Cyber hygiene refers to the practices and steps that organizations can take to protect their information technology systems from cyber threats. In the contemporary era, cyber threats are developing at a rapid pace and becoming more sophisticated. Given the increasing frequency and complexity of cyberattacks, maintaining impeccable cyber hygiene is not merely advisable – it is essential. According to the 2023 Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report, 83% of breaches involved the human element, underscoring the importance of good cyber hygiene.

To protect your employees and your business, it is vital to equip your team with the knowledge of cybersecurity through MS in Cybersecurity course and tools they need. Implementing a strong cyber hygiene program is essential for businesses of all sizes. This way, your employees can focus on their work without constantly worrying about digital threats. A recent Microsoft report stated that 99% of cyber-attacks can be prevented by implementing basic cyber hygiene measures. If you are looking to build an effective cyber hygiene program for your organization, we have outlined the top 10 practical best practices to keep your protection levels high.

1. Backup critical data regularly

Regular data backups are essential for recovery in the event of a cyberattack or data loss. Implement automated backup solutions and ensure backups are stored securely and tested for integrity. You should also develop a disaster recovery plan to quickly restore operations in case of a major incident. It is better to implement data redundancy in various geographical locations providing extra level of protection against data loss. You can also set a backup schedule either daily, weekly or monthly depending upon the importance of your files. With cloud storage becoming economical, it offers interesting options for physical storage devices.

2. Regularly update and patch software

Software vulnerabilities are a common entry point for cybercriminals. Regularly updating and patching software can close these vulnerabilities and protect against exploitation. The 2024 IBM Cost of a Data Breach Report highlighted that the global average cost of a data breach is $ 4.88 million and unpatched vulnerabilities account for 6% of these breaches. Establish a routine for checking and applying updates to all software, including operating systems, applications, and firmware. You can ensure that built in security software is enabled as it acts as the first line of defense against malware. You can also take services of authentic third party software to catch any malware that slips past your native security software. Many antivirus programs offer the option to schedule regular, automatic scans. Be sure to configure it to also scan all new files, including those downloaded from the Internet or transferred from external storage devices.

3. Implement strong password policies

Passwords are often the first line of defense against unauthorized access. Weak passwords can be easily compromised, leading to potential breaches. According to the 2023 Verizon Data Breach Report, the use of stolen credentials was the most prevalent cause of breaches last year, accounting for 24% of incidents and representing 38% of all breaches recorded  Implementing strong password policies, such as requiring complex passwords and regular updates, can significantly enhance your security posture. Encourage the use of password managers to store and generate unique passwords for different accounts. Implementing SSO (Single Sign-On) solution permits users to access multiple applications with the same login.

4. Adopt multi-factor authentication (MFA)

Multi-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to provide two or more verification factors such as a password, a unique code generated from a mobile app or a hardware token to gain access to systems. This additional step helps protect against unauthorized access even if passwords are compromised. Experts believe that multi-factor authentication should be standard for any access to an organization’s digital resources. Hence, making MFA mandatory for accessing sensitive data and critical systems within your organization is essential to thwart any cyber threat

5. Zero trust model

Zero Trust is a critical approach in modern cyber hygiene that operates on the principle of “never trust, always verify.” This model assumes that threats could be both external and internal, and thus, no user or device should be trusted by default. It requires continuous verification of user identities, device security, and access permissions for every request, regardless of location. Implementing zero trust involves strict access controls, segmenting networks, and using real-time analytics to detect and respond to potential threats. By adopting this approach, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of data breaches and enhance overall cybersecurity resilience.

6. Implement access controls

Implementing robust access controls and adhering to the principle of least privilege are essential for enhancing security. Access controls ensure that users only have the permissions necessary for their specific roles, reducing the risk of unauthorized actions. The principle of least privilege dictates that users are granted the minimal level of access required to perform their tasks, minimizing potential security vulnerabilities. According to the 2023 IBM Cost of a Data Breach Report, compromised credentials were involved in 15% of breaches. Regularly review and adjust access permissions to ensure they align with current job responsibilities.

7. Secure your network and use encryption

Protecting your network from unauthorized access is fundamental to cyber hygiene. Implement firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and intrusion prevention systems (IPS) to safeguard against external threats. The use of strong encryption algorithms ensures that data is inaccessible to unauthorized persons, even if intercepted. It is important to encrypt sensitive information both in transit and at rest, safeguarding it from potential breaches and unauthorized access. By combining resilient network defenses with comprehensive encryption practices, you can significantly enhance your overall security posture.

8. Monitor and respond to security incidents

Active monitoring of your IT environment can help detect and respond to security incidents in real time. You can implement security information and event management (SIEM) systems to collect and analyze data from various sources. The 2023 Gartner Magic Quadrant for SIEM indicates that proactive monitoring and incident response are critical for reducing the impact of security breaches. It is imperative to develop a comprehensive incident response plan and ensure it is tested regularly. 

9. Conduct regular security training and awareness programs 

Human error remains a leading cause of security incidents. Regular security training and awareness programs can educate employees about the latest threats, phishing scams, and best practices for maintaining security. The 2023 State of the Phish Report by Proofpoint revealed that more than 70% of employees admit to risky behavior that leaves them vulnerable, underscoring the need for continuous employee education. Training should be interactive and regularly updated to address evolving threats.

10. Stay informed and adapt to new threats

Cyber threats are constantly evolving, and staying informed about the latest trends and vulnerabilities is important for maintaining effective cyber hygiene. Subscribe to cybersecurity news, participate in industry forums, and engage with threat intelligence services. Also ensure that all mobile and remote devices are protected with strong passwords, encryption, and security software.

Conclusion

Risk management should be a priority for IT managers and business owners to reduce the chances of ransomware attacks, business email compromises, and unauthorized access to critical data. Cybersecurity is a significant concern for businesses of all sizes. Hackers are always finding new ways to exploit system vulnerabilities, which can lead to data loss, financial damage, and even physical harm. Improving your organization’s cyber hygiene is an ongoing process that requires vigilance, proactive measures, and continuous education through cybersecurity course. By implementing these ten essential steps, you can significantly enhance your organization’s resilience against cyber threats.