October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month—the perfect time to give your business a digital checkup.
If you think cybercriminals only target big corporations, think again. Nearly half of all cyberattacks are aimed at small businesses. The good news? A few simple habits can make a huge difference.
Our team has compiled a top 10 list of things you can do to keep your business protected from cyber criminals. Use it as a to-do list to make meaningful progress on your efforts during National Cybersecurity Awareness Month:
- Conduct a risk assessment
Know what sensitive data you have, where it lives, and how vulnerable it is. - Limit access
Give employees access only to the files and systems they need. Use multifactor authentication (MFA) for extra protection. - Keep software updated
Don’t just click “remind me later.” Updates patch critical security holes. - Train your team
Phishing scams are everywhere. Teach staff how to spot sketchy emails and links. - Strengthen passwords
Require strong, unique passwords. Bonus points for using a password manager. - Back up regularly
Automate backups to the cloud or external drives—and test them to make sure they work. - Secure your Wi-Fi
Change default router passwords, encrypt your network, and set up a guest Wi-Fi for visitors. - Monitor accounts
Check invoices, payroll, and bank accounts often for anything unusual. - Make a recovery plan
Be sure your team knows what to do if a breach happens: Who to call, how to contain it, and how to restore systems. - Get expert help
Consider an IT consultant, managed security service, or cyber insurance for extra peace of mind.
Pro tip: Cybersecurity isn’t a one-time project—it’s an ongoing habit. Review this checklist every few months to stay ahead of threats.
This Cybersecurity Awareness Month, commit to protecting your data, your team, and your customers. Small steps today can prevent big headaches tomorrow.