Running a business in Lancaster is no small feat. Between balancing budgets, managing employees, and making sure clients stay happy, IT security habits often end up on the back burner. But the truth is, most cyber incidents don’t start with a fancy hack. They start with a small mistake, like clicking a bad link or reusing a weak password.
The good news? Good employee security training and a few simple habits can make a huge difference. At ONE 2 ONE IT Solutions, we’ve helped countless SMBs in Lancaster build these habits, and we’ve seen how they prevent costly downtime and headaches.
Here are five habits you and your team can start practicing today.
1. Pause Before You Click
That “urgent” email saying your account will be shut down? Or the text that says you’ve won something? Scammers count on quick reactions. Taking five seconds to pause and think before clicking can protect your entire network.
Pro tip: Hover over links before clicking. If the URL looks off, send it to your IT partner for a quick review.
2. Make Passwords a Priority
It’s tempting to use the same password everywhere, especially when you’re busy. But strong, unique passwords are one of the simplest ways to keep cybercriminals out.
Think of passwords like keys. You wouldn’t use the same key for your office, car, and house, right? A password manager can make keeping track of unique logins easy.
3. Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
If there’s one IT security habit you should roll out across your team right now, it’s MFA. Adding that second layer of security means even if someone steals your password, they still can’t get in without your code or token.
It’s a small step that blocks a huge number of attacks, and it takes less than a minute to set up.
4. Keep Devices Up to Date
Software updates aren’t just for new features. They patch security gaps hackers love to exploit. Make updating your devices, browsers, and apps part of your weekly routine.
Or better yet, set updates to run automatically. That way you’re always protected, without having to think about it.
5. Speak Up, Fast
The faster your IT team knows about a suspicious email, a wrong click, or even a weird pop-up, the faster they can stop the problem. Encourage your team to speak up right away, no matter how small the issue seems.
At ONE 2 ONE IT Solutions, we remind clients that no one should ever feel embarrassed about reporting something. Silence is what turns a minor mistake into a major mess.
Start Small, Build Big
Strong IT security habits don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Start with one or two habits, talk about them in your next staff meeting, and keep the conversation going.
Because at the end of the day, cybersecurity isn’t just about software and firewalls. It’s about people. And when your people are trained and confident, your business is a whole lot safer.
Looking for More Security Insights?
Complete the form below to join the ONE 2 ONE cybersecurity newsletter. When you do, we’ll send you ’20 Ways to Protect Your Business from a Cyber Attack’.