5 Simple Security Wins for Small Teams
Published
Small teams do not need enterprise tools or a full‑time security department to get noticeably safer. A few practical changes around passwords, updates, devices, and training can block many of the attacks that most often hit small businesses. [web:0]
1. Move passwords into a manager and turn on MFA
Start by storing logins in a shared password manager instead of browsers, spreadsheets, or notebooks, so accounts stay strong and can be handed over safely when roles change. Then enable multi‑factor authentication on core systems like email, banking, and admin portals so a stolen or guessed password alone is no longer enough to get in. [web:0]
2. Keep laptops and phones updating automatically
Turn on automatic updates for operating systems, browsers, and key apps so security patches install in the background without waiting for someone to remember. This closes well‑known holes that attackers regularly scan for and removes a lot of risk with almost no extra work for your team. [web:0]
3. Standardise how devices are locked
Set a simple baseline for every company device: strong PINs or biometric unlock, and screens that lock after a short period of inactivity. That way, a misplaced laptop or phone is an inconvenience, not an open door into email, cloud storage, and internal systems.
4. Turn on simple, reliable backups for business data
Use built‑in options like Microsoft OneDrive, Google Drive, or another reputable backup tool so documents and shared folders are copied automatically to the cloud. With version history and central storage in place, you can recover from hardware failure, ransomware, or accidental deletion without starting from scratch. [web:0]
5. Walk the team through real phishing examples
Spend a short session showing staff real‑world fake login pages, invoice scams, and “urgent” messages that try to rush people into clicking. Give them a simple rule: if something feels off, stop, verify through a trusted channel, and ask for a second opinion before entering passwords or paying invoices.
Once these basics are in place, more advanced steps—such as central log monitoring, conditional access rules, and deeper endpoint hardening—have a much better chance of working because the everyday weak spots are already under control. [web:0]