When it comes to keeping your business safe from today’s cyberthreats and evolving technology, the basics still matter more than most people realize. According to IBM’s 2023 Cost Of A Data Breach Report, 82% of breaches involved data stored in the cloud and many could have been avoided with simple safeguards.
That’s what “cyber hygiene” is all about. Think of it as your company’s version of handwashing. It may not be flashy, but it’s vital. For small and mid-sized businesses across Houston, skipping these fundamentals can leave you wide open to costly cyberattacks.
- Lock Down Your Network
Keep your Internet connection secure by encrypting your business’s sensitive data and using a firewall. Keep your WiFi network protected and hidden with a Service Set Identifier (SSID); this allows you to set your wireless access point or router so it doesn’t broadcast your network name. Your router should also be password protected. Finally, any remote employees should use a virtual private network, or VPN, to connect to your network securely from their location.
- Train Your Team to Spot Threats
Employees are often the first (and weakest) line of defense. Setting clear policies around strong passwords, multifactor authentication (MFA), and safe internet use can cut down on costly mistakes. Training sessions should also cover how to recognize phishing emails, avoid suspicious downloads, and properly handle sensitive information (i.e. using email encryption when sending sensitive information like bank accounts, birth dates, social security numbers). In today’s fast-paced business environment, a little awareness training goes a long way toward preventing breaches.
- Back Up Business-Critical Data
If ransomware, system crashes, or a breach ever strike, backups are your safety net. Be sure all essential files, such as HR documents, financial records, and customer databases, are backed up regularly. Automated backups are best, with multiple copies stored both in the cloud and in a secure offsite location. For Houston businesses, this can mean the difference between a quick recovery or days of downtime.
- Control Who Has Access
Not every employee needs access to every database or document folder. Limiting data access helps contain the damage if an account is compromised. Assign permissions based on job roles, reserve administrative privileges for trusted IT personnel, and make sure ex-employees are immediately removed from company systems. These simple measures can drastically reduce the risk of a major security incident.
Strong Cyber Hygiene Protects Houston Businesses
While putting these safeguards in place may feel like a hassle, the alternative is far worse: stolen data, lost productivity, and expensive recovery costs. Proactive cybersecurity is not just a best practice, it’s a necessity.
Ready to Get Ahead of Cyber Threats?
If you’re unsure how your company measures up, now is the time to act. Our free Cybersecurity Risk Assessment is designed for Houston-area businesses. We’ll identify vulnerabilities, uncover gaps in your defenses, and give you a clear, actionable plan to strengthen your cyber hygiene fast.
Schedule it now: FREE Cybersecurity Risk Assessment
