5 Essential Cybersecurity Practices to Safeguard Your Business

Did you know that 60% of small businesses that suffer a cyberattack close within six months? Protecting your business from cyber threats is no longer optional—it’s vital to your survival. In this guide, we’ll cover five essential cybersecurity practices to help your organization stay protected and resilient.

1. Review Business Compliance Requirements

Regulatory compliance safeguards your organization's reputation and resources. It also ensures that your client data is protected and your operations are ethical.

Why it matters:

• Avoid hefty fines and operational halts.
• Maintain trust in your industry.

Action Steps:

• Assign a compliance officer to monitor changing laws and regulations.
• Use frameworks like GDPR, HIPAA, or NIST to stay compliant.

2. Perform Annual Risk Assessments

Risk assessments help identify vulnerabilities in your systems, ensuring you can address issues before they become costly problems.

Key Benefits:

• Uncover missed system patches and vulnerabilities.
• Communicate risks to stakeholders.
• Develop recovery plans for potential cyberattacks.

Pro Tip: Use industry-standard frameworks like NIST or CIS for best results. Schedule assessments annually to stay ahead of evolving threats.

3. Implement Security Awareness Training for Employees

Your employees are your first line of defense. A robust training program can prevent costly breaches caused by human error.

What to include:

• Education on social engineering and phishing.
• Training on password management and internet security.
• Regular phishing simulations to test and reinforce behavior.

Investing in training can reduce IT risks and improve overall company resilience.

4. Keep Company Software Updated

Outdated software is a leading cause of breaches. Regular updates and patch management can prevent cybercriminals from exploiting system weaknesses.

Tips for Patch Management:

• Include third-party software like Adobe Acrobat and Zoom in your updates.
• Establish a routine for deploying patches and updates as they are released.

Remember: Third-party applications are often targeted by hackers, making them crucial to your cybersecurity strategy.

5. Increase Company Login Protection

Your login credentials are the keys to your business. Securing them with strong access management policies can significantly reduce your risk.

Best Practices:

• Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for all accounts.
• Use the principle of least privilege to limit access based on job roles.
• Regularly update and enforce strong password policies.

54% of breaches occur due to credential theft. Protect your business by securing this critical entry point.

Why Being Cyber Secure Is More Important Than Ever

Cyber threats continue to evolve, requiring businesses to stay proactive and adaptive. Practicing good cyber health not only protects your organization but also reinforces trust with clients and stakeholders.

Contact Us Today

Whittlesey’s cybersecurity experts can create a personalized, comprehensive program to protect your business. Schedule a complimentary consultation now.