Sagiss, LLC
We routinely hear about the cyberattacks that bring down the Goliaths of the business world: Facebook, Equifax, and NVIDIA come to mind.
This article serves as an introduction to cybersecurity for businesses, providing a foundational overview of essential concepts, common threats, and best practices. A foundational understanding of cybersecurity essentials is critical for business leaders, and particularly those interested in managed security services.
Taking down a major corporation can take months of preparation, only to fail or have only marginal success at penetrating network servers. Instead of putting all their eggs in one basket, threat actors have started playing the numbers game, hoping to hit a larger number of smaller targets with only a fraction of the effort compared to infiltrating enterprise networks.
As threat actors become increasingly sophisticated and indiscriminate about whom they target, no business should assume it’s small enough to fly under the radar. Understanding foundational concepts in cyber security is crucial for recognizing and mitigating these evolving threats.
In the information age, the protection of one’s data is essential for the survival and prosperity of any business. So businesses of every size need cybersecurity plans and frameworks, which cybersecurity professionals rely on to protect organizations from a wide range of cyber threats. Cyber security training programs are available to help professionals secure devices and networks, prepare for certifications, and practice hands-on labs to gain practical skills.
Cybersecurity is hardly a foreign concept these days. But many people are unaware of the scope of security and the threats they should be concerned about, highlighting the importance of understanding cybersecurity essentials. Cybersecurity education provides a structured learning path for individuals interested in the field, helping them gain essential skills and hands-on experience.
Not only do we have more internet-connected devices in our homes and offices than ever before, but many of these devices are mobile and connect to a variety of networks in a variety of locations with a variety of security measures and practices. As part of cybersecurity essentials, it is critical to secure devices to prevent unauthorized access and data breaches. And as we rely more and more on the internet for work and leisure alike, we should expect the number of threats to grow.
By learning these cybersecurity essentials, readers will gain the knowledge and skills needed to better protect their businesses and personal information.
Why should businesses care about cybersecurity?
Many businesses underinvest in cybersecurity because they don’t see why they would be a target. Or they think they can get by relying only on endpoint protection or next-generation antivirus.
But we now know that all companies of any size have reason for concern. Threat actors, whether individuals or organizations, are tirelessly looking for companies that don’t put proper stake into their cybersecurity.
The threat actors may not be targeting a specific business. They have instead learned that it’s better to spread their efforts across more targets: They can hit 100 different smaller companies (or individuals) and get the same benefits they would expect from infiltrating a large corporation. Large corporations are more difficult targets because they have more resources to invest into the latest security practices and consistently follow networking protocols to reduce risk.
An attack can cost the infiltrated company in a number of ways, including increases in cyber liability insurance premiums.
What cybersecurity threats should businesses be concerned about?
The list of possible threats is already long and it shows no sign of shrinking in the future. Cyber threats, including malicious software, are key concerns for businesses as they can compromise sensitive data and disrupt operations.
While we cannot provide a definitive list, below are some security issues that all businesses should consider. Social engineering is also a common attack vector, where attackers manipulate individuals to gain unauthorized access or information.
In the following subsections, we will explore real world scenarios and practical applications of these threats to help you better understand and prepare for them.
Bad password management
The average user’s email address is connected to about 130 unique accounts)). While some accounts are able to verify a user with alternative methods, most accounts still require a user password.
That’s a lot of accounts. And a lot of passwords.
Many users try to get by with creating simple passwords, such as: • “password”. • “123456”. • “!@#$%^&*”. • “admin”. • “iloveyou”.
Obviously, these passwords are incredibly easy for hacking programs to guess. Such programs are commonly referred to as password crackers.
Some users may think they’re handling their password problems by reusing the same password for multiple accounts. Maybe even every single account. This is a terrible idea, because if a threat actor figures out the password for one account, he doesn’t get access to only that account—he now has access to all your accounts.
Password managers are the obvious option for fixing password problems.
One benefit of a password manager is that it can generate complex passwords for you. Using strong passwords is essential for protecting your accounts, and password managers help by creating unique, hard-to-guess passwords like “$kFP84Dm615^27j”. Another solution is to use password phrases like “Big-violet-pumpernickel-9873”. While this phrase incorporates common words, its length makes it particularly tough for a machine to crack.
Highly secure passwords are harder to remember than “password” or “123456”, so you will likely have a hard time remembering your secure passwords for all 130 of your accounts. That’s another benefit of a password manager: It keeps up with the complex passwords for you.
The second step is to make sure you’re using multi-factor authentication.
Multi-factor authentication, also referred to as MFA, is a security practice wherein after entering the password for an online account, the user is required to supply additional information to confirm the user’s identity.
The additional piece of information may be: • Biometric (retinal scan or facial recognition). • SMS-based (6 digit code sent via text). • A digital code on a USB key.
Each of these methods carry their own unique advantages and drawbacks, but on the whole, MFA is effective at preventing account takeover.
Proper password management is one of the best ways to improve your security.
Not training employees to spot phishing emails
Did you know that 91% of cyber attacks start with a phishing email? Even more troubling is that without training around 30% of company employees are likely to click on a link in a phishing email.
If a company uses email to communicate (and we all do), it is essential to train employees how to spot and avoid phishing emails. Email is too crucial—both as a business tool and as a potential security liability—to be ignored.
The cost of a data breach averages $4.24 million. This means that each time an employee is considering whether to engage with a suspicious email, there’s roughly $4 million on the line. So it makes sense to help employees spot the red flags of a malicious email by investing in end user security training—these days, security is a team effort.
There are plenty of training platforms you can use to send simulated phishing emails to your staff. Consistent training over time has proven to be effective in lowering a company’s risk of a successful phishing attack. Incorporating hands-on exercises and review questions into these training programs can further reinforce learning, helping employees apply cybersecurity essentials in real-world scenarios and assess their understanding of key concepts.
No data backup or disaster recovery plan in place
An essential yet often overlooked component of a security plan is a robust and reliable data backup and disaster recovery plan. Security isn’t simply about stopping threats from gaining entry to your network. It’s also about getting back up and running after a successful attack or a disaster. Data backup and disaster recovery are essential for business continuity, ensuring that operations can continue uninterrupted even during security incidents. The quicker one can recover, the better. After all, time is money.
Reliable data backup and disaster recovery systems could literally mean the difference between business-as-usual and bankruptcy. Equally important is the need to test these systems on a regular basis. Backing up files is pointless if those files become corrupted, or cannot be recalled because of an error. Data backups are a crucial component of disaster recovery. But data recovery entails more than just restoring from backup.
Businesses should talk to a reputable IT support provider and get an automated backup and disaster recovery system in place. Once that system is in place, ask the IT provider for regular reports to ensure those backups are successful and usable in the event they are needed.
Relying on outdated hardware and software
Enterprise-grade hardware and software are not cheap, by any measure. Companies that have invested significant capital into routers, switches, network firewalls and access points, as well as operating systems and industry-specific programs, want to get as much use as possible for every dollar spent. The hardware and software may be usable for much longer than intended or recommended.
But these products may also pose major security risks if they’re no longer receiving updates from their manufacturer or developer. Regularly applying software updates is a cybersecurity essential, as updates and patches protect your systems from vulnerabilities and exploits. When this happens, that product is said to have reached its “end of life” (EOL).
While the hardware or software company may have shifted its focus to ensuring the security of newer products, threat actors out in the wild are still looking for vulnerabilities in the old hardware. This means that a router or operating system which has reached its end of life steadily becomes more vulnerable with each passing day.
The best way to avoid this is simply to plan ahead—investing in excellent network documentation can help with these scenarios. Sit down with your IT support team once a year and create an inventory of your products. Take any upcoming “end of life” dates into account when building the IT budget for the coming year.
No automated patching
Applying software patches as they become available is an essential security practice. These updates are usually issued to fix a security vulnerability the company found in its software, and they are offering to fix it.
Unfortunately, the average user does not install security updates whenever the notifications pop up on their devices. Instead, these messages are often perceived as annoying disruptions in an otherwise productive day. So the update remains uninstalled and the software in question remains vulnerable to a known security flaw.
One solution is to set up your network to patch and update workstations automatically when users are away from their machines. Utilizing basic tools such as command-line diagnostics and network analysis utilities can help facilitate patch management and ensure system updates are properly applied. This means each machine on the network is always working with the latest security features, employing an update process that doesn’t disrupt anyone’s work day.
Old user accounts still active
Also referred to as “ghost users”, these are accounts which are still active despite the fact that the person no longer works at the company. This is somewhat like breaking up with someone but neglecting to take back their key to your apartment. It is essential for a company to know precisely who can access the company IT network at any given moment. Implementing access control measures helps manage user accounts by ensuring only authorized individuals have access to sensitive systems and resources. If a person is no longer there, their user account should be turned off immediately.
These old accounts floating around pose two specific security risks.
For one, a disgruntled employee who finds out they can access their company network can do real damage in the time it takes to make a pot of coffee.
Making matters worse is the fact that hackers love to use ghost accounts as they probe a company’s IT network for vulnerabilities. Since they are still technically valid logins, any activity they generate won’t set off any automated alarms. Assuming they can compromise one of the logins they find, hackers use ghost accounts to operate without alerting anyone to their presence.
Employees with too much access
How many people in your company have access to every file and every system? How many people could, even inadvertently, break something that grinds your business to a halt? Remember, not everyone who works at the bank gets keys to the vault.
Smaller companies, and startups in particular, are often forced to deal with this security risk. When companies are in startup mode, everyone on the team is playing multiple roles. In such scenario, a single individual requires broader access to systems on the network to fulfill their various functions.
However, as a business grows, roles become more specialized. Specialized roles require access to specific systems and data. At this stage, companies should consider granting network access according to the principle of least privilege, which states that each user shall only have access to the systems required to do their jobs. Limiting access to sensitive information is crucial to reduce the risk of data breaches and unauthorized access.
Multiple layers of protection are cybersecurity best practices essentials
Here’s a quick primer: Infrastructure security is foundational to cybersecurity essentials, encompassing access control, surveillance systems, and network security. Understanding these basics helps organizations protect their assets from a wide range of threats.
No one thing is going to make any business immune to the many types of threatware, so businesses should ensure that they have all the necessary layers to prevent and protect from threats.
A comprehensive approach to cybersecurity essentials involves implementing three layers of security: host security, network security, and perimeter security. This multi-layered strategy helps create a resilient defense across your organization.
As previously stated, businesses most often fall victim to attacks that are not directly targeted at them. Let’s borrow from a common saying: The threat actors most often throw a bunch of stuff at the wall and see what sticks. While you cannot eliminate the possibility of a successful attack, by covering the basics, you do give these attacks less chance of sticking. Securing local computing devices and network servers is a critical part of protecting your business infrastructure, as each device and server represents a potential entry point for attackers. Physical security measures, such as locks, video surveillance, and environmental safeguards, are also essential to prevent unauthorized access and ensure business continuity.
While covering security basics may sound simple, it’s far from easy, if only because of the number of devices (and therefore the number of possible exploitable surfaces) a single business may need to account for. Security risks can rise from technology both old and new. Printers and Internet of Things (IoT) devices both need to be properly secured. Using local protection tools and local intrusion detection tools can help monitor and defend these endpoints. Additionally, configuring browser security options is essential to prevent malicious threats and enhance privacy on all endpoints. Of course, we can’t forget about the cloud, as more and more businesses move their data and systems to solutions like Microsoft Azure. When moving to the cloud, it is important to implement private network configurations and robust internet security measures to safeguard sensitive data.
When it comes to network security, understanding networking protocols such as TCP/IP and Ethernet is foundational for securing network communication and functionality. Securing wireless networks is essential to protect against transmission media vulnerabilities.
For remote work, secure remote access is critical. This means using secure connections, VPNs, firewalls, and multi-factor authentication to protect organizational resources from unauthorized access.
This “simple solution” can become a full-time job in and of itself. But pairing with the right certified MSP or MSSP can provide your business with enterprise solutions that allow for peace of mind in your day-to-day operations. Following cybersecurity best practices and using practical tools to implement them is key to maintaining strong defenses. The Zero Trust principle requires continuous verification of users and devices, ensuring that no one is trusted by default, even inside the network. Enabling Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) adds a second layer of defense against unauthorized access.
Monitoring the inner perimeter of your infrastructure helps protect your most critical assets from internal and external threats. Staying aware of emerging trends in cybersecurity ensures your defenses evolve with new threats and technologies. Real world examples, such as ransomware attacks on local hosts or breaches due to poor network security, highlight the importance of applying these security measures in real world business environments. Ransomware locks files and demands payment to unlock them, making prevention and preparedness essential.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the cybersecurity fundamentals every business needs?
Cybersecurity is just as important as the physical security of your business. The cybersecurity concepts that apply to nearly every business, regardless of size or industry, come down to five core areas: strong access controls, regular software updates, data backups, employee training, and network security. None of these are glamorous, but together they block the vast majority of attacks that target businesses today.
Think of it like locking your office. You wouldn't leave the front door open just because a determined burglar could break a window. Basic cybersecurity essentials work the same way — they are practical tools that make you a harder target, causing most attackers to move on.
How do I know if my business is actually at risk?
Every business with an internet connection, customer data, or financial accounts is a potential target of a cyber incident. Small and mid-sized businesses are frequently targeted precisely because attackers assume their defenses are weaker. According to multiple industry reports, over 40% of cyberattacks target small businesses.
The question isn't really whether you're at risk — it's whether the cost of a breach would be survivable. For most businesses, it wouldn't be. The average cost of a data breach for a small business runs into the hundreds of thousands of dollars when you factor in downtime, recovery, legal fees, and reputational damage.
What's the difference between antivirus software and a firewall?
Antivirus software monitors your devices for malicious programs — viruses, malware, ransomware — and tries to catch them once they've arrived. A firewall, on the other hand, controls the traffic coming into and out of your network, acting as a gatekeeper before threats even reach your devices, dramatically increasing network security.
Both are part of the cybersecurity essentials toolkit, and they work better together than either does alone. Antivirus is your last line of defense. A firewall is the wall around the castle. You want both.
How important is employee training, really?
Cybersecurity awareness is arguably the most important investment you can make. The majority of successful cyberattacks — estimates range from 70% to over 90% — involve some form of human error. Phishing emails, weak passwords, clicking suspicious links, using personal devices on work networks — these are all human behaviors, and no software in the world fully compensates for internet security issues of this kind.
Effective employee training doesn't have to be a grueling annual compliance seminar in which employees learn all aspects of network security. Short, regular sessions that teach people what phishing looks like, how to handle suspicious emails, and why password hygiene matters go a long way. The goal is to build awareness, not fear.
What is multi-factor authentication and do I really need it?
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) requires users to verify their identity in more than one way — typically a strong password plus a code sent to their phone or generated by an app. It's one of the single most effective security tactics available, and yes, you really need it.
Even if an attacker gets hold of an employee's password — through a phishing attack, a data breach at another company, or just a weak password — MFA stops them from getting in. Microsoft has reported that MFA blocks over 99% of automated account compromise attacks. It's free or low-cost on most platforms, and there's no good reason not to use it.
How often should we back up our data?
As often as you can afford to lose. If a ransomware attack locked you out of everything right now, how much data would be gone since your last backup? If the answer is more than a day's worth, your backup frequency probably needs to increase.
A reliable approach follows what's called the 3-2-1 rule: keep three copies of your data, on two different types of storage, with one copy stored off-site (or in the cloud). Backups are one of those cybersecurity essentials that feel unnecessary right up until the moment they protect your critical data and save your business.
What is a cybersecurity risk assessment and do small businesses need one?
A risk assessment is a structured review of your systems, data, and processes to identify where you're vulnerable and what the potential impact of a breach would be. It doesn't have to be a formal, expensive engagement — even a basic internal review can surface problems you didn't know you had.
Small businesses benefit from risk assessments just as much as large ones, often more so, because they typically have fewer people keeping an eye on security. A good assessment helps you prioritize where to spend your limited time and budget on the cybersecurity essentials that matter most for your specific situation.
What should we do if we experience a cyberattack?
First, don't panic — and don't try to quietly handle it alone. The steps that matter most in the first hours are: isolating affected systems to prevent the attack from spreading, notifying your IT support or a cybersecurity incident response team, and documenting what you know about what happened and when.
Depending on the nature of the breach, you may also have legal obligations to notify customers, regulators, or law enforcement. Many data protection laws — including GDPR and various US state laws — have strict notification timelines, so it's worth knowing your obligations before an incident occurs, not after.
Is cybersecurity insurance worth it?
For most businesses, yes. Cyber insurance won't prevent an attack, but it can make the financial recovery far more manageable. Good policies typically cover costs like data recovery, legal fees, notification expenses, and even ransom payments in some cases.
The catch is that insurers are increasingly requiring businesses to demonstrate basic cybersecurity essentials are in place before they'll offer coverage — or they'll charge significantly more if they're not. That's actually a useful forcing function: getting your cybersecurity house in order makes you both more insurable and less likely to file a claim.
Where do I start if we have almost nothing in place?
Start with the basics, in order of impact. Enable MFA on all critical accounts. Make sure your software and operating systems are set to update automatically. Run a backup of your most important data and verify it works. Then get your team through a basic phishing awareness session.
None of that requires a big budget or a dedicated IT team. These cybersecurity essentials take time and attention, not necessarily money. Once the fundamentals are solid, you can build from there — adding more sophisticated tools, conducting formal assessments, and developing an incident response plan.
You don't take chances with your physical security; don't take chances with you cyber security, either. It's essential to protecting your business success over the long term.