Cybersecurity Hygiene 101: What Every SMB Should Be Doing

Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). Multiple studies confirm that nearly half of all cyberattacks now involve SMBs. According to an Accenture report cited by the U.S. Small Business Administration, 43% of all cyberattacks target small businesses, yet only 14% are adequately prepared to defend themselves. SentinelOne’s research similarly found that 46% of all breaches in 2021 affected organizations with fewer than 1,000 employees, while StationX reports that almost half of SMBs experienced an attack within the last year alone. These numbers tell a clear story: attackers are targeting smaller organizations not because they hold the most valuable data, but because they are often less protected and easier to breach. 

Think of cybersecurity hygiene as your business’s version of digital handwashing. Just as regular hygiene practices prevent illness from spreading, proactive cybersecurity practices protect your systems from infections such as ransomware, phishing, and unauthorized access. 

The reality is that security is not only about investing in the latest tools. It’s about building the proper habits across people, processes, and technology. Inconsistent or reactive security practices leave openings that attackers can exploit. By contrast, consistent hygiene builds resilience, reduces downtime, and strengthens customer trust. And SMBs don’t need to face this challenge on their own. Collaborating with internal IT staff or a Managed Service Provider (MSP) can provide the expertise, visibility, and consistency required to stay ahead of today’s evolving threats. 

Building a Cybersecurity-First Culture 

The foundation of strong cybersecurity hygiene is cultural. Security cannot be left to a handful of specialists; it is a team sport. Every employee, from executives to front-line staff, plays a part in protecting sensitive data and company systems. User awareness remains one of the most effective defenses available because many breaches still originate from simple human errors, such as clicking on malicious links or falling for phishing scams. When leadership emphasizes security as a company-wide priority, employees are more likely to take training seriously and integrate safe practices into their daily routines. 

For organizations with internal IT teams, the MSP's role is to strengthen and extend those capabilities. MSPs can provide additional monitoring, expert guidance, and advanced tools that internal staff may not have the bandwidth or budget to manage on their own. For SMBs without any IT resources, an MSP becomes the central driver of proactive security, providing continuous monitoring, rapid incident response, and specialized expertise that would otherwise be out of reach. This collaboration ensures SMBs benefit from both strategic leadership and day-to-day operational defense, creating a stronger and more unified approach to security. 

Cybersecurity Hygiene Basics Every SMB Should Follow 

At Eberly Systems, we recently raised our minimum cybersecurity requirements for all customers due to the ongoing shift in the threat landscape. Baseline measures that were considered “good enough” a few years ago no longer provide adequate protection. Every SMB should start with strong identity and access management. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) across all accounts dramatically reduces the risk of unauthorized access, while least-privilege policies ensure employees have access only to the systems and data they truly need. When combined with secure password practices and regular updates, businesses significantly decrease their exposure to credential-based attacks. 

After establishing strong identity and access controls — including multi-factor authentication (MFA) and secure password practices — SMBs must turn their attention to email and cloud security. These platforms remain primary targets for cybercriminals, making strong defenses in these areas non-negotiable. Microsoft 365 data should be backed up regularly to protect against accidental deletion, data corruption, or ransomware encryption that could otherwise halt business operations. Identity threat protection tools add another layer of defense by detecting suspicious logins and alerting administrators before damage occurs. 

Advanced phishing and spam filtering solutions are equally important, as email remains one of the most common entry points for attackers. However, even the best technology cannot stop every attempt, which is why employee awareness is essential. At Eberly Systems, cybersecurity awareness training is a mandatory requirement for all new customers. Informed users are the first line of defense, and regular training ensures employees recognize threats, respond correctly, and maintain a security-first mindset across every digital platform. 

Device and endpoint protection is another essential component of cybersecurity hygiene. Modern threats move quickly, which is why real-time endpoint detection and response (EDR) is critical. Combined with managed browser security and content control, businesses can prevent employees from accessing malicious sites that could compromise systems. Regular updates and patching ensure that known vulnerabilities are closed before attackers exploit them. At the same time, consistent backups safeguard servers and workstations so data can be restored quickly if something goes wrong. 

Ongoing Cybersecurity Hygiene Maintenance 

Good hygiene is not a one-time exercise — it requires ongoing attention. Regular risk assessments and audits allow SMBs to identify and close security gaps before they become liabilities. By reviewing systems and processes on a scheduled basis, businesses can ensure that controls remain effective and aligned with current threats. But security doesn’t end with a quarterly audit — it must be sustained through continuous monitoring and ongoing employee education that keep defenses sharp long after the review is complete. 

Continuous monitoring is equally important. Cyber threats don’t adhere to business hours, which is why 24/7 monitoring provides enterprise-level visibility at a scale SMBs could not achieve on their own. Equally critical is having a documented incident response plan. When a breach occurs, confusion and delays can be more damaging than the attack itself. A clear plan that outlines responsibilities and response steps ensures everyone knows what to do under pressure. 

Employee education must also be treated as an ongoing practice rather than a one-time event. Cybersecurity awareness evolves quickly, and employees need regular refreshers to stay sharp. Simulated phishing campaigns are a practical way to test preparedness, reinforce training, and reduce the likelihood of costly human mistakes. By embedding cybersecurity education into the organization's rhythm, SMBs foster resilience at every level. 

Why Partnering With the Right MSP Is Critical 

No SMB can realistically implement, manage, and maintain all of these practices on its own. This is where the right MSP becomes indispensable. By partnering with an MSP, SMBs gain access to enterprise-level security tools without bearing enterprise-level costs. MSPs bring depth of expertise, continuous system monitoring, and the resources to respond quickly to threats. Instead of relying on a single overextended IT professional, SMBs can leverage a full team of specialists who understand how to secure systems and adapt to new attack methods. 

Beyond tools and talent, MSPs provide peace of mind. Compliance obligations, security audits, and incident response fall under a single umbrella, freeing business leaders to focus on growth rather than constantly worrying about risks. With the right partner, SMBs transform cybersecurity from a stress point into a strategic advantage. 

Start With the Basics, Build a Strong Foundation 

Cybersecurity hygiene is about more than checking boxes; it’s about protecting your reputation, your customers, and your revenue. By starting with the basics and maintaining consistency, SMBs can significantly reduce their risk and strengthen their resilience. The journey does not have to be overwhelming, especially with the right partner at your side.