September 08, 2025
When it comes to protecting your business from cyberthreats, the basics still matter. A lot. IBM's 2023 Cost Of A Data Breach Report found that 82% of breaches involved data stored in the cloud, and many of them could have been prevented with basic cyber hygiene.
Think of cyber hygiene like handwashing. Not flashy, but essential. And skipping it opens your business up to major risk.
Here are four essentials every small business needs to get right:
1. Secure Your Network
Use encryption and a firewall to protect your connection. Hide your WiFi network by disabling SSID broadcast, and password-protect your router. Remote employees should use a VPN to safely access your systems.
2. Train Your Team
Employees should know how to spot phishing emails, use strong passwords, and follow policies for handling sensitive data. MFA and good internet use habits can stop a simple mistake from becoming a disaster.
3. Back Up Your Data
Make sure you're regularly backing up your critical data: financials, HR files, customer databases, and more. Use automatic backups and store copies in the cloud or in an offsite location.
4. Limit Access
Not everyone needs access to everything. Only give employees the tools and data they need to do their jobs. Remove access for former employees immediately. Keep admin privileges limited to IT and key personnel.
It's a Hassle—But It's Worth It
Building good cyber hygiene practices into your business might feel like a chore, but it's far easier than recovering from a breach or paying off a ransomware demand.
Ready To See Where You Stand?
If you're not sure how your business measures up, let's take a look together. Our free Cybersecurity Risk Assessment helps you find hidden vulnerabilities, plug the gaps, and build a plan that protects your team and your data.,
