Cybersecurity Spring Cleaning

Spring is the perfect time to refresh and reorganize, and that includes your organization’s cybersecurity. Just like cleaning out closets, your digital environment needs attention too. Cyber threats are constantly evolving, and outdated security practices can leave an organization vulnerable to attacks.

The following is a quick check-list to help tighten security and improve efficiency. First and foremost, we always recommend enlisting the support of a professional Information Technology firm to best manage and protect your organization from ever-evolving threats.

Clean-Up User Accounts and Permissions

Over time, employees leave, roles change, and temporary accounts get forgotten, all of which create potential security gaps. Old, forgotten or inactive accounts are prime targets for hackers looking for an easy way into your system.

• Review all user accounts and remove inactive or outdated ones.
• Limit access to sensitive information based on the principle of least privilege.
• Require multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all logins.

Update and Strengthen Passwords

Weak passwords are one of the most common entry points for cyberattacks. Avoid using common phrases or personal details in passwords. Hackers use automated tools to guess these quickly.

• Require complex passwords (mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols).
• Encourage using a password manager for secure storage.
• Implement a policy for changing passwords regularly and complexity standards.

Update Software

Outdated software and operating systems are full of vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit. Security patches fix known issues that cybercriminals target. Keeping your software updated is an easy way to stay protected.

• Update all operating systems and software to the latest versions.
• Remove any unused or outdated programs.
• Enable automatic updates where possible.

Review and Test Backup Systems

Having backups is essential, but they’re useless if they’re not working properly. Ransomware and data breaches can cripple a business. Strong backups ensure you can recover quickly.

• Confirm that all critical data is backed up regularly.
• Test your backup recovery process to ensure quick restoration in case of an attack.
• Store backups securely in a separate location or on a cloud-based platform.

Audit Third-Party Access

Vendors and third-party service providers often have access to your systems. It is important that they are also following secure practices. A breach at a third-party provider can compromise your organization’s data security.

• Review all third-party access permissions.
• Ensure vendors meet your security standards.
• Terminate access for inactive or unnecessary third-party accounts.

Educate Your Team on Cybersecurity Best Practices

Human error is one of the leading causes of security breaches. An informed team is your first line of defense against cyber threats.

• Conduct a cybersecurity refresher training.
• Teach employees how to identify phishing attempts and suspicious activity.
• Encourage a “report it, don’t ignore it” policy.
• Incorporate ongoing training for your team with cybersecurity updates.

Taking time to clean up your digital environment strengthens your organization’s defenses, reduces the risk of breaches, and ensures smoother day-to-day operations. Proactively addressing weak points saves time, money, and stress.

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* MPAY LLC dba Payentry (Company), is not a law firm. This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon in reaching a conclusion in a particular area of law. Applicability of the legal principles discussed may differ substantially in individual situations. Receipt of this or any other Company materials does not create an attorney-client relationship. The Company is not responsible for any inadvertent errors that may occur in the publishing process.