Cyber Hygiene 101: Simple Daily Practices for SMEs

32% of UK SMEs still have no cyber security measures in place. That's not just risky - it's an open door for ransomware, data loss, and downtime.

The good news? You don't need a six-figure IT budget to build strong defences. In this week's Cyber Security Awareness Month blog, we'll break down daily and weekly habits that protect your business, your team, and your clients - all without slowing you down.

Let's make cyber hygiene second nature in your workplace.

What is Cyber Hygiene?

Think of cyber hygiene like personal hygiene: brushing your teeth, washing your hands, getting check-ups. You don't wait for a problem to appear - you take small, regular actions to stop issues before they start.

Cyber hygiene is the same idea.

• It's keeping your system clean
• Your data backed up
• Your people aware
• Your defences up to date

"We've stopped countless ransomware attacks simply because our clients had good cyber hygiene. The biggest mistake we see is businesses assuming they're fine because 'nothing's gone wrong yet'. That's like never locking your office because you haven't been burgled - yet."

Your 10-Point Cyber Hygiene Checklist

Here are the essentials every Manchester SME should be doing - no excuses, no jargon.

1. Keep software updated
2. Use antivirus and endpoint protection
3. Backup your data (and test it)
4. Remove ex-employee access
5. Secure admin accounts
6. Block unused ports and applications
7. Train staff to spot threats
8. Regularly review devices
9. Monitor for breach signs
10. Have a simple incident plan

"It's not about perfection. It's about progress. We help clients build simple, repeatable routines. If you do these basics well, you block 90% of threats before they start".

Think This is Too Basic?

Here's the truth: most breaches happen because of the basics being skipped. Not because you didn't have AI cyber tools or a SOC team.

• WannaCry hit the NHS because of an unpatched Windows system
• Small firms across Manchester have been crippled by ransomware because their backups failed, or no one tested them
• Most phishing attacks work because users haven't had training in months

How Apex Keeps You Covered

We work with over 180 businesses across Greater Manchester - from legal firms to manufacturers - to keep their cyber hygiene tight and consistent. Here's what we can take off your plate:

• Fully Managed Cyber Security: From patching to backups to antivirus and email filtering - all in one service
• Routine System Checks: Automated alerts, scheduled health checks, and proactive issue fixing
• Staff Awareness Training: Phishing simulation training, cyber attack simulations, password safety, and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) devices
• Backup and Disaster Recovery: We configure, test, and manage secure backups for total peace of mind
• 24/7/365 Threat Detection: Get alerted the moment something suspicious appears on your network or devices
• Cyber Essentials Certification Support: We help SMEs achieve and maintain Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus - including hygiene audits and remediation

Resources to Help You Start Today

Download

Our FREE Cyber Hygiene Checklist for SMEs - print it, pin it, use it!

Read

Our Cyber A-Z Jargon Buster.

Explore

Our all-inclusive cyber security package - the Apex Cyber Security Sphere.

Talk to Us

Get a free cyber health check for your business. Contact our team - no hard sell, just honest advice.

Final Word: Small Habits = Big Protection

You lock your office doors every night - cyber security should be just as routine. You don't need to do everything at once. Start with the checklist, automate what you can, and review your habits monthly. If you need help, we're just down the road (and only a phone call away).

Up Next in Cyber Security Awareness Month

We dive into passwords, and what your 'Summer2024!' password could be doing to your business.

How many passwords do you reuse?