Cyber Hygiene for Small Businesses
The case for everyday cybersecurity
Just as washing your hands reduces the risk of illness, good cyber hygiene reduces the risk of data breaches. However, while personal hygiene is second nature in most situations, basic cybersecurity remains far from routine in many small businesses. As more companies adopt cloud-based solutions and share sensitive information with clients, suppliers, and systems, simply "trusting your gut" is no longer enough. Protecting your digital environment is not about paranoia. It's about responsibility, credibility, and maintaining a competitive edge.
What is cyber hygiene?
Cyber hygiene refers to regularly taking simple actions to reduce the risk of IT-related incidents. This could include updating passwords, installing system updates, educating employees about phishing, or reviewing which apps have access to your company's data.
Similar to personal hygiene, it’s all about daily habits. You don’t need to be an expert, but you do need to take action.
Examples of poor cyber hygiene include:
Reusing passwords across multiple systems
Clicking on links in phishing emails
Not knowing which devices are logged into the company’s accounts
Why is it particularly important for small businesses?
According to the report The State of IT Security in SMBs in 2023–2024, based on data from Accenture, nearly 43% of all cyberattacks in 2023 targeted small and medium-sized businesses. Many of these businesses also lack clear accountability for IT security. They often have weaker defenses than larger organizations, despite managing sensitive data like customer lists, proposal materials, and production data.
A common argument is "we’re too small to be targeted." Unfortunately, this is rarely the case. Many attacks are automated via large botnets that search for vulnerable targets. If a password has been leaked once, your business might already be on a list.
What’s more, merely knowing you're covered is seldom enough. Your business needs to demonstrate its cyber hygiene as well! Are you working with larger partners? Then their cybersecurity requirements may be passed down to you. Increasingly, companies are including cyber hygiene clauses in their partner agreements. This makes good cyber hygiene not just a safety measure, but a necessity for market entry.
How to get started without being an expert
There are simple steps that can make a big difference:
Ensure everyone on your team has their computers updated, with antivirus software and firewalls activated
Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on all accounts
Replace reused passwords
Use an encrypted password manager tool
Ensure everyone on your team can recognize phishing attempts
Review which third-party apps have access to your accounts
Set a routine for revoking access for former employees
Controla helps businesses integrate security into daily routines without complicated systems or costly consultants. Want a free overview of your security level? Reach out and we’ll help you take the first step, or click here to get started immediately.