Digitalisation, Technology

How to Protect Your Cleaning Business from Cyberattacks

d. , Lærke Cecilie Ditlevsen
A hacker using a laptop, surrounded by floating credit cards, warning icons, and security symbols, representing cybersecurity threats.

Digitalisation has transformed the cleaning industry, making operations more efficient through smart devices, digital job management, and interconnected tools. With these advancements come new risks—how vulnerable is your business to cyber threats? 

According to Markel Direct, half of UK businesses experienced a cyberattack or security breach in 2023, with small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) being particularly vulnerable. Shockingly, 49% of SMEs admit they wouldn’t know how to respond to an attack.

As a cleaning business, you may think you’re too small to be a target, but cybercriminals often look for the easiest way in—and cleaning companies, which handle sensitive client data and access credentials, are attractive entry points to larger organisations.

Why Your Cleaning Company Is at Risk for Cyberattacks

Cyberattacks can do more than just shut down your systems—it can cost you clients, delay payments, and disrupt daily operations. Around 75% of SMEs in the UK worry about cybersecurity. For your cleaning business, this is something you can’t afford to overlook, as you handle highly sensitive information, including:

  • Client details (names, addresses, and billing details).
  • Access codes and security credentials.
  • Contract details and internal records.
  • Employee payroll and personal data.

A breach can lead to financial losses, contract cancellations, compliance violations, and damage to your company’s reputation. This is especially dangerous if you serve banks, hospitals, or government agencies, which have strict security requirements.

The Biggest Cyber Threats for Cleaning Companies

1. Phishing & Social Engineering

Hackers send fake emails pretending to be clients, suppliers, or banks to trick employees into revealing passwords or financial information. Just one click on a malicious link can give hackers access to your entire system.

How to Protect Your Business:
✔ Train employees to recognise phishing emails.
– Check the sender – a genuine email usually comes from an address that matches the company name (e.g. @company.co.uk).
– Watch out for subtle differences – hackers often use addresses that look similar but aren’t quite right (e.g. @company-secure.com instead of @company.co.uk).
– Look for random characters and numbers – scam emails may come from addresses with strange combinations, such as support1234@gmail.com.

✔ Verify emails before clicking links or opening attachments.
– Check who the email is from – is it an address you recognise?
– Hover over links without clicking – does the URL look legitimate?
– Not sure? Contact the sender directly to be certain.

2. Data Breaches

Cleaning businesses store confidential client security information, employee payroll records, and contract details. If this data is stolen, it can lead to financial fraud, legal trouble, and lost trust.

How to Protect Your Business:
 ✔ Encrypt sensitive data and restrict access to authorised personnel.
✔ Regularly update passwords and never store them unsecured.
✔ Use cloud-based, secure platforms like CleanManager for compliant and responsible data.

3. IoT Security Risks

Smart cleaning equipment and scheduling software connect to the internet, making them potential entry points for hackers. Outdated software and weak passwords make these devices vulnerable for cyberattacks.

How to Protect Your Business:
 ✔ Keep all devices updated with the latest security patches.
✔ Use secure Wi-Fi networks and segment access for connected devices.
✔ Restrict permissions to only essential users.

4. Stay alert – your business could be a gateway for cyberattacks

Your larger clients have strict IT security requirements. If hackers gain access to your systems, they could use your company as a backdoor to attack your clients. That can damage your business and cost you important contracts.

How to Protect Your Business:
 ✔ Never store passwords in a text document or on paper. Use a password manager or keep them in a secure place.
✔ Make sure your subcontractors prioritise IT security. Ask them how they protect your shared data.
✔ Review your contracts with clients. Many large companies require their partners to comply with strict IT security standards – make sure you meet those requirements.

In short: Stay on top of security so your business doesn’t become the weak link in the chain. It protects both you and your customers.

A person with a laptop standing next to a large screen displaying a padlock surrounded by stars, symbolising cybersecurity against cyberattacks, data protection, and online privacy.

Best Practices against Cyberattacks: How Cleaning Companies Can Stay Secure

While 19% of SMEs believe cybersecurity is complex or expensive, the reality is that even small improvements can save your business from major disruptions.

1. Strengthen Your Technical Defences

  • Regularly install software updates and patches.
  • Use strong passwords and change them frequently.
  • Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) on users and accounts. Common factors for authentication are passwords or pin combined with a mobile number, fingerprint or facial recognition.
  • Perform regular backups and store them securely.
  • Install firewalls and secure network protections.

2. Train Your Team

  • Conduct phishing awareness training and test employees.
  • Set clear guidelines on handling sensitive data.
  • Strengthen cybersecurity awareness through training.

3. Create a Cyberattack Response Plan

If your business was attacked today, would you know what to do? A response plan ensures quick action and reduces damage.

  • Who is responsible for handling a security breach?
  • What steps should be taken immediately?
  • Which data needs to be restored first?

With CleanManager cleaning companies can integrate security measures into their daily operations—from secure data management to clearly regulated access rights.

Cybersecurity: A Competitive Advantage

Your clients expect high-level security from you as a service provider.
When you invest in cybersecurity, you’re not just protecting your reputation – you’re securing valuable contracts and staying one step ahead of the competition.

A secure business is a strong business.
Cybersecurity isn’t just about preventing hacker attacks – it’s about building trust with your clients, improving operational efficiency, and avoiding costly data breaches.

At CleanManager, we take security seriously. Our platform ensures your client and employee data is protected, helping you avoid issues caused by incorrect or lost information. Our system has been reviewed by an independent auditor and is backed by an ISAE 3000 statement, which confirms that we comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

With CleanManager, you get:
✔️Secure storage of your company and client data
✔️ Less paperwork thanks to a user-friendly, secure system
✔️ Peace of mind knowing you’re complying with current legislation – so you can focus on running your business

Hackers go after easy targets – make sure your company isn’t one of them.
Start securing your cleaning business today!

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