When it comes to protecting your business from cyberthreats, the basics matter more than ever. According to IBM’s 2023 Cost Of A Data Breach Report, 82% of breaches involved data stored in the cloud, and most of them could’ve been prevented with simple, foundational safeguards.
So how does cyber hygiene come into play? Cyber hygiene is the IT equivalent of washing your hands. Not the most exciting task, but the one that keeps viruses and other digital threats at bay. It’s about consistently practicing the simple, foundational steps that protect your business day after day. Skipping the basics isn’t cutting corners, it’s inviting trouble.
Here are four cyber hygiene practices that every small business should have on lock:
1. Secure your network.
A strong, secure network is your first line of defense against intruders. Here’s what that looks like in practice:
- Maintain a secure Internet connection by encrypting your business’s sensitive data and using a firewall.
- Use a Service Set Identifier (SSID) to keep your Wi-Fi network hidden and keep your router password protected.
- Require any remote employees to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to connect securely from their location.
2. Train your team.
Human error is one of the largest causes of data breaches. Establishing security policies for your employees and training them on the basics is a great way to reduce your risk.
- Require strong passwords and multi-factor authentication (MFA).
- Set clear guidelines and policies for Internet use.
- Train employees to recognize phishing emails and avoid suspicious downloads.
3. Back up your data.
Backups are your insurance policy. In the event of a breach, crash, or ransomware attack, you’ll need backups of your important data so your business can continue operating. Here is our recommendation:
- Regularly back up critical documents, HR and financial files, and databases.
- Automate backups where possible to avoid possible human error.
- Store copies of your data in the cloud or offsite in a secure server.
4. Limit data access.
Limiting access to critical data drastically minimizes your risk. Even in the event of a breach, limiting access means your most sensitive data will likely still be protected.
- Only give employees access to the specific data systems required for their jobs and never give access to all data systems.
- Restrict administrative privileges to only trusted IT staff members and key personnel.
- Ensure that any former employees are removed from company systems as part of the offboarding process.
Security is Worth the Hassle
While taking all these measures and investing in security up front can seem like a pain, it’s far less costly in time, money, and effort. Without the proper cyber hygiene, you run the risk of having critical data stolen during a breach or your entire business grinding to a halt due to a ransomware attack you can’t afford.
Want to Get Ahead of the Threats?
If you’re not sure how your business stacks up, now’s the time to find out. Schedule a free consultation, and we’ll help uncover hidden vulnerabilities, identify gaps in your defenses and give you a clear, actionable plan to strengthen your cyber hygiene—fast. Schedule it now using the form on this page or give us a call at (870) 933-2583.