Cyber Hygiene Isn’t Optional Anymore: How to Clean Up Your Risk

When 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 could’ve 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. And if you’re skipping the basics, you’re leaving the door wide open to serious risk.

At Preferred Office Technologies, we help businesses across Fort Smith, Fayetteville, Little Rock AR, and Tulsa OK strengthen their cybersecurity posture with practical, proven strategies.

Here are four cyber hygiene essentials every small business should have on lock:

1. Keep Your Network Secure

Start with your internet connection. Encrypt sensitive data and use a firewall to protect your network. Your WiFi should be password-protected and hidden using a Service Set Identifier (SSID), which prevents your network name from being broadcast. Remote employees should always connect using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to ensure secure access.

2. Teach Your Team How to Stay Protected

Human error is one of the leading causes of data breaches. Establish basic security policies for employees, including:

• Strong password practices

• Multifactor authentication (MFA)

• Internet usage guidelines

• Data handling protocols

Training should also cover how to spot phishing emails and avoid suspicious downloads. A well-informed team is your first line of defense.

3. Back Up Your Important Data

Whether it’s a breach, system crash, or ransomware attack, having backups ensures your business can keep operating. Regularly back up critical data like:

• Documents and spreadsheets

• HR and financial files

• Databases

Automated backups are ideal. Store copies in the cloud or on a secure offsite server to ensure redundancy.

4. Limit Data Access

Not everyone needs access to everything. Restrict access to sensitive data based on job roles. No single employee should have access to all systems, and administrative privileges should be limited to trusted IT staff and key personnel. Always remove access for former employees during offboarding.

Security Is Worth the Effort

Yes, implementing these measures takes time—but it’s far less costly than dealing with a breach. Investing in cyber hygiene now helps prevent stolen data, downtime, and expensive recovery efforts later.

Want to Get Ahead of the Threats?

If you’re unsure how your business stacks up, now’s the time to find out. Preferred Office Technologies offers a free Cybersecurity Risk Assessment to uncover hidden vulnerabilities, identify gaps in your defenses, and provide a clear, actionable plan to strengthen your cyber hygiene fast.

📍 Serving Arkansas and Oklahoma businesses from Fort Smith, Fayetteville, Little Rock AR, and Tulsa OK📞 Call us at (479) 782-7991 or visit https://www.preferred-office.com/contact to schedule your free assessment.