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 have been prevented with simple safeguards.
That’s where cyber hygiene comes in. Think of it as your business’s version of daily handwashing. It might not sound exciting, but it’s absolutely essential. And if you’re skipping the basics, you’re leaving the door wide open for attackers.
For small and mid-size Tampa Bay businesses, here are four essentials you can’t afford to ignore:
1. Keep Your Network Secure
Your network is the backbone of your business, and without proper security it becomes an open door for cybercriminals. Many Tampa businesses still operate with unprotected WiFi, default router settings, or no firewall at all. Taking the time to encrypt sensitive data, set up a firewall, and hide your WiFi network name (SSID) goes a long way in closing those gaps. Remote workers should always connect through a VPN to keep communications private and secure. These small steps can prevent major breaches.
2. Train Your Team to Stay Protected
Even the strongest technology can’t protect your business if your team isn’t prepared. Weak passwords, clicking suspicious links, or downloading harmful attachments are still among the most common reasons local businesses get hacked. Training your employees to use strong, unique passwords and enabling multi-factor authentication significantly reduces the chance of compromise. Just as important is teaching your staff how to spot phishing e-mails and other social engineering attempts. When your team understands the threats, they become one of your greatest security assets.
3. Back Up Your Critical Data
Breaches and ransomware attacks can bring operations to a halt in seconds. The question isn’t just whether your defenses hold—it’s whether your business can recover quickly if they don’t. That’s why regular data backups are non-negotiable. From HR files and financial records to customer databases and project documents, everything important should be backed up consistently. Automated backups ensure nothing is missed, and storing copies in the cloud or on a secure offsite server guarantees that your business can bounce back even if systems are compromised.
4. Limit Data Access
Another simple but powerful step is controlling who has access to what. Not every employee needs access to every system, and by limiting permissions you reduce the impact of a potential breach. Administrative privileges should only be given to trusted IT staff and key leadership. Just as critical is having a process to immediately remove access for employees who leave your company. Even if one account is compromised, limiting access ensures that the damage stays contained rather than spreading across your business.
Cybersecurity Is Worth the Effort
Yes, these practices require attention and effort, but the alternative is far more costly. Downtime, lost data, compliance fines, or even damage to your reputation can take months—or years—to recover from. For small and mid-size Tampa businesses, even one attack can create ripple effects that threaten long-term success.
That’s why now is the perfect time to evaluate your cyber hygiene. At Newgentek, we work with businesses across Tampa Bay to uncover vulnerabilities, strengthen defenses, and create security strategies that fit the way you work. Our no geek-speak approach makes it easy to understand your risks and your options.
👉 Schedule your FREE Cybersecurity Risk Assessment today. In just a short session, we’ll identify hidden risks and give you a clear, actionable plan to improve your cyber hygiene.
📞 Call us at 813-283-0684 or https://www.newgentek.com/discoverycall/
