Cybercriminals don’t always go after the toughest targets—they go after the easiest ones. Businesses without even the most basic protections are at the greatest risk.
This Cybersecurity Awareness Month, it’s the perfect time to revisit your defenses and make sure you’re not leaving the door open. Here are the essentials to get started—and the next steps to take your security even further.
Start with the Four Basics
- Teach Employees to Avoid Phishing Scams
Phishing remains the #1 way attackers gain access. Train your staff to recognize suspicious emails, attachments, and links—and make sure they know how to report them.
- Require Strong Passwords
Weak or reused passwords are an open invitation for attackers. Enforce password policies that require length, complexity, and unique logins.
- Require Multifactor Authentication (MFA)
MFA makes accounts significantly harder to compromise, even if a password is stolen. Where possible, use phishing-resistant MFA for the strongest protection.
- Update Business Software
Outdated software contains flaws that cybercriminals actively exploit. Regular patching and updates close these security gaps before attackers can take advantage.
Level Up Your Defenses
Once you’ve nailed the basics, it’s time to take the next step:
- Use Logging on Your Systems
Logging activity gives you visibility into suspicious behavior and early signs of an attempted breach.
- Back Up Data
A solid backup plan ensures business continuity. With reliable backups, you can recover quickly if an incident occurs.
- Encrypt Data
Encryption keeps sensitive files safe even if criminals gain access to your systems. Without the keys, your data stays locked and unreadable.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
Every step you take makes your business a harder target. The basics will raise your defenses, and the next-level practices will strengthen them even further.
