Hackers don’t sleep. They don’t take lunch breaks. And they definitely don’t wait until Monday to strike. All they need is one weak spot — a dodgy Wi-Fi-verbinding at home, a forgotten update, or that one colleague who still uses “123456” as a password.
But don’t worry, we’ve got your back. Here are 10 ways to seriously ruin a hacker’s day (and protect your business while you’re at it).
1. Close the backdoor for remote workers
Working from home is great. Until someone logs in from a coffee shop Wi-Fi called “Free Internet!!!”. Get solid Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR) and consider external specialists for Managed Detection & Response. Security is not a solo mission!
2. Fewer tools, more control
If your IT stack looks like a plate of spaghetti, it’s time for a cleanup. Streamline your tools. Focus on what actually helps and ditch the overlapping stuff. Less clutter, more clarity. And a smaller attack surface.
3. C-level, roll up your sleeves
Security isn’t just an IT issue. Executives must understand what a cyberattack means for the business. And CISOs? They need to explain risks in clear business terms to the board. Knowing what’s at stake is the first step toward action.
4. Start with the basics
Multi-factor authentication, updates, and vulnerability management. The basics. Not sexy, but absolutely necessary. You’d be surprised how many companies neglect them. You wouldn’t skip locking your front door, right? Same deal here. Don’t forget your response plan: who does what when things go south?
5. Security mindset 2.0
You moved to the cloud, nice. But if you’re still securing it like an old-school network, congrats — you just built a digital sandcastle. Use the tools your cloud provider gives you and build with the new rules.
6. Focus on your crown jewels
Not everything in your systems is equally juicy for attackers. Know what matters (your critical data and core processes) and protect those first. A decent Detection & Response setup (maybe with help from an external SOC) keeps your crown jewels under lock and key.
7. Train your employees as the first line of defense
Cybercriminals are getting smarter, so your employees must too. Simulate phishing attacks, practice incident response, and ensure everyone knows what to do when something happens. A well-trained employee is worth their weight in gold.
8. Trust nothing, verify everything (Zero Trust)
The old idea of a “trusted internal network” is as outdated as floppy disks. Zero Trust says: trust nothing, verify everything. No one gets in without a badge, not even Dave from accounting.
9. Secure your supply chain
Many attacks come through suppliers. Set strict security requirements for your partners and conduct audits. Cybercriminals take the easiest route, make sure it’s not through your supply chain.
10. Be prepared for an attack
It’s not a matter of if but when you’ll be targeted. What matters is how you respond. Do you freeze like a Windows 98 machine, or do you switch into action mode like a well-oiled SOC? Test your plan, train your team, and never panic in production.
Want to ensure optimal cybersecurity with the help of an experienced IT consulant? We’re here to help!
Get in touch and leave hackers in the dust!
