7 Cybersecurity Best Practices and Tips

Between managing daily operations and putting out metaphorical fires, businesses don’t often prioritize cybersecurity. But in an increasingly digital-first environment, a single oversight can cost you everything. In 2024 alone:

• Data breaches cost an average of $6.32 million in fines, lawsuits, and lost business 
• The average ransomware recovery payout reached $3.69 million

Even now, cybercriminals are exploiting security gaps you might not even know exist. Implementing security measures and partnering with managed IT service providers could be the difference between a secure network and devastating financial losses. Read on to learn the top cybersecurity best practices to protect your business against cyber-attacks! 

1. Secure Sensitive Files and Data

Ever wonder how many eyes have access to your sensitive data? Keeping confidential documents (whether digital or printed) secure is one of the most vital aspects of cybersecurity. You want to ensure that only authorized personnel have access to critical files.

Here are some of the most effective cybersecurity tips to help you protect your sensitive information from unauthorized users:

• Partner with a Managed Print Services provider to control who can print, copy, or scan documents.
• Use encryption protocols to make your files unreadable to hackers, whether they’re stored or in transit.
• Control access by permitting only specific people to view certain files.
• Set up multi-factor authentication (MFA) so users need extra steps—like a code or fingerprint—to access important data.
• Use data masking to replace sensitive information with fake data in testing environments, so it can't be exposed or misused.

Bonus tip: Use secure cloud printing to store documents digitally and print them only when needed. This reduces the risk of sensitive files being left unattended at shared printers.

Image Source: Shutterstock

2. Perform Regular Data Backups

Data loss is one of the most devastating results of cyber attacks. If you want to keep your customer records, financial information, project files, or other data safe even after an attack, cybersecurity best practices like data backups are a must.

Create a consistent backup routine that covers all critical business data. Use the following storage devices:

• External hard drives
• USB flash drives
• Cloud storage
• Optical media
• Network Attached Storage (NAS) Device

Bonus tip: To keep your data protected, remember the 3-2-1 rule: keep three copies of your data, on two different types of storage media, with one copy stored offsite. Automated backup software like Acronis and Veeam can make this process easier!

3. Train Employees on Cybersecurity Basics

Around 88% of cybersecurity breaches happen because of human error. This means your security is only as strong as your least security-savvy employee—and cybercriminals know it. They're counting on someone in your organization to use a weak password, fall for phishing attempts, or connect to a public network without protection.

Prevent cyber attacks from getting through by training your team on IT security best practices, including:

• Creating and managing strong passwords and using a password manager
• Recognizing social engineering attempts like email phishing or scam texts
• Staying secure while working remotely (e.g. virtual private networks (VPNs), multi-factor authentication, etc.)

Bonus tip: Skip the hassle of managing internal security training by outsourcing your IT. This gives you access to IT experts who live and breathe cybersecurity, no extra training required. 

4. Monitor Network Activity

Unusual login attempts, unexpected data transfers, or suspicious application behaviour all signal breaches—but most businesses don’t catch them until it’s too late. Network activity monitoring is one of the best cybersecurity practices to help your organization detect malicious activity as it happens. 

However, here’s the catch: most organizations use multiple security tools to prevent cybersecurity breaches. While this practice has its uses, it can lead to data silos and visibility gaps.

Instead, try a secure, unified platform with AI capabilities to secure your business communications and data without overwhelming your team. We also recommend partnering with a reliable managed IT services provider who can help you monitor your network 24/7. 

5. Regularly Update Software and Systems

One of the simplest cybersecurity tips for employees is scheduling regular software updates. Cyber threats evolve daily, and outdated software or systems can allow hackers inside your network. Software updates often come with security patches that help protect your business from cybersecurity risks. 

Here’s how to stay ahead:

• Enable automatic updates
• Schedule routine system checks (not just when you notice your computer or mobile devices slowing down)
• Prioritize updates for operating systems, firewalls, and antivirus software

Image Source: Shutterstock

6. Conduct Regular Cybersecurity Audits

When was the last time you checked your organization’s systems? Many businesses only discover network vulnerabilities after a breach, but by then, it’s too late. 

Don’t wait for hackers to find and exploit your weak points—find them first yourself. Here are the top cybersecurity best practices to try:

• Conduct cyber threat hunting in your network and systems to find and fix vulnerabilities 
• Simulate cyberattacks to test your systems and find potential weaknesses
• Review access controls regularly
• Update security policies to match current threats and regulations
• Bring in third-party experts for a fresh set of eyes and expert recommendations

7. Prepare a Disaster Recovery Plan

Hope for the best, plan for the worst. Cybersecurity best practices can protect you from most cyber threats, but no system is foolproof. A disaster recovery plan helps your business minimize downtime and bounce back when a cyberattack, data breach, or system failure occurs.

Strengthen Your Cybersecurity with Integr8

Adopting cybersecurity best practices helps you reduce vulnerabilities, protect sensitive data, and maintain business continuity. Using Managed IT Services helps you do all of these without lifting a finger.

Integr8 provides comprehensive IT services including cybersecurity, an enterprise support desk, print security audits, cloud management, and more. Our cybersecurity experts can help you:

Don’t let cyber threats slow you down. Contact us today to learn how we can strengthen your defences!