I'm wondering what a small business with under 20 employees should focus on when it comes to building a strong cybersecurity stance, especially since we don't have dedicated IT staff and handle sensitive customer data. If you could recommend the top three priorities for setting up a minimal yet effective cybersecurity infrastructure, what would they be?
5 Answers
Understanding your industry's regulatory environment is critical. For sensitive customer data, classify it properly and create policies around it. Security isn't just about installing software—it's about knowing what data you have and how to protect it.
In my opinion, focusing on backups, employing EDR solutions, and creating usage policies for corporate devices are key. Initially, I thought usage policy was crucial, but I’d swap that for ensuring you're compliant with any data regulations relevant to your operations.
If you're primarily using Windows, I recommend starting with a Microsoft 365 Business Premium plan. It includes a lot of essential features like Intune for device management, Microsoft Defender for Business for endpoint security, and Conditional Access with MFA for better authentication security. This setup covers most of the basics you'll need for secure operations.
Great suggestions! Just to clarify, many of the mentioned features, like Teams and OneDrive for backups, should also be included in that Business Premium plan.
The common misconception is that small businesses aren't targets, but that's far from the truth. Focusing on layered security measures is crucial, like having a reliable EDR solution and a next-gen firewall. Also, ensure you have a solid backup and disaster recovery plan.
Companies without IT support should consider hiring a managed service provider (MSP). A good MSP can conduct an initial assessment and maintain your systems. They can help you identify necessary technology solutions and ensure those systems are secured properly, especially if you're handling sensitive data and compliance requirements.
Absolutely! For a team of your size, dealing with IT internally can be overwhelming. An MSP can streamline your cybersecurity approach and save you from future headaches.
Absolutely! For Conditional Access policies, consider restricting logins to your country to minimize risks if users typically don’t work abroad. Implementing rules for compliant devices will also significantly bolster your defenses.