When it comes to protecting your business from cyberthreats, the basics still matter—a lot. According to IBM’s 2023 Cost Of A Data Breach Report, 82% of breaches involved data stored in the cloud, and most could have been prevented with simple safeguards.
That’s where “cyber hygiene” comes in—your business’s version of daily handwashing. It may not be flashy, but for small businesses in Carmel, Indianapolis, and across Central Indiana, these essentials are the foundation of security, compliance, and client trust. Skip them, and you’re leaving the door open to ransomware, fines, and downtime.
Here are four cyber hygiene practices every healthcare practice, CPA firm, and law office should prioritize:
- Keep Your Network Secure
- Encrypt sensitive data and use a firewall.
- Protect and hide your WiFi network with a secure SSID.
- Require strong passwords on all routers.
- Ensure remote staff connect via a secure VPN.
For clinics, this protects patient health records. For financial firms, it guards client tax data. For law offices, it secures confidential case files.
- Train Your Team to Spot Threats
Human error causes most breaches. Every Indiana business should establish security policies covering:
- Strong passwords and MFA.
- Internet use guidelines.
- Safe handling of client data.
- Phishing awareness and suspicious download avoidance.
A well-trained staff is your best first line of defense.
- Back Up Critical Data
Don’t wait until ransomware strikes. Regular, automatic backups of documents, spreadsheets, HR files, financial data, and legal/medical records ensure business continuity. Store copies securely in the cloud or at an offsite server.
When your systems crash, backups mean you can keep serving patients, clients, or cases—without missing a beat.
- Limit Data Access
Restrict employee access to only the systems they need. No one person should have access to all data. Remove ex-employee access immediately as part of offboarding.
For healthcare, that’s HIPAA compliance. For accountants, that’s audit readiness. For lawyers, that’s client confidentiality.
Security Is Worth the Investment
Cyber hygiene can feel like a hassle, but it’s far less costly than suffering a breach. The average data breach now costs millions in lost business, legal fees, and recovery expenses. For small businesses in Indiana, that’s often a game-ender.
Get Ahead of the Threats
Not sure how your business stacks up? Our FREE Cybersecurity Risk Assessment will uncover vulnerabilities, identify gaps, and provide a step-by-step plan to strengthen your cyber hygiene—fast.
👉 Schedule your assessment today: https://www.mypropellerheads.com/free-network-assessment/
