One of the few industries that will never see budget cuts is security – especially cyber security. As the world grows ever more complex and connected, our valuable information is increasingly exposed to malicious actors from all corners of the globe. However, there are experts working behind the scenes to fight the good fight, thwarting the hackers with ingenious new technologies such as the self-healing BIOS, self-encrypting drives, and pre-boot authentication systems. But while these guardians are feverishly battling on our behalf, all too often we turn out to be our own worst enemy. Cutting corners, clicking on dodgy links and downloading untrustworthy materials – sometimes we bring it on ourselves. So, here are a few good habits that will help prevent you from falling prey to today’s cyber-villains:
1. Be password-savvy:
We all know strong passwords are a vital first line of defense, and the good news is a couple of tweaks can turn an easy password into defensive stronghold. Try adding a few numeric or ‘special’ characters into a favorite phrase (like turning DangerZone into d@ng3rz0n3), and don’t use the same password for multiple services or sites.
2. Install a password manager:
Many of us use the same password or a slight variation on it for multiple accounts, meaning one breach can make all your accounts vulnerable. Try using a secure password manager (such as LastPass) to create and manage unique passwords for all your accounts.
3. Do the security two-step:
Two-step verification is fast becoming the new standard for security, and that’s a good thing. With a simple tap on your phone or ‘yes’ on your email you can ensure it’s really you.
4. Use a VPN:
Virtual private networks (VPNs) keep you secure in public and in private. VPNs encrypt all incoming and outgoing data, and VPN services are highly affordable for personal and business users alike.
5. Backup your data:
Only those with nothing to lose have nothing to steal, which is why ransomware attacks are one of the most prevalent and profitable forms of cybercrime. Fortunately, it’s simple to protect yourself against its worst effects – just keep your data securely backed up . Ransomware works by holding your valuable data to ransom, but if your files are securely backed up then they’ll be of little use to a hacker.
6. Encrypt your data:
Most modern operating systems (including Windows, Mac OS and many Linux distributions) include encryption tools that are easy to activate and extremely effective. Use them.
7. Don’t click on suspect links:
Lots of malware requires users to open files or follow links, often embedded in very credible-looking emails or websites. Users should always take care what they click on – if a link or file looks suspect, it probably is – and never enter passwords or usernames on sites they don’t know.
8. Use an ad blocker:
Ads and trackers can slip by your anti-virus scanner as they’re not (technically) being downloaded; an ad blocker, in addition to reducing those annoying online ads, can shut down hidden trackers by blocking the scripts that run them.
9. Monitor your network:
It’s important to see what’s coming into your network – and just as important to see what’s going out. Make sure your monitoring software can identify whether your data is being transmitted to unknown locations.
10. Update your software:
And finally, perhaps the most obvious measure of all – keep your software up-to-date. Software providers are continually patching out new bugs and repairing vulnerabilities in their systems, but these fixes can only help if you install them.
Sadly, it’s impossible to be 100 percent protected against cyber-crime. As the saying goes, it’s not a question of if you’ll be attacked, it’s a question of when, but if you make your systems more secure than most then you’re a harder target and the cyber criminals just might give you a miss as they search for easier prey.
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Last updated: July 29, 2026
Why These Tips Matter More in 2026
Since this article was first published, the threat landscape has transformed. The Hiscox Cyber Readiness Report 2026 found that 56% of US small businesses experienced at least one cyber attack in the past 12 months. Email-based attacks and phishing now account for 50% of all ransomware entry points (Sophos State of Ransomware 2026), and 79% of ransomware attacks start with an identity-based approach. These tips are no longer optional best practices – they are essential defenses for every Tampa Bay business.
IGTech365 cybersecurity services help Tampa Bay businesses implement all 10 of these protections. Managed IT support ensures your team has the right security tools deployed. IGTech365’s helpdesk team can automate patch management so you never miss a critical update.
This advice is more critical than ever. The Sophos 2026 report found that exploited vulnerabilities were the root cause of 18% of ransomware attacks. While patching alone won’t close every gap, keeping your operating systems, browsers, and business applications up to date closes the most common door attackers walk through.
Need help securing your Tampa Bay business? Call (866) 365-7798 for a cybersecurity assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I really need a VPN if I have antivirus software?
A: Yes. Antivirus and VPN serve different purposes. Antivirus protects against malware on your device, while a VPN encrypts your internet traffic – essential for Tampa Bay employees working from coffee shops, co-working spaces, or hotels.
Q: What is the single most impactful security upgrade for a small business?
A: Multi-factor authentication (MFA). Sophos 2026 research found that MFA was missing where it mattered in 59% of ransomware cases where compromised credentials were the root cause. Enabling MFA on email, financial systems, and remote access tools is the highest-ROI security move you can make.
About IGTech365: Serving Tampa Bay businesses since 2005, IGTech365 is a trusted managed IT and cybersecurity provider with certifications including Microsoft Silver Partner, HIPAA-compliance expertise, and a 98% client retention rate.