Cybersecurity does not always begin with a major purchase. Many organizations can reduce avoidable risk by tightening the controls they already have and confirming that those controls still work.
Use this six-point check as a practical Cybersecurity Awareness Month reset.
1 Strengthen sign ins
Enable multi-factor authentication on email, banking, payroll, cloud storage, remote access and other business-critical applications. Then plan a move toward phishing-resistant options such as passkeys or security keys. Microsoft reports that phishing-resistant MFA can stop more than 99 percent of password-based identity attacks, even when an attacker has the correct username and password.
2 Remove unused accounts
Review accounts belonging to former employees, contractors and vendors. Disable what is no longer needed and confirm that offboarding covers every system — not only email.
3 Reduce administrator access
Administrator accounts can install software, change settings and disable protections. Give elevated access only when the job requires it and use a standard account for ordinary work.
4 Turn on automatic updates
Enable updates for computers, phones, browsers, office software, security tools and critical business applications. Updates close known vulnerabilities that attackers actively seek.
5 Stop reusing passwords
Use an approved password manager to create and store unique credentials. Shared passwords should be replaced with individual accounts whenever possible so access can be traced and removed.
6 Test a backup restore
Do not stop at confirming that a backup completed. Restore a file or system, document how long the process takes and verify that the recovered information is usable. A backup becomes a continuity plan only when recovery has been tested.
Turn a checklist into a routine
Assign an owner and review date to each improvement. The goal is not to complete a one-time exercise; it is to create a repeatable rhythm that keeps protection aligned as your people, systems and risks change.
Heritage Digital helps leaders prioritize the improvements that matter most, confirm that protections are configured correctly and build a practical path forward.
Not sure which of these six improvements to address first? Talk with Heritage Digital about reviewing your security environment and identifying your priorities. Call 843-699-1001 or email info@heritagedigital.com.
About the Author
Marty Parker
Owner & CEO
Marty is the Owner & CEO of Heritage Digital. With over 30 years of experience in building and leading top-notch IT teams, Marty has a rich background in both the manufacturing and healthcare sectors. He spent 13 years in each industry before taking the helm at Heritage Digital. Before leading Heritage Digital, he served as the CIO of Carolinas Hospital System (now MUSC Health Florence Medical Center). Marty is dedicated to educating and safeguarding people from cyber threats.
