9 Tips On How To Prevent a Cyberattack: Cybersecurity Starts With You
9 Tips On How to Prevent a Cyberattack: Why Cybersecurity Starts with You
61% of small and midsize businesses (SMBs) are more concerned with a cyberattack putting them out of business than any other threat, and with good reason; the average data breach costs SMBs hundreds of thousands of dollars, not to mention the damage to customer trust and brand reputation.
A managed service provider (MSP) plays a critical role in protecting your business with advanced technology, constant monitoring, and proactive defenses. But here’s the truth, many organizations overlook: the strongest cybersecurity strategy still depends on individual responsibility.
In this guide, we’ll walk through how MSPs protect your business and, more importantly, what you can do to prevent an attack from happening in the first place.
Why Cybersecurity Needs Both Technology and People
Cyberattacks don’t always happen because a hacker has found a flaw in your network. More often, they succeed because of human error, clicking a phishing email, using a weak password, or ignoring a software update.
An MSP’s job is to:
Monitor systems 24/7 for unusual activity.
Apply patches and updates to fix known vulnerabilities.
Manage secure backups and disaster recovery solutions.
Implement firewalls, encryption, and multi-factor authentication (MFA).
But no amount of security software can completely protect against poor habits or a lack of awareness. That’s why cybersecurity starts with every employee making smart, security-conscious decisions.
9 Tips to Strong Cybersecurity
1. Use Unique, Strong Passwords
Weak or reused passwords are one of the top causes of data breaches. If your password for one account is leaked in a breach, cybercriminals will try it on your email, banking, and work accounts.
Best Practices:
Create passwords that are at least 12 characters long, with a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols.
Use a password manager to generate and store complex passwords securely.
Never reuse passwords across accounts.
MSP Advantage:
A good MSP will enforce strong password policies and multi-factor authentication to reduce the risk of compromised credentials.
2. Keep Software Updated
Software updates aren’t just about new features; they often patch security vulnerabilities that hackers exploit. Delaying updates means leaving the door open to attackers.
Best Practices:
Enable automatic updates for operating systems, applications, and security software.
Don’t ignore update reminders, especially for browsers and antivirus programs.
MSP Advantage:
An MSP will manage updates across your business, ensuring every device is patched and secure without disrupting workflow.
3. Train Employees in Security Awareness
Your employees are your first line of defense. Without training, they might not recognize phishing scams, suspicious links, or fraudulent phone calls.
Best Practices:
Conduct regular cybersecurity training sessions.
Share examples of phishing attempts so employees can spot them.
Teach employees how to report suspicious activity quickly.
MSP Advantage:
MSPs often offer ongoing training programs with simulated phishing tests to keep your team alert and prepared.
4. Back Up Your Data Regularly
Ransomware attacks can encrypt your files and demand payment to restore them. If you have recent backups, you can recover data without giving in to hackers.
Best Practices:
Follow the 3-2-1 rule: Keep 3 copies of your data, on 2 different types of media, with 1 stored offsite.
Test backups regularly to ensure they can be restored.
MSP Advantage:
An MSP will automate secure backups, store them in encrypted locations, and help recover files quickly in an emergency.
5. Limit Access to Sensitive Information
Not every employee needs access to all company data. Limiting access reduces the damage a single compromised account can cause.
Best Practices:
Apply role-based access control (RBAC) so employees only see what they need for their job.
Disable accounts immediately when employees leave the company.
MSP Advantage:
MSPs can set and enforce these permissions, reducing insider threats and accidental data exposure.
6. Secure Your Network with Firewalls and Encryption
A strong network security foundation keeps attackers out before they can reach your systems.
Best Practices:
Use firewalls to block unauthorized traffic.
Encrypt sensitive data in transit and at rest.
Secure your Wi-Fi with strong passwords and WPA3 encryption.
MSP Advantage:
MSPs design, implement, and maintain network security measures, ensuring they stay up-to-date against evolving threats.
7. Develop an Incident Response Plan
Even the best defenses can’t guarantee 100% protection. The difference between a minor disruption and a major disaster often comes down to how quickly you respond. You should work with your MSP to define an Incident Response Plan for your workplace.
Best Practices:
Document step-by-step actions to take if a breach occurs.
Assign responsibilities so everyone knows their role.
Review and update the plan regularly.
MSP Advantage:
MSPs can provide rapid response teams who can work alongside your response team to isolate threats, mitigate damage, and get your business running again.
8. Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Passwords alone aren’t enough. MFA requires an additional verification step, like a text code or authentication app, before granting access.
Best Practices:
Enable MFA for email, banking, and any application with sensitive data.
Use authentication apps instead of SMS when possible for stronger security.
MSP Advantage:
An MSP can enforce MFA across all business systems to prevent unauthorized logins, even if passwords are stolen.
9. Beware of Social Engineering Attacks
Hackers often manipulate people into giving up sensitive information by posing as trusted contacts.
Best Practices:
Verify requests for sensitive data through a second communication channel.
Never click links or open attachments from unknown senders.
MSP Advantage:
MSPs can set up email filtering, monitoring, and verification processes to catch scams before they reach employees.
Your Role in Preventing a Cyberattack
Cybersecurity isn’t just an IT department’s job, it’s everyone’s responsibility. Every time you create a password, open an email, or connect to Wi-Fi, you make choices that can protect or endanger your business.
The 61% of SMBs worried a cyberattack could end their business aren’t wrong to be concerned. But with a trusted MSP by your side and a team committed to following best practices, you can dramatically reduce your risk.
Next Steps to Protect Your Business
Assess your current cybersecurity posture — identify gaps before attackers do.
Work with an MSP that offers 24/7 monitoring, patch management, secure backups, and employee training.
Commit to personal responsibility — because cybersecurity truly starts with you.
Make Sure Your MSP Is Properly Protecting You
Lastly, although cybersecurity starts with you, your MSP should properly protect you. If you’re concerned your IT provider isn't protecting you the right way,
Download our free MSP Assessment Checklist and identify the gaps that need to be filled.
🔗DOWNLOAD OUR FREE MSP ASSESSMENT CHECKLIST
Protect Your Business with TCI
At TCI, we don’t just manage your IT, we partner with you to build a security culture that protects your data, your employees, and your reputation. From 24/7 monitoring and network security to employee training and disaster recovery, we deliver comprehensive protection tailored to your business needs.
Don’t wait until after a cyberattack to strengthen your defenses. Contact TCI today to schedule your free Cybersecurity Assessment and take the first step toward complete protection.
