Essential Security Controls for Every Small Business

Security Doesn't Have to Be Complicated

Many small businesses are overwhelmed by security. The good news: a few essential controls stop the vast majority of attacks.

The Essential Controls

1. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) The single most impactful control. Enables everywhere — especially: - Email (M365, Google Workspace) - Remote access (VPN, RDP) - Cloud services - Admin accounts

2. Endpoint Protection Modern EDR is affordable. Capabilities needed: - Malware prevention - Behavioral detection - Ransomware rollback - Cloud-based management

3. Email Security Block threats before they reach users: - Anti-phishing - Attachment scanning - Link protection - Impersonation detection

4. Backup and Recovery Ransomware-resistant backups: - Offsite or cloud - Air-gapped or immutable - Regularly tested - Documented recovery procedures

5. Patch Management Keep systems updated: - Operating systems - Applications - Firmware - Automated where possible

6. Security Awareness Train users to recognize: - Phishing attempts - Social engineering - Safe browsing practices - Reporting procedures

Getting Started

Prioritize MFA first — it's free or cheap and blocks most attacks. Build from there.

ThreatMate helps small businesses identify security gaps and prioritize improvements.