If you’re not regularly reviewing your business’s cybersecurity setup, you’re not just behind—you may already be at risk.
Cybercriminals aren’t just targeting big corporations. Small and mid-sized businesses are now their favorite targets—and with new threats evolving every month, what worked last year might not be enough today.
This is where cyber hygiene comes in.
Think of cyber hygiene like your regular health checkup—but for your IT infrastructure. It’s the process of reviewing, updating, and securing your business’s digital systems to prevent breaches, downtime, and data loss.
Why Cyber Hygiene Matters Now More Than Ever
Cybersecurity isn’t just a one-and-done setup. It’s a living system—one that needs to evolve with your business and the threat landscape.
Here’s why a regular security refresh is essential:
- Threats Are Constantly Evolving
New malware strains, phishing tactics, and ransomware variants emerge daily. If your systems haven’t been updated or reviewed in the past 3–6 months, you’re vulnerable.
- Employees and Devices Change
From new hires to remote workers to personal device use (BYOD), every access point is a potential risk if not properly secured and monitored.
- Compliance Requirements Are Increasing
Whether you handle healthcare data, payment information, or customer records, staying compliant with HIPAA, PCI, or other regulations means reviewing your cybersecurity practices regularly.
- Cyber Incidents Are Expensive
According to IBM, the average cost of a data breach in 2024 was over $4.45 million. For small businesses, even a fraction of that can be devastating.
Signs Your Business Is Due for a Cybersecurity Refresh
- You’re using outdated antivirus or firewall software
- Passwords haven’t been changed in over six months
- You’re still using personal email or shared logins for business accounts
- Your backups aren’t automated or tested
- Employees haven’t had recent cybersecurity training
- You’ve had turnover and didn’t remove or update former employee access
- You have no written incident response or recovery plan
Sound familiar? Let’s dig deeper.
Your Cyber Hygiene Checklist
Here’s a practical breakdown of what every business should evaluate at least once a year—and how CHQ’s MSP Services can take the burden off your plate.
✅ 1. Update and Patch All Software
Outdated systems are one of the most common ways hackers gain access.
What to check:
- Operating systems on all devices
- Antivirus and firewall software
- Business apps (QuickBooks, Office 365, POS systems, etc.)
CHQ Solution: We handle patch management for you—automatically updating and securing all critical systems through our remote monitoring tools.
✅ 2. Review User Access and Permissions
Only give employees access to what they need—and remove access when they leave.
What to check:
- Current and former user accounts
- Admin vs. standard access levels
- Shared logins and credentials
CHQ Solution: We implement secure access controls, password vaults, and set up role-based permissions to prevent misuse or accidental exposure.
✅ 3. Audit Password Policies
Passwords should be long, unique, and updated regularly.
What to check:
- Are employees using strong passwords?
- Are passwords stored in unsecured places?
- Is 2FA/MFA enabled?
CHQ Solution: We help businesses roll out enterprise-grade password management systems, with 2FA and secure credential sharing.
✅ 4. Back Up Data—Then Test the Backups
Backups are your safety net during a ransomware attack or hardware failure—but only if they actually work.
What to check:
- Are backups automatic and encrypted?
- Are you backing up locally, to the cloud, or both?
- When was the last time a recovery was tested?
CHQ Solution: With CHQ’s MSP services, your data is backed up securely and regularly—plus we run test recoveries to ensure your backups are reliable.
✅ 5. Update Your Firewall and Endpoint Protection
A firewall that hasn’t been configured or updated lately might as well not exist.
What to check:
- Are firewalls installed and configured properly?
- Are all endpoints (desktops, laptops, phones) protected?
CHQ Solution: We deploy and manage next-gen firewalls and endpoint detection software as part of your managed service plan.
✅ 6. Train Your Team on Cyber Threats
Your people are the front line. One wrong click can open the door to disaster.
What to check:
- When was your last employee training?
- Do employees know how to recognize phishing attempts?
- Are you running simulated phishing tests?
CHQ Solution: We provide cybersecurity training, phishing simulations, and ongoing employee awareness programs.
✅ 7. Create or Update Your Incident Response Plan
If something goes wrong, your team should know what to do and who to call.
What to check:
- Do you have a documented response plan?
- Do employees know the reporting process?
- Who is your emergency IT contact?
CHQ Solution: We help you build a practical incident response plan, with clear steps and priority contacts in place.
Why CHQ’s MSP Services Make All This Easy
Maintaining good cyber hygiene doesn’t have to drain your time or budget. With Computer Headquarters’ MSP Services, we handle everything for you—seamlessly and proactively.
Here’s what’s included in our MSP plans:
- 🔐 24/7 System Monitoring
- 📦 Automated Software Updates
- 🛡 Advanced Antivirus & Firewall Management
- 🔑 Secure Password & Access Controls
- ☁️ Cloud & Local Data Backups
- 🎓 Employee Cybersecurity Training
- ⚠️ Threat Alerts & Monthly Reporting
- 📞 Unlimited IT Support and Helpdesk
We tailor our services to local Southeast Alaska businesses—whether you’re a single-location office, nonprofit, or growing team with remote staff.
Let CHQ Give Your Cybersecurity a Clean Bill of Health
Cyber hygiene isn’t just a buzzword—it’s your business’s digital health. And just like your physical health, neglect leads to problems that are harder and more expensive to fix later.
Don’t wait for a breach to realize your systems are out of date.
Contact us today for a free cyber hygiene check and see how our MSP services can keep your business protected, productive, and future-ready.
