1. Create a Strong Password Policy
- Enforce a minimum of 12–16 characters with a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols.
- Prohibit common passwords (e.g., “password123”, “admin”, etc.).
- Implement password expiration policies (e.g., change every 90 days).
- Use a password manager for securely storing and managing passwords.
- Enforce account lockout after multiple failed login attempts.
2. Enforce Multifactor Authentication (MFA)
- Require MFA for all critical accounts, including email, cloud services, and admin accounts.
- Prefer phishing-resistant MFA methods (e.g., FIDO2 security keys, biometric authentication).
- Avoid using SMS-based authentication when possible; use app-based authentication (Google Authenticator, Authy, Microsoft Authenticator, etc.) instead.
- Ensure backup options are in place in case of MFA failure.
3. Perform Regular Backups of Critical Data
- Implement automated backups for all business-critical data.
- Use the 3-2-1 backup rule
- Regularly test backup restoration to ensure data integrity.
- Encrypt backups to protect sensitive information.
– Keep 3 copies of data.
– Store on 2 different types of media (e.g., local & cloud).
– Keep 1 copy offsite (e.g., offline or air-gapped).
4. Keep Current with Software Patches and Security Updates
- Enable automatic updates for all operating systems and software.
- Patch critical vulnerabilities immediately, especially zero-day threats.
- Monitor vendor security advisories for new vulnerabilities.
- Regularly update antivirus and endpoint security solutions.
5. Lock Down Your Cloud Environments
- Enable access controls and follow the principle of least privilege (PoLP).
- Use strong authentication (MFA) for all cloud accounts.
- Encrypt sensitive data stored in the cloud.
- Regularly audit access logs for suspicious activities.
- Ensure compliance with industry standards (ISO 27001, NIST, GDPR, etc.).
6. Secure Your Network
- Segment your network to limit lateral movement.
- Use firewalls and intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS).
- Enforce secure Wi-Fi policies (disable WPS, use WPA3 encryption).
- Implement zero-trust security principles.
- Monitor network traffic and logs for anomalies.
- Regularly conduct penetration testing and vulnerability scans.
Here’s a summary of cybersecurity hygiene practices that are free but have a huge impact on strengthening defenses:
Free Cybersecurity Hygiene Practices That Make a Big Impact
- Use Strong Passwords & a Password Manager – Create long, unique passwords and use a free password manager like Bitwarden.
- Enable Multifactor Authentication (MFA) – Activate MFA for all accounts to add an extra layer of security.
- Regularly Back Up Important Data – Store backups on cloud services or external hard drives.
- Keep Software & Devices Updated – Enable automatic updates to fix vulnerabilities.
- Secure Your Cloud Accounts – Use strong access controls and review login activity.
- Protect Your Wi-Fi & Network – Use WPA3 encryption, disable WPS, and change default router passwords.
- Stay Alert for Phishing Scams – Verify email senders and avoid clicking on suspicious links.
- Use Free Security Tools – Install free antivirus software like Windows Defender or Avast.
- Limit Account Permissions – Follow the principle of least privilege (PoLP) to prevent unauthorized access.
- Regularly Audit & Monitor – Check security logs and account activity to detect anomalies.
