5 Steps to Secure Your Business Against Cyber Threats

January 2025

Man leaning on a counter using a laptop, surrounded by coffee and coffee roasting equipment.

Online threats to businesses have continued to escalate each year—and now, AI is rapidly changing the game.

Malicious emails and texts are nothing new—you've probably received them at work and also at home. However, the rise of easily accessible AI tools has enabled bad actors to launch increasingly complex and sophisticated cyber attacks with far, far less effort. In fact, Google Cloud Security's Cyber Security Forecast 2025 report named AI-powered attacks as one of the top cybersecurity challenges business will face this year.1 

No matter your industry or the size of your business, you are responsible for protecting your business, safely managing customer data, and countering incoming cybersecurity threats.

Here are 5 steps all employees can take to help make your business safer and more cybersecure. And be sure to check out our full Business Cybersecurity Checklist for additional cybersecurity tips and best practices.

Step 1: Secure your internet network

Wi-Fi networks

Many customers have come to expect free Wi-Fi access to stay connected, so consider setting up two Wi-Fi networks: a public network for customers, and a private network for employee and business use. A private network will help keep your business data secure without compromising the customer experience.2  

Firewalls and anti-virus software

Protect against unauthorized access to your networks with a firewall. Each computer should also have anti-virus and anti-spyware software installed. Perform regular scans, and make sure these programs also work with the web services or cloud backups you use.

Hands using a laptop as graphics of a login screen and a padlock float above the keyboard.

Step 2: Train and educate employees on cyber safety

Next, get your employees on board. Educate everyone about the importance of cybersecurity, safeguarding sensitive data, and recognizing potential threats.

Know how to recognize email threats and phishing attempts

Email continues to be the number one entry point for criminals to launch cyber and ransomware attacks. Business email compromise was involved in at least 54 percent of reported attacks in 2024, and employee actions (e.g., falling prey to a social engineering scam) played a factor in 46 percent of breaches.3

With today's AI tools and automatic text generators, bad actors can create extremely convincing phishing emails—malicious emails that are designed to look legitimate—with just the click of a button.1,4  Phishing emails may appear to come from other employees, customers, or vendors that partner with your business. Unfortunately, small- to medium-sized businesses are particularly susceptible: In 2023, over one-third of businesses who reported an attack had fewer than 10 employees.5 

Common phishing tactics include requests to confirm personal information, attaching bogus invoices that contain malware, or sending urgent-sounding emails regarding an account or billing issue that requires you to enter your login credentials on a fake website.

One wrong click on a phishing email can result in a hacker gaining access to your entire business email system, financial information, customer data, and more. Similar attacks are also launched via text (known as smishing) or phone calls (vishing) so be sure to train employees on how to handle those, too.6

Step 3: Promote strong passwords and login security

Password management best practices

Use long, strong, and secure passwords, and change them on a regular basis. Best practices for password management include:

  • Avoid using the same password everywhere—each password should be unique.
  • Where possible, encourage the use of multi-factor authentication (MFA) to add an extra layer of protection for online accounts.
  • Password management software, such as Bitwarden or NordPass, can make it easier to keep track of multiple passwords.
  • Use a password strength checker to see how long it might take a hacker to crack it—your password might not be as strong as you think.

Step 4: Remember physical security, too

Online security is important, but don’t forget the basics of keeping your business physically secure. Through targeted, personal manipulation tactics—which are also a form of social engineering—it’s become far too easy for bad actors to gain access to a building, steal private information or data, and walk out before you even know they’re there.

Tips for a safe and secure business environment:

  • Keep all entrances, exits, and parking lots well-lit to keep employees, customers, and visitors safe.
  • Lock filing cabinets and other areas where you keep important data and financial records.
  • Maintain clear check-in and check-out procedures for visitors to prevent unauthorized access.
  • Make a separate, locked area for all servers and computer data storage.
  • Ensure your building is secure at all times, whether you’re open or closed.

Step 5: Be prepared for a worst-case scenario

Being thoughtful and proactive about cybersecurity can help keep your business protected and reduce your risk of falling victim to a cyberattack or data breach. However, there are a few additional ways you can be prepared to safely handle a situation if it does arise.

Make plans for business continuity and disaster recovery

First, consider making a business continuity and disaster recovery plan. Online threats and attacks can be just as disruptive and damaging as a natural disaster, whether it's losing revenue from a temporary shutdown or from damaged customer trust. Plus, if a data breach does happen, it's important to be transparent with customers about the incident and the steps you are taking in response.

For these reasons, having a recovery plan in place ahead of time can reduce the stress of being unprepared in the moment, should the worst happen.

Get additional protection and peace of mind

Cyber liability coverage can also help your business recover in the event of an attack. This coverage includes assistance with the costs of extortion threats, system restoration, liability fines, and more. Additional protection is also available to help pay for lost business income and extra expenses incurred due to an attack or breach.

 

The information we share on our site is intended to serve as a general overview. Please refer to your policy or contact your local independent agent for specific coverage details.

Sources: 1. "Cybersecurity Forecast 2025," Google Cloud Security, accessed January 7, 2025. | 2. Comcast Business, "Why businesses need both public and private Wi-Fi,” Houston Business Journal, September 9, 2019. | 3. "Hiscox Cyber Readiness Report 2024," Hiscox Group, accessed January 7, 2025. | 4. "How to Recognize and Avoid Phishing Scams,” U.S. Federal Trade Commission, September 2022. | 5. "Hiscox Cyber Readiness Report 2023," Hiscox Group, accessed February 9, 2024. | 6. "Avoiding Social Engineering and Phishing Attacks,” U.S. Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency, published February 1, 2021.

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