Think of cyber hygiene like washing your hands before eating crawfish.
Sure, it’s not glamorous, but skipping it can lead to a whole mess you didn’t sign up for.

According to IBM’s 2023 Cost of a Data Breach Report, 82% of breaches involve cloud data—and most could’ve been prevented with basic cybersecurity habits. That means even here on the Gulf Coast, from Biloxi to Beaumont, the businesses getting burned aren’t necessarily the ones with the flashiest hackers chasing them… it’s the ones skipping the fundamentals.

Here’s how to keep your business clean, safe, and way less appealing to cybercriminals.

1. Keep Your Network Locked Down Tighter Than Mardi Gras Beads

Secure your internet connection by encrypting sensitive data and using a firewall.
Hide your Wi-Fi network name (SSID), lock it with a strong password, and don’t forget—remote employees should use a VPN to connect securely. Because if your network’s wide open, you might as well hang a “Hack Me” sign on your router.

2. Train Your Crew (No, Not Just Once)

Your team is your first line of defense—and sometimes your biggest risk.
Teach them the basics: strong passwords, multifactor authentication, safe internet use, and how to handle sensitive data. Then go deeper with phishing awareness and spotting shady downloads. A little IT support training now saves a lot of crisis management later.

3. Back Up Like a Pro

Storms roll in fast down here and so do cyberattacks.
Back up your documents, spreadsheets, HR and financial files, and databases—automatically if possible. Store them securely in the cloud or offsite. That way, if disaster strikes, you can keep business rolling without missing a beat (or a paycheck).

4. Keep Data Access on a “Need to Know” Basis

Not everyone needs the keys to the kingdom.
Limit data access so only the right people touch sensitive information. Restrict admin privileges to trusted IT staff, and make sure ex-employees are removed from your systems before they even get to their “Goodbye” cake.

Cybersecurity Is Cheaper Than Cleaning Up a Mess

Yes, this takes effort. But it’s a whole lot easier—and less expensive—than recovering from a ransomware attack or data breach that shuts you down.

Ready to See How You Stack Up?

Our free Cybersecurity Risk Assessment will sniff out vulnerabilities, find weak spots, and give you a no-fluff, actionable plan to lock things down.
Don’t wait for a breach to get serious—schedule yours today: www.technologyedge.com/Cyber-Security-Risk-Assessment

For more information:

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