5 Cybersecurity Tips Every Small Business Should Follow

Cyberattacks don't just target large corporations. In fact, small businesses are increasingly in the crosshairs because attackers know they often lack dedicated security resources. If you run a business in Albany, Corvallis, Salem, or anywhere in Oregon, these five steps can dramatically reduce your risk — and most of them cost little or nothing to implement.

Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Multi-factor authentication adds a second layer of security beyond just a password. Even if an attacker steals or guesses a password, they can't get in without the second factor — usually a code sent to a phone or generated by an app.

Enable MFA on every account that supports it, starting with email, banking, and any cloud applications your team uses. Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace both offer MFA at no additional cost. This single step blocks over 99% of automated account attacks.

Train Your Employees to Spot Phishing

Phishing emails are the number one way attackers get into small businesses. These emails look legitimate — they might appear to come from a vendor, a bank, or even a coworker — but they contain malicious links or attachments designed to steal credentials or install malware.

Regular security awareness training teaches your team to recognize phishing attempts. Even a quarterly 15-minute training session can reduce click rates on phishing emails by over 70%. Combine training with simulated phishing tests to measure improvement.

Back Up Your Data (and Test Your Backups)

Ransomware attacks encrypt your files and demand payment for the decryption key. If you have reliable, tested backups, you can restore your data without paying the ransom. If you don't, you're at the attacker's mercy.

Follow the 3-2-1 backup rule: keep 3 copies of your data, on 2 different types of media, with 1 copy stored off-site (cloud). Most importantly, test your backups regularly. A backup you've never tested is a backup you can't trust.

Keep Software and Systems Updated

Software updates aren't just about new features — they patch security vulnerabilities that attackers actively exploit. When you skip updates, you leave known holes in your defenses.

Enable automatic updates wherever possible. For business-critical systems where you need to test updates first, establish a regular patching schedule — ideally within 48 hours of a security patch being released. This includes operating systems, browsers, plugins, and firmware on network equipment.

Secure Your Network Perimeter

Your network is the gateway to everything. A properly configured firewall, segmented network, and encrypted Wi-Fi are the foundation of business security. Yet many small businesses are still running consumer-grade routers with default passwords.

Invest in a business-grade firewall with intrusion detection. Segment your network so that a compromised device can't reach everything. Use WPA3 encryption on Wi-Fi and create a separate guest network for visitors. Change all default passwords on network equipment immediately.

You Don't Have to Do This Alone

Implementing these five steps is a strong start, but cybersecurity is an ongoing process — not a one-time project. Threats evolve constantly, and staying ahead requires continuous monitoring, regular assessments, and expert guidance.

At Taggerung Solutions, we build cybersecurity into every managed IT plan. From endpoint protection and email filtering to employee training and incident response planning, we help Oregon businesses stay protected without the complexity. If you're not sure where your business stands, we offer free cybersecurity assessments — no strings attached.