nationally significant attack more than every other day.
With businesses now more reliant on technology than ever before, the need to prioritise cybersecurity has never been more relevant.
Layer8 will launch its new free IT health checks service at the region’s biggest business event, The Hull Business Expo, at Hull’s Princes Quay shopping centre on March 25.
The Hull Business Expo will bring together more than 100 exhibitors and is expected to draw more than 5,000 visitors.
Layer8 team members will be on hand at the event to speak to business owners and executives about the free IT health checks service and any other IT and cybersecurity questions they may have.
Cybersecurity Lead Alex Sheppard has over 12 years of industry experience and is heading up the service, working with the participating businesses to explain the findings of the health checks and provide guidance on next steps they might want to consider to boost their protection.
He said: “Cybersecurity incidents are potentially one of those most costly and damaging issues a business will face but, all too often, they don’t appreciate the importance of having robust cybersecurity measures until it’s too late.
“We’re offering a very rare opportunity for businesses to get in-depth insight into the weak links in their digital systems, free of charge and with no ongoing commitment.
“Many businesses will have no idea about the risks they’re exposed to, so our health checks aim to open their eyes to the areas where they are most at risk and advise on solutions to keep them secure.”
Layer8 already offers the IT health checks when onboarding new clients and, following positive feedback, has now extended the service to all businesses to support fellow, local small and medium-sized companies.
With over 30 years of industry experience as the IT backbone of Hull-based multi-disciplinary engineering specialist Spencer Group, Layer8 has now been established as a separate limited company offering its services to SMEs across the region.
Managing Director Paul Biggin explained: “Spencer Group and Layer8 began from humble beginnings, with one man working from his living room. There are now more than 400 people employed under the Spencer umbrella, all requiring sophisticated, reliable and secure IT provision.
“We know the challenges small businesses face as they grow, including the constant worry of digital security, and we now want to be able to give back to other companies in our region by sharing the knowledge and experience we’ve gained over the past three decades.”
All businesses in the Hull and East Riding region are eligible for the free IT health checks, which will be carried out subject to availability, with the offer being particularly relevant for companies with core server infrastructure.
Layer8 offers two security packages to its clients, Layer8 Secure and Layer8 Secure+, with recipients of the free health checks able to take advantage of these, but with no obligation to do so.