Cyber hygiene for small businesses

The case for everyday cybersecurity

Washing your hands reduces the risk of illness. Good cyber hygiene reduces the risk of data breaches.

The difference? One is part of everyday life, while the other should be too, but is still missing in many small businesses. As more companies move to the cloud 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 weak 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:

• Not enabling MFA on critical accounts
• 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 manage sensitive assets like customer data, login credentials, and billing systems, yet often have far less protection than larger organizations.

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.

And it’s not just about being secure. It’s about proving it, too. Larger partners increasingly pass down cybersecurity requirements. That makes good cyber hygiene not just a risk reducer, but a requirement for doing business.

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.