Cyber Hygiene Isn’t Optional Anymore: How to Clean Up Your Risk
9 Sept 2025When it comes to protecting your business from cyberthreats, the basics still 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 prevented with simple, foundational safeguards.
That’s where “cyber hygiene” comes in—your business’s version of daily handwashing. It’s not glamorous, but it’s essential. Skipping the basics is asking for trouble.
Here are four cyber hygiene essentials every small business should have in place:
1. Keep Your Network Secure
Protect your Internet connection by encrypting sensitive data and using a firewall. Hide your WiFi network with a Service Set Identifier (SSID) and password-protect your router. Any remote employees should connect via a virtual private network (VPN) to ensure secure access to your network.
2. Teach Your Team How to Stay Protected
Employee mistakes are one of the biggest risks for breaches. Establish clear security policies covering strong passwords, multi-factor authentication (MFA), proper internet use, and procedures for handling sensitive data. Training should also include recognising phishing emails and avoiding suspicious downloads.
3. Back Up Your Important Data
Regular backups ensure your business can keep running after a breach, crash, or ransomware attack. Critical data includes documents, spreadsheets, HR and financial files, and databases. Automating backups and storing copies in the cloud or offsite on a secure server makes the process easier and more reliable.
4. Limit Data Access
Restricting access to sensitive data reduces your risk. Employees should only have access to the systems required for their role. Administrative privileges should be limited to trusted IT staff and key personnel. Make sure former employees are promptly removed from company systems during offboarding.
Security Is Worth the Effort
Implementing these measures may seem like a hassle, but it’s far less costly than dealing with stolen data or a ransomware attack that halts your business. Strong cyber hygiene protects both your people and your operations.
Want to Get Ahead of the Threats?
If you’re unsure how your business measures up, now’s the time to find out. Our FREE Cybersecurity Risk Assessment will uncover hidden vulnerabilities, identify gaps in your defences, and give you a clear, actionable plan to strengthen your cyber hygiene—fast.
Schedule your assessment now: 08 8922 0050
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