Simple Cybersecurity Tips for Local Businesses
In 2025, every business must make cybersecurity a top priority. Cybercrime is evolving and a major threat to businesses of all sizes and in all industries, including local businesses. A successful cyber attack can be devastating for a local business and be hard to recover from, so this post will offer a few simple cybersecurity tips that will help you build a robust, modern defense against the latest threats.
Use Strong & Unique Passwords Across Accounts
Often, hackers are able to gain access simply by working out or guessing a password. This is why it needs to be policy to use strong and unique passwords across accounts, which should require the use of upper and lower case, numbers, and special characters. A password manager can be a useful tool for shared access to accounts, as these store and encrypt passwords, eliminating the need to write down or send passwords over email.
Keep All Devices & Software Up to Date
Delaying updates is very easy, but each time you do this, you are putting your business at risk. Device and software updates contain security upgrades and patches that will offer protection against the latest threats and address any vulnerabilities.
Backup Your Business Data Regularly
Be sure to back up your business data on a regular basis. Ideally, this will be to a cloud-based, off-site location to ensure that you always have access to data in the event of a breach or if data becomes lost or damaged. Ransomware is a growing issue, and backing up your data externally is one of the best ways to defend against this threat.
Be Wary of Suspicious Emails & Links
Phishing attacks are becoming more sophisticated, which means even those who are savvy can fall victim. This is why you and your team must be wary of any suspicious emails and never click on links/download files that have been sent unsolicited. If you are ever unsure, get in touch with the organisation/individual by pulling their contact information from their website (not the info in the email).
Limit Admin Access to Trusted Staff Only
Not everyone needs access to all of your sensitive information, which is why it is wise to use access control. This allows you to control who can access what, which can strengthen your cybersecurity defense by preventing accidental and malicious misuse of tools and data.
Educate Your Team on Digital Best Practices
Attacks often succeed due to human error, which is why local businesses need to educate their team on digital best practices. This will include things like using strong passwords and MFA, using secure Wi-Fi connections, spotting phishing scams, and handling sensitive data safely.
These simple cybersecurity tips will help any local business develop robust protection. Cybercrime is a growing threat and can cause significant harm in more ways than one, so cybersecurity must be a top priority for all in 2025.