- Uncategorized
- SMB
- Respond
- Recover
- Protect
- Phishing
- Password
- Newsletter
- Identify
- Govern
- Detect
- Daily Tips
- Cyber Skool Rools
- Cyber Digist
- All
- AI
Update security software regularly.
Security tools are only as good as their latest patch. Keep antivirus, EDR, firewalls, and monitoring platforms updated. Automate where possible, but verify manually. Outdated tools can miss new threats or become vulnerabilities themselves. For SMBs, regular updates mean staying ahead of attackers, not chasing them. Treat updates like armour upgrades, essential, not optional.
Follow secure hardware practices.
Hardware is often overlooked, but it’s foundational. Use devices with trusted firmware, disable unused ports, and apply BIOS/UEFI security settings. Physically secure critical systems and enforce device policies. For SMBs, secure hardware means fewer entry points, better endpoint control, and a stronger base for everything else. Don’t let a rogue USB undo your entire strategy.
Update security protocols regularly.
Security protocols should evolve with threats. Review and update them at least quarterly or after any incident. This includes password policies, incident response plans, access controls, and data handling procedures. Involve your team in the process to ensure protocols are practical and understood. Outdated rules can create blind spots or false confidence. By keeping protocols […]
Test security systems regularly.
Testing security systems is like checking your smoke alarms, don’t wait for a fire. Run regular vulnerability scans, penetration tests, and phishing simulations. Review firewall rules, access logs, and backup integrity. Even basic tests can reveal misconfigurations or outdated defences. Document findings and act on them. For SMBs, testing doesn’t need to be expensive, it […]
Review security updates frequently.
Security updates aren’t just patches, they’re shields against known threats. Review updates weekly, especially for operating systems, browsers, plugins, and third-party libraries. Subscribe to vendor advisories and automate where possible, but always test before deploying. Outdated software is a common attack vector, and SMBs can’t afford to leave doors open. Treat updates like brushing your […]
Update Software Libraries Regularly
Regularly updating software libraries is a critical step in maintaining a secure and stable environment, especially for SMBs relying on third-party tools and frameworks. Outdated libraries often contain known vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit, and patches are frequently released to fix these issues. By staying current, businesses reduce exposure to threats, improve performance, and ensure […]
Follow secure coding practices
Following secure coding practices is essential for building software that resists exploitation and protects user data. For SMBs, this means writing code with security in mind from the start, validating inputs, avoiding hardcoded credentials, and using up-to-date libraries. It also involves regular code reviews, threat modelling, and staying informed about common vulnerabilities like SQL injection […]
Review security policies periodically.
Review security policies periodically to ensure they remain relevant, effective, and aligned with current threats, technologies, and business operations. Cyber risks evolve quickly, and outdated policies create gaps that attackers can exploit. Regular reviews also help confirm compliance with legal, regulatory, and industry standards. Involving stakeholders across IT, operations, and management ensures policies reflect real-world […]
Implement Secure Access Controls
Implementing secure access controls is essential for protecting sensitive data and systems from unauthorized access. This involves defining user roles, enforcing strong authentication methods like multi-factor authentication (MFA), and applying the principle of least privilege to limit access to only what’s necessary. Regular audits and monitoring help detect anomalies and ensure compliance. By integrating these […]
Utilize intrusion detection systems.
Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) are essential tools for identifying and responding to unauthorized or suspicious activity within a network. By continuously monitoring traffic and system behaviour, IDS can detect anomalies, flag known attack patterns, and alert administrators before damage occurs. Whether signature-based or anomaly-driven, these systems help organizations stay ahead of threats by providing early […]
Encourage feedback on security practices.
Encouraging feedback on security practices helps build a stronger, more resilient culture. Employees often notice risks, inefficiencies, or suspicious activity that leadership may miss. By creating open channels for suggestions, incident reporting, and improvement ideas, organisations empower staff to play an active role in cyber defence. Regularly reviewing feedback, acting on valid concerns, and recognising […]
Recognize phishing websites.
Recognizing phishing websites is vital to avoid scams and protect sensitive data. Always check the web address carefully, phishing sites often use slight misspellings or extra characters. Look for the padlock icon and “https” to confirm a secure connection. Be cautious if the site urges you to act quickly, requests personal details, or looks poorly […]
Maintain good cybersecurity hygiene.
Encrypting email protects sensitive messages by converting them into unreadable code during transmission, ensuring only the intended recipient can access the content. This prevents interception, tampering, and unauthorized access, especially important when sharing confidential data like financial details, login credentials, or client information. Encryption also supports compliance with data protection regulations and reinforces trust between […]
Use secure data storage solutions.
Secure storage protects sensitive data from theft, loss, and unauthorized access by using encryption, access controls, and redundancy. Whether it’s client records, financial documents, or internal communications, storing data securely ensures it remains confidential, intact, and available when needed. It also supports compliance with legal and industry standards, reducing the risk of fines or reputational […]
Implement comprehensive security policies.
Clear policies act as a compass for consistent, secure behaviour across your team. They define expectations, outline responsibilities, and ensure everyone knows how to act, especially during high-pressure incidents. By setting standards for access, communication, and escalation, policies reduce confusion, support compliance with legal and industry requirements, and enable faster, more coordinated responses. In short, […]
Check for software updates regularly.
Regular updates fix known security flaws, close backdoors, and strengthen system defences against emerging threats. They also enhance performance by resolving bugs, improving compatibility, and optimizing resource use. By keeping software current, teams reduce the risk of exploitation, ensure smoother operations, and maintain compliance with security standards. In short, updates aren’t just maintenance, they’re proactive […]
Encourage the use of secure collaboration tools.
Secure tools act as the locked doors and soundproof walls of your team’s digital workspace. They encrypt messages, protect shared files, and ensure only authorised people can access sensitive discussions. By using platforms with built-in security features, such as end-to-end encryption, access controls, and activity monitoring, you reduce the risk of accidental or malicious data […]
Limit administrative privileges.
Limiting administrative rights significantly reduces your organisation’s attack surface by restricting the actions that users can take on a system. Without admin access, malicious software has fewer opportunities to install itself, change system settings, or spread laterally across the network. It also helps prevent accidental misconfigurations or deletions by well-meaning staff. By applying the principle […]