When I talk with business owners about cybersecurity, I always start with the basics because they matter more than you think. According to IBM’s 2023 Cost of a Data Breach Report, 82% of breaches involved data stored in the cloud. And here’s the kicker: most of those could’ve been prevented with simple, everyday safeguards.
That’s what cyber hygiene is all about—your business’s version of daily handwashing. It’s not flashy, but it’s absolutely essential. Skip the basics, and you’re basically inviting trouble.
Here are four cyber hygiene essentials I recommend every small business has in place:
1. Keep your network secure.
Encrypt your sensitive data, use a firewall, and don’t leave your WiFi wide open. Hide your network name (SSID), protect it with a strong password, and make sure remote employees connect through a secure VPN. These small steps go a long way in keeping outsiders out.
2. Teach your team how to stay protected.
Your employees are your first line of defense and sometimes your biggest risk. Set clear policies for strong passwords, MFA, safe internet use, and data handling. Train your team to spot phishing emails and avoid shady downloads. And don’t make it a one-time thing, cybersecurity training should be ongoing.
3. Back up your important data.
If you get hit with ransomware or a system crash, backups can be the difference between bouncing back or shutting down. Back up financial records, HR files, client data, and databases regularly. Automate it if you can, and always store backups in more than one place, cloud and offsite. And don’t forget to test them.
4. Limit data access.
Not everyone needs access to everything. Give employees access only to what’s necessary for their role, restrict admin privileges, and make sure access is removed the moment someone leaves the company. Fewer doors open means fewer ways in for attackers.
Security Is Worth the Effort
Yes, putting these safeguards in place takes time and planning, but it’s nothing compared to the cost of a breach, ransomware attack, or extended downtime. A little prevention now saves a lot of headaches later.
Want To Get Ahead Of The Threats?
If you’re not sure how your business stacks up, now’s the time to find out. I’m offering a free Cybersecurity Risk Assessment to uncover hidden vulnerabilities, identify gaps in your defenses, and give you a clear, actionable plan to improve your cyber hygiene fast.