Cyber Hygiene Isn’t Optional Anymore: How To Clean Up Your RiskWhen it comes to protecting your business from cyberthreats, the basics still matter—a lot.

According to IBM’s 2023 Cost of a Data Breach Report, 82% of breaches involved data stored in the cloud, and most of them could have been prevented with simple, foundational safeguards.

That’s where “cyber hygiene” comes in—your business’s version of daily handwashing. It may not be flashy, but it’s absolutely essential. Skipping the basics is like leaving your doors unlocked for hackers.

Here are four cyber hygiene essentials every small business must implement:

  1. Keep Your Network Secure
  • Encrypt sensitive business data.
  • Use a firewall and keep your WiFi hidden with a Service Set Identifier (SSID).
  • Ensure your router is password-protected.
  • Require remote employees to connect through a VPN for secure access.
  1. Train Your Team To Stay Protected

Human error is one of the biggest cybersecurity risks. Provide ongoing training and enforce policies such as:

  • Strong passwords & multifactor authentication (MFA).
  • Safe Internet usage and handling of sensitive data.
  • Recognizing phishing emails and avoiding suspicious downloads.
  1. Back Up Your Important Data

Whether it’s a breach, ransomware attack, or system crash, backups keep your business running.

  • Regularly back up key files (documents, financials, HR records, and databases).
  • Automate backups when possible.
  • Store copies securely in the cloud or offsite servers.
  1. Limit Access To Sensitive Data

The fewer people who have access, the lower the risk.

  • Grant employees access only to what they need for their jobs.
  • Restrict admin privileges to trusted IT staff and key leaders.
  • Remove access immediately for former employees.

🚨 Security Is Worth The Effort

Yes, implementing these measures takes time. But it’s far less costly than dealing with a breach or paying ransom to hackers.

✅ Take The First Step Today

Not sure how your cyber hygiene stacks up?

At CMIT Cyber Solutions LA (@cmitzerohackers), we provide a FREE Cybersecurity Risk Assessment to:

  • Uncover hidden vulnerabilities.
  • Identify gaps in your defenses.
  • Deliver a clear, actionable plan to protect your business.

📞 Schedule your FREE Cybersecurity Risk Assessment now:

👉 Call us at (213) 870-8888
👉 WhatsApp: +1 (818) 312-8978
👉 Visit us: 🌐 https://www.cmitcybersolutionsla.com/