According to Forbes, Small and Medium-Sized Businesses (SMBs) are increasingly becoming prime targets for cyberattacks. While large corporations and government agencies have traditionally been the focus of hackers, cybercriminals now recognize that SMBs often have weaker defenses, making them easier prey.
Investing in cybersecurity is no longer optional—it’s essential for safeguarding your business’s reputation, financial health, and customer trust. Here are 10 cybersecurity tips to help you protect your company from cyber threats.
1. Strengthen Password Security with a Password Manager
A strong password policy is a fundamental defense against cyber threats. Require passwords to be at least 12 characters long and include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. However, rather than relying on employees to create and remember complex passwords, use a password manager.
Password managers generate, store, and autofill strong passwords, eliminating the need for employees to remember them. Additionally, implement a company-wide policy to change passwords only when a security breach is detected—frequent, forced password changes often lead to weaker passwords and increased risk.
For guidance, see the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST) recommendations: NIST Digital Identity Guidelines.
2. Build a Cybersecurity-Aware Workforce
Human error accounts for nearly 95% of cybersecurity breaches, according to IBM’s Cyber Security Intelligence Index (IBM X-Force Threat Intelligence Index). One wrong click on a phishing email or downloading an infected file can compromise an entire network.
To reduce risks:
- Conduct regular phishing simulations to train employees on recognizing threats.
- Establish a clear cybersecurity policy and ensure all employees understand it.
- Require annual cybersecurity training to keep teams up to date on emerging threats.
3. Restrict Use of Personal Devices for Work
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies can introduce security vulnerabilities, as personal devices often lack the necessary security controls. To mitigate risks:
- Issue company-managed devices with pre-installed security software.
- Enforce device encryption and remote wiping capabilities in case of theft or loss.
- Use Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions to monitor and control access to company data.
If personal devices must be used, enforce security measures such as mandatory VPN use, restricted access permissions, and remote management tools.
4. Keep Software and Systems Updated
Hackers exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software to gain unauthorized access. A single unpatched vulnerability can result in a ransomware attack or data breach.
- Enable automatic updates for all operating systems, applications, and firmware.
- Patch security flaws promptly—don’t postpone updates due to inconvenience.
- Test major updates before company-wide rollout to prevent system disruptions.
For more details on patching vulnerabilities, refer to the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) guidelines: CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog.
5. Implement Robust Data Backup Strategies
Ransomware attacks, hardware failures, or accidental deletions can lead to catastrophic data loss. Regular backups ensure your business can recover quickly without paying a ransom.
- Use the 3-2-1 Backup Strategy:
- Keep three copies of your data.
- Store backups on two different media types (e.g., external hard drive + cloud storage).
- Maintain one copy offsite to protect against physical disasters.
- Use encrypted, immutable backups that cannot be modified or deleted by attackers.
- Schedule automated daily backups to ensure data is always up to date.
6. Enforce Least Privilege Access Control
Not all employees need access to all data. Implementing role-based access control (RBAC) ensures that employees only have access to the information necessary for their job.
- Grant access based on roles and responsibilities—reduce exposure to sensitive data.
- Regularly audit user permissions and revoke access when employees change roles or leave the company.
- Use identity and access management (IAM) tools to enforce strict user authentication.
Microsoft provides detailed guidelines on RBAC implementation: Microsoft Role-Based Access Control.
7. Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Everywhere
Even with strong passwords, unauthorized access remains a risk. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second verification step.
- Implement MFA on all critical accounts, including email, financial systems, and cloud applications.
- Use app-based authenticators (Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator) instead of SMS-based MFA, which is vulnerable to SIM-swapping attacks.
- Encourage biometric authentication for secure logins on mobile devices.
8. Deploy Advanced Threat Protection
Basic antivirus software is no longer enough. Modern cyber threats require Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) and Zero Trust Security Models.
- Use Next-Generation Antivirus (NGAV) that leverages AI and behavior-based detection.
- Deploy firewall and intrusion detection systems to monitor suspicious activity.
- Implement Zero Trust principles, assuming all network traffic is potentially hostile until verified.
Google provides an overview of Zero Trust security: Google’s BeyondCorp Zero Trust.
9. Secure Physical and Remote Work Environments
Cybersecurity extends beyond digital threats—physical security matters too.
- Implement badge access controls and secure server rooms to prevent unauthorized physical access.
- Use privacy screens on laptops to prevent shoulder-surfing in public places.
- Enable remote wipe capabilities on lost or stolen devices to protect sensitive data.
If employees work remotely, enforce secure VPN usage, encrypted connections, and strict access policies to minimize risks.
10. Use Secure File-Sharing and Email Protection
Email remains one of the top attack vectors for phishing and malware. Secure your communications with these best practices:
- Use encrypted email services to protect sensitive information.
- Implement email filtering tools to detect and block phishing attempts.
- Use secure cloud storage (Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox Enterprise) instead of email attachments.
Bonus: Partner with Cybersecurity Experts
Managing cybersecurity in-house can be overwhelming, especially for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses with limited IT resources. Partnering with cybersecurity professionals ensures your business stays ahead of evolving threats.
- Cybersecurity-as-a-Service (CaaS) providers offer continuous monitoring, threat detection, and response without the need for an in-house security team.
- Conduct regular penetration testing to identify and fix vulnerabilities before hackers exploit them.
- Work with a Managed Security Services Provider (MSSP) to get 24/7 protection.
Final Thoughts
Cyberattacks on Small and Medium-Sized Businesses are becoming more frequent across the country, including Indianapolis, IN, Houston, TX, and Seattle, WA. Businesses in these regions need strong cybersecurity measures to stay ahead of evolving threats.
Don’t wait for a breach to take action—start securing your business today.
If your business operates in Indianapolis, Houston, or Seattle, eMPiGO provides expert cybersecurity solutions tailored to your needs.
Would you like a free cybersecurity risk assessment? Contact eMPiGO to learn how we can help you stay protected.