Top 5 Easy Steps Businesses Can Take to Reduce the Risk of a Cybersecurity Breach

Ryan Moore
Oct 12
4 min read

In today's digital landscape, cybersecurity breaches pose a significant threat to businesses of all sizes. According to recent data, the global cost of cybercrime is projected to reach $10.5 trillion by 2025.¹ For small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), the stakes are even higher, with 94% reporting at least one cyber-attack in the past 12 months.² The average cost of a data breach in 2025 has been estimated at around $4.44 million, underscoring the financial devastation these incidents can cause.³ At Team Moore LLC, we specialize in helping businesses fortify their defenses against these evolving threats. In this post, we'll outline five straightforward steps you can implement today to minimize your risk of a breach, hack, or data exposure. These measures are practical, cost-effective, and grounded in best practices from leading authorities.

1. Implement Strong Passwords and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to protect your business is by enforcing robust password policies and enabling MFA across all accounts. Weak or reused passwords are a common entry point for hackers, accounting for 81% of hacking-related breaches.⁴ MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification, such as a text code or app notification, making unauthorized access far more difficult.

To get started, audit your current passwords using tools like password managers, and mandate complex combinations of letters, numbers, and symbols. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) emphasizes that using strong passwords and MFA is a foundational best practice for preventing unauthorized access.⁵ By adopting these habits, businesses can reduce the risk of credential-stuffing attacks by up to 99%.⁶

2. Keep Software and Systems Updated Regularly

Outdated software is a hacker's playground, often containing vulnerabilities that can be exploited in cyberattacks. Regular updates patch these security holes, ensuring your systems remain protected against known threats.

Make it a routine to enable automatic updates for operating systems, applications, and antivirus programs. According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), keeping software current is essential for protecting information and networks from cyber attacks.⁷ In fact, unpatched vulnerabilities were responsible for 60% of cyber compromises in recent reports, highlighting the importance of this step.⁸ For businesses, this low-effort habit can prevent exploits that might otherwise lead to costly downtime or data loss.

3. Conduct Employee Cybersecurity Training

Human error remains one of the leading causes of data breaches, with phishing attacks comprising around 73% of breaches involving credential theft.⁹ Educating your team on recognizing and avoiding common threats like suspicious emails or links is crucial.

Offer regular training sessions—quarterly workshops or online modules—that cover topics such as identifying phishing attempts and safe internet practices. Resources from organizations like the FCC recommend establishing basic security practices and policies for employees to foster a culture of awareness.¹⁰ Studies show that well-trained employees can reduce the likelihood of successful social engineering attacks by over 70%.¹¹ This step empowers your workforce to act as the first line of defense.

4. Install and Maintain Antivirus Software and Firewalls

Basic security tools like antivirus software and firewalls provide essential barriers against malware, ransomware, and unauthorized network access. These solutions scan for threats in real-time and block malicious activity before it can cause harm.

Choose reputable antivirus programs and ensure they're configured for automatic scans and updates. The FCC advises providing firewall security for internet connections as a key measure for small businesses.¹² Additionally, integrating these with endpoint detection can further mitigate risks, as recommended in various cybersecurity frameworks.¹³ Implementing this step is straightforward and can prevent up to 98-99% of malware infections when properly maintained.¹⁴

5. Regularly Back Up Data and Encrypt Sensitive Information

In the event of a breach or ransomware attack, having secure backups ensures business continuity and minimizes data loss. Encryption adds another layer by rendering stolen data unreadable without the proper keys.

Schedule automated backups to offsite or cloud storage at least weekly, and test restores periodically. Experts from cybersecurity platforms stress the importance of encrypting data and creating backups to reduce cybersecurity risks.¹⁵ The World Economic Forum's Global Cybersecurity Outlook notes that proper data protection strategies are vital amid rising cyber risks.¹⁶ This practice not only aids recovery but also complies with data protection regulations, avoiding potential fines.

Conclusion: Strengthen Your Business's Defenses Today

By following these five easy steps, businesses can significantly lower their vulnerability to cybersecurity breaches without overwhelming resources. At Team Moore LLC, we're committed to providing tailored solutions to safeguard your operations. If you're ready to assess your current setup or implement advanced protections, visit our website at https://moore.team or contact us for a consultation. Remember, proactive measures today can prevent disasters tomorrow—stay secure!