Cyberattacks target businesses of all sizes. Small and medium enterprises often assume they’re too small to attract hackers, but 43% of cyberattacks target small businesses. Most lack dedicated security staff, making them easier targets. These ten practices establish a solid security foundation.
1. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication Everywhere
Passwords alone fail. Enable MFA on all business accounts—email, cloud services, banking, and administrative tools. Even if attackers steal passwords through phishing, MFA blocks access. Use authenticator apps rather than SMS codes when possible, as SIM-swapping attacks can intercept text messages.
2. Keep Software Updated
Unpatched software is the primary entry point for attackers. Enable automatic updates for operating systems, applications, and firmware. Create a patching schedule for systems that require testing before updates. Critical security patches should be applied within 48 hours of release.
3. Train Employees Continuously
Human error causes most breaches. Regular training teaches staff to recognise phishing emails, suspicious links, and social engineering attempts. Run simulated phishing campaigns to measure awareness and identify employees needing additional training. Make security everyone’s responsibility.
4. Implement Zero Trust Principles
Never assume trust based on network location. Verify every user, device, and connection before granting access. Segment networks so that compromising one system doesn’t expose everything. Limit access to the minimum required for each role.
5. Back Up Data Properly
Follow the 3-2-1 rule: three copies of data, on two different media types, with one stored offsite. Test backups regularly by performing actual restores. Ransomware attackers know victims will pay if backups fail. Air-gapped or immutable backups prevent ransomware from encrypting your recovery option.
6. Encrypt Sensitive Data
Encrypt data at rest and in transit. Full-disk encryption protects laptops if stolen. TLS encrypts network communications. For highly sensitive data, implement end-to-end encryption so even administrators can’t access plaintext content.
7. Monitor and Log Activity
You can’t detect what you don’t see. Centralise logs from servers, firewalls, and applications. Set alerts for suspicious activity like failed login attempts, after-hours access, or large data transfers. Consider a Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) solution for correlation and analysis.
8. Secure Your Endpoints
Deploy Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) tools beyond traditional antivirus. EDR detects behavioural anomalies, provides forensic data, and enables rapid response. Enforce device encryption, screen locks, and remote wipe capabilities for mobile devices.
9. Create an Incident Response Plan
When—not if—an incident occurs, prepared organisations recover faster. Document roles, communication procedures, and technical steps. Include contact information for legal, PR, and insurance. Practice with tabletop exercises so the team knows what to do under pressure.
10. Conduct Regular Security Assessments
Annual penetration tests identify vulnerabilities before attackers do. Vulnerability scans catch missing patches and misconfigurations. Third-party assessments provide objective evaluation. Address findings promptly—a vulnerability report is worthless if issues remain unpatched.
Getting Started
Cybersecurity is a journey, not a destination. Start with MFA and patching—they address the most common attack vectors. Build from there with training, monitoring, and formal policies. Consider partnering with a managed security provider to access expertise without hiring a full team.
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