When it comes to protecting your small business in Southeast Texas or Southwest Louisiana from cyberthreats, the basics still matter a lot. According to IBM’s 2023 Cost of a Data Breach Report, 82% of breaches involved cloud data—and most could have been prevented with simple security practices.
That’s where good “cyber hygiene” comes in. Think of it as the digital version of daily handwashing for your business. It’s not glamorous, but it’s necessary especially for local businesses in healthcare, construction, legal, retail, and other industries that rely on sensitive data and day-to-day digital operations.
Here are four essential cyber hygiene tips every business owner in Southeast Texas and Southwest Louisiana should implement right away:
- Lock down your network.
Whether you're running a dental office in Beaumont, a construction crew in Orange, or a retail store in Lake Charles, you need to keep your internet connection secure. That means encrypting sensitive data, using a firewall, and hiding your Wi-Fi network with a Service Set Identifier (SSID). Set strong passwords on your router, and make sure any remote workers connect via VPN. Your systems need to be protected whether your team’s in the office or working remotely. - Train your team (in plain English).
One careless click can compromise your entire business. That’s why every employee whether they’re scheduling patients or managing inventory needs basic security training. Teach your staff how to create strong passwords, use multi-factor authentication, recognize phishing emails, and avoid risky downloads. If your team is based in Southeast Texas or Southwest Louisiana, local IT providers like us can even handle that training for you. - Back up your data the right way.
If ransomware hits, your business shouldn’t grind to a halt. Backing up your critical data, things like HR files, financial records, and project files, is essential for any business in our region. Set backups to run automatically and store them securely in the cloud or off-site. This is especially important if you're in industries like healthcare or legal, where downtime or data loss can mean compliance issues or lost revenue. - Restrict access to sensitive info.
Not every team member needs access to everything. Limit access to only what’s required for each employee’s job. Make sure former employees are fully removed from your systems during offboarding. This simple step can prevent major headaches and reduce your exposure if something goes wrong.
Why This Matters for Local Businesses
For small businesses in places like Beaumont, Port Arthur, Lake Charles, and surrounding communities, the cost of poor cybersecurity isn’t just financial, it’s operational. A ransomware attack or data breach can bring your operations to a standstill, damage your reputation, and lead to fines or lost clients. Prevention is always cheaper and easier than cleanup.
Want to Get Ahead of the Threats?
Before your business becomes a headline, download our free Cybersecurity Crisis Report, an executive guide built for small business owners in Southeast Texas and Southwest Louisiana. It breaks down what today’s top threats are and how to protect your business from them. Schedule your free copy now: https://ntwo.com/free-network-assessment/
Worried About Your IT Setup? Get a Free IT Optimization Plan
If you're tired of computer issues, rising IT costs, or wondering if your current IT provider really has things under control, we can help. Our free IT Optimization Plan is designed for small business owners in Southeast Texas and Southwest Louisiana who want to uncover hidden vulnerabilities and eliminate tech headaches for good.
