Is Your Organization Practicing Good Security Hygiene?

05/21/2025 | Abilita |

When it comes to issues around cybersecurity for SMBs, the statistics are alarming:

  • 46% of all cyber breaches impact organizations of fewer than 1,000 employees.
  • Small businesses receive the highest rate of targeted malicious emails. Employees of small businesses experience 350% more social engineering attacks than those at larger enterprises.
  • Human error and system failure account for 52% of security breaches.
  • 75% of SMBs could not continue operating if they were hit with ransomware.
  • Just 17% of small businesses have cyber insurance.

Although there are some very technical issues and challenges that may require some sophisticated and technical tools, the best way to protect your organization from cyber threats is basic security hygiene.

Security hygiene refers to the set of routine practices and precautions individuals and organizations take to maintain the health and security of their digital systems, data, and devices. It’s like personal hygiene, but for cybersecurity — focused on prevention, consistency, and awareness.

Here are 10 practical security hygiene tips tailored for small businesses to reduce risk and protect assets without needing an enterprise-sized budget:

1. Use Strong Passwords & a Password Manager

  • Require employees to use long, complex passwords.
  • Use a password manager (like LastPass, Bitwarden, or 1Password) to store them securely.

2. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

  • Turn on MFA for email, financial apps, admin accounts, and cloud services.
  • This blocks most unauthorized login attempts, even with a stolen password.

3. Keep Software and Systems Updated

  • Enable automatic updates for operating systems, browsers, antivirus, and critical software.
  • Regularly patch any business-specific applications.

4. Install and Maintain Antivirus/Anti-Malware

  • Use reputable antivirus tools on all devices (Windows, macOS, Android, etc.).
  • Schedule regular scans and updates.

5. Back Up Data Regularly

  • Automate daily backups of important files to a secure cloud or external drive.
  • Test restore procedures to ensure backups are usable in emergencies.

6. Train Employees on Cybersecurity Basics

  • Conduct short, regular training sessions (e.g., how to spot phishing).
  • Reinforce a culture of “think before you click.”

7. Watch for Phishing and Business Email Compromise

  • Use email filters to catch suspicious messages.
  • Warn staff not to wire money or share sensitive data based solely on email requests.

8. Limit User Access and Admin Rights

  • Give employees access only to the tools and files they need.
  • Use separate accounts for admin privileges and daily tasks.

9. Secure Your Wi-Fi Network

  • Change default router passwords.
  • Use strong WPA3 encryption, separate guest and business networks, and disable remote access when not needed.

10. Create a Simple Incident Response Plan

  • Document what to do in case of a data breach, ransomware attack, or lost device.
  • Assign roles and keep emergency contact info handy (IT, legal, etc.).

Cybersecurity is a journey. Organizations need to expect to have a security incident. But having a plan that includes basic security hygiene is the first step to preventing the attack. Then, knowing what to do if/when something does happen is key to business continuity.

To get a sample Small Business Security Hygiene Checklist – click here.

To get a sample Small Business Security Policy Template – click here.

Abilita consultants have the experience and resources to guide organizations through the process of developing a cybersecurity plan, as well as assisting in the implementation of cybersecurity systems and tools. To set up a discovery call, contact us at

https://abilita.com/contact/ or give us a call at (888) 836-4968.

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