Cyber hygiene

Cyber hygiene best practices keep users, devices, networks, and data secure and reduce the risk of sensitive information falling into the hands of hackers. Performing these routine checks not only help guard against bad actors, but also help companies bounce back if a breach does occur. Beyond protecting against cyber attacks, cyber hygiene can also keep companies running efficiently, decrease operational issues, and make data easier to use.

Successful digital hacks usually take advantage of holes in security that could have been prevented with routine cyber hygiene checks. Here’s what CFOs need to know about creating and managing cyber hygiene best practices.

What are some cyber hygiene best practices?

• Back up files regularly to secondary locations in case the main network or server is affected. This should be done both at the individual employee level and across the organization.
• Run periodic training or fake phishing attempts to educate employees and keep them thinking about cyber security.
• Maintain malware protection and firewalls while controlling access and administrative privileges.
• Encourage strong passwords for employees and have a password policy. It’s also a good idea to invest in a password manager for employees. As an organization, use authentication systems to ensure employees are using approved devices.
• Keep software updated to address any security flaws.
• Embed encryption into platforms to keep data secure.
• Follow patch management best practices to reduce the risk of serious breaches.
• In a remote-first or hybrid workplace, invest in secure remote access tools to ensure the IT department can work on devices when needed.

Avoid poor cyber hygiene practices that contribute to security failures:

• Ignoring critical software patches.
• Delaying addressing known security flaws.
• Using inconsistent or insecure system configurations.
• Weak oversight of technical setup and maintenance.
• Misuse or poor management of admin access.