Start with the basics that reduce real risk
Cybersecurity does not have to begin with an expensive collection of products. A strong starting point is making sure the fundamentals are consistently implemented.
1. Require multi-factor authentication
Use multi-factor authentication for email, Microsoft 365, administrative accounts, remote access, financial systems, and other important business services whenever it is available.
2. Keep systems updated
Operating systems, browsers, applications, firewalls, switches, access points, and other network equipment should have a defined update process.
3. Protect administrator accounts
Employees should not routinely work from highly privileged accounts. Administrative access should be limited and protected.
4. Maintain verified backups
A backup is useful only if it can be restored. Maintain appropriate backup copies, protect them from ordinary user access, and periodically verify recovery.
5. Secure email
Email remains a common route into business systems. Use modern authentication, spam and phishing controls, and sensible policies for suspicious messages.
6. Segment important networks
Where appropriate, separate production, office, guest, camera, voice, and IoT traffic instead of placing every device on one flat network.
7. Use endpoint protection
Business workstations and servers should have appropriately configured endpoint security and monitoring.
8. Remove accounts that are no longer needed
Former employees, old vendors, abandoned applications, and unused administrative accounts create unnecessary exposure.
9. Document what to do when something goes wrong
Create a practical incident playbook that identifies who should be contacted, what systems matter most, and how the business will operate during an outage or security event.
10. Review security periodically
Technology and threats change. A periodic review can identify outdated equipment, unsupported software, risky configurations, and gaps that have developed over time.
The goal is practical risk reduction
Security should match the organization, its data, its operations, and its actual risks. Those Computer Guys can help businesses evaluate their current environment and prioritize improvements.