Cyber Hygiene Isn’t Optional Anymore: How to Reduce Your Business’s Cyber Risk.

When it comes to protecting your business from cyberattacks, the fundamentals 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 could have been avoided with basic safeguards.

That’s the essence of cyber hygiene. Think of it like washing your hands: it’s not glamorous, but it’s essential. Skip the basics, and you’re inviting problems.

Here are four critical cyber hygiene practices every small business should have in place:

1. Lock Down Your Network

Your business network is the backbone of your operations. Keep it secure by:

• Encrypting sensitive data

• Using a properly configured firewall

• Hiding your Wi-Fi network with a Service Set Identifier (SSID)

• Protecting your router with a strong password

• Requiring remote employees to use a VPN for secure access

  
  

2. Train Your Team to Be Security-Savvy

Employees are often the weakest link in cybersecurity. Reduce risk by setting clear policies around:

• Strong passwords and password management

• Multifactor authentication (MFA)

• Safe internet use

• Proper handling of sensitive data

Don’t stop at policies—invest in regular training. Teach your team how to recognize phishing emails, suspicious attachments, and fake websites before they click.

3. Back Up Data Consistently

When ransomware or hardware failures strike, backups can be the difference between a minor inconvenience and a full-blown disaster. Protect your business by:

• Backing up files regularly (ideally with automated backups)

• Prioritizing critical assets like financial records, HR files, and databases

• Storing copies securely offsite or in the cloud

4. Limit Access to Critical Information

Not everyone needs access to everything. By restricting data access, you reduce the damage a breach can cause. Best practices include:

• Granting employees access only to the systems necessary for their role

• Limiting administrative privileges to trusted IT and leadership staff

• Removing access for employees immediately during offboarding

Why It’s Worth the Effort

Yes, cyber hygiene takes effort. But the cost of ignoring it is far greater. Data breaches, ransomware, and downtime can cripple operations—and for many small businesses, recovery is financially devastating.

Ready to Strengthen Your Cyber Hygiene?

If you’re unsure how secure your business really is, now is the time to act. Our free Cybersecurity Risk Assessment will uncover vulnerabilities, highlight gaps in your defenses, and provide you with a clear, actionable plan to reduce risk fast.

👉 Click HERE to Schedule your free assessment today