Hackers are more relentless than ever, using sophisticated tactics to exploit vulnerabilities in businesses, personal accounts, and IT infrastructures. For Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and businesses that manage sensitive data, cybersecurity isn’t optional—it’s essential.
With ransomware attacks up 95% year-over-year and phishing responsible for 90% of breaches, failing to secure your systems could cost more than just data—it could jeopardize your entire business.
To stay ahead of cybercriminals, follow these 7 essential tips to avoid hackers and mitigate threats.
Protecting your digital world from cybercriminals
Data breaches and other hacking methods can have a significant impact on your bottom line. It’s up to individuals and businesses to protect their identities and employ best practices to stay safe. Here’s a few things you can do to avoid hackers.
#1 Strengthen your password security
Passwords remain one of the weakest links in cybersecurity. According to LastPass, 91% of people know reusing passwords is risky, yet 66% do it anyway. If a hacker gets access to one of your accounts, they can potentially access all of them. Your passwords for software accounts, social media accounts and other online services should be strong and unique. They should be a combination of letters, numbers and symbols. And here’s the kicker: don’t recycle passwords across multiple accounts.
Best practices to prevent credential theft:
✔ Use a password manager like Keeper to generate and store strong, unique passwords.
✔ Implement passphrases instead of short, complex passwords (e.g., “CloudSecurityIsKey2025!”).
✔ Use biometric authentication where possible (fingerprint or facial recognition).
✔ Rotate high-privilege passwords every 90 days.
Pro tip: Encourage your clients to use password vaults for employees to prevent password sharing and unauthorized access.
Imagine your password as the lock to your digital fortress. Would you use a flimsy, easily breakable lock to protect your most valuable possessions? Probably not. Likewise, your passwords need to be robust and unique. Large organizations invest in password management solutions to ensure their data’s security but improving security doesn’t have to be expensive or unattainable for smaller organizations.
Small businesses can also use cost-effective password management software to ensure passwords and data remain secure as well. These tools not only generate and encrypt passwords but also offer advanced features like custom privacy policies and Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) integration.
#2 Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Even the strongest password won’t protect you if a hacker steals it. MFA blocks 99.9% of automated attacks by requiring additional verification beyond just a password. Your online presence might still be vulnerable to threats even after implementing password vaults and managers. Picture your username and password as a double-locked door. Even if someone manages to pick one lock, they’ll still face another barrier. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) provides this extra layer of protection.
Best practices for MFA implementation:
✔ Use phishing-resistant MFA (e.g., hardware tokens or FIDO2 keys).
✔ Apply MFA to Microsoft 365, remote access tools, and admin accounts.
✔ Avoid SMS-based MFA where possible—use authentication apps instead.
✔ Implement adaptive MFA (only request additional verification when access is unusual).
Pro Tip: Office Protect monitors suspicious login attempts in Microsoft 365 and alerts you before hackers can take control.
With MFA, a hacker armed with your credentials won’t get far. It’s like having a secret code only you possess to access your digital world. MFA is a formidable defense against hackers who exploit vulnerabilities or use malware to steal your login credentials.
#3 Beware of phishing emails
Hackers send 3.4 billion phishing emails daily—and 82% of ransomware cases start with a simple phishing attack. Professionals check their emails constantly. Businesses and individuals rely on them to send reminders, updates and relevant documents, which makes your inbox the perfect place to launch an attack on your digital identity.
How to spot phishing attempts:
✔ Check the sender’s email address (spoofed emails often have slight variations).
✔ Look for urgent requests (e.g., “Your account will be locked!” or “Pay this invoice now!”).
✔ Hover over links before clicking to verify the destination.
✔ Never download unexpected attachments—use sandboxing tools to check them first.
Pro tip: Proofpoint and Check Point Harmony Email protect against phishing by using AI-driven threat detection to block malicious emails before they reach users.
It’s no surprise that emails pose a security risk for businesses through cyberattacks via malicious email campaigns. Think of your email inbox as a gateway to your digital life. Cybercriminals know this and often use email as their weapon of choice. And if an email asks for sensitive information, such as bank details or social security numbers, treat it as a glaring red flag—block, delete, and ignore. As an extra precautionary measure, you can also check the IP address of these emails. Check the IP address displayed in the received email, then Google this IP address to see where it came from.
Keeping your digital arsenal up-to-date
#4 Keep software & systems updated
Hackers actively exploit outdated software vulnerabilities. Unpatched systems are responsible for over 60% of breaches. Regular software and firmware checks ensure that your system is up-to-date and secure from the latest threats (malware, botnets, viruses, ransomware, Trojans and others) developed by hackers.
Best practices for patch management:
✔ Enable automatic updates for all software and operating systems.
✔ Prioritize critical security patches within 24–72 hours.
✔ Deploy endpoint protection solutions like SentinelOne to detect exploit attempts.
✔ Use third-party patching tools to cover all applications, not just the OS.
Pro tip: Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud combines backup and patch management, ensuring you stay protected while keeping systems up to date
If you’re still running outdated hardware and software, you’re essentially leaving your digital door ajar, making you vulnerable to malware, viruses, and ransomware attacks. Always install the latest patches and fixes recommended by your operating system vendor to keep your defenses up.
#5 Avoid public Wi-Fi (or use a VPN!)
Public Wi-Fi networks are hacker playgrounds. Fake Wi-Fi hotspots can steal your credentials or allow hackers to intercept unencrypted data.
Safe browsing practices on public networks:
✔ Avoid logging into sensitive accounts (email, banking, business portals) on public Wi-Fi.
✔ Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to encrypt traffic when connecting remotely.
✔ Turn off auto-connect to public networks on mobile devices.
✔ If possible, use a personal hotspot instead of public Wi-Fi.
Pro tip: Usecure provides cybersecurity awareness training to educate employees on safe browsing practices.
If you’re at a coffee shop or hotel, don’t share public information if you decide to use their Wi-Fi. Whatever you do, do not think about purchasing a plane ticket or checking your bank statement while you’re there.
#6 Use a firewall & Intrusion Detection System (IDS)
A network firewall acts as the first line of defense, blocking unauthorized access attempts before they reach your devices.
Best practices for network security:
✔ Enable firewalls on all devices (not just your router!).
✔ Deploy Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) to monitor for suspicious activity.
✔ Segment networks to separate sensitive business systems from guest networks.
✔ Use SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) solutions like Check Point Harmony SASE to secure remote access.
Pro tip: Many firewalls offer AI-powered threat intelligence, automatically blocking malicious traffic before it reaches your network.
#7 Regularly back up your data (and test it!)
Ransomware is one of the most common cyber threats—and backups are your best defense. But backups are only useful if they’re tested regularly.
Best practices for secure backups:
✔ Follow the 3-2-1 rule (3 copies, 2 different media, 1 offsite backup).
✔ Use immutable backups (cannot be altered by ransomware).
✔ Regularly test recovery processes to ensure backups are functional.
✔ Store backups offline or in a secure cloud solution like Veeam and Keepit.
Pro tip: Keepit’s immutable storage ensures backups cannot be deleted or encrypted by hackers, and Veeam offers enterprise-grade backup solutions with automated recovery options to ensure business continuity.
How to practice cybersecurity vigilance?
To avoid hackers it starts with due diligence and learning from mistakes. To be truly safe from hack, be diligent when browsing the web, reading emails or doing anything online or on the cloud!
A few parting tips:
- Keep your answers to secret questions to yourself
- Set up an alternate email to retrieve your accounts in case of a mishap
- Back up your computer files on an external encrypted hard drive
- Set up a backup phone number
- Keep your passwords encrypted and stored safely with password vaults
Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility. By following the above, simple yet effective tips should help you get started developing a well-rounded security posture and significantly reduce your vulnerability to hackers —it’s better safe than sorry!
Looking for a partner to help increase cybersecurity for your business?
Protect your business from hackers
Cyber threats aren’t going away—hackers evolve every day.
Additionally, consider investing in cyber insurance to mitigate financial risks in case of a security incident. Cyber insurance can help cover costs related to data breaches, ransomware attacks and legal liabilities, ensuring business continuity even in the face of a cyber threat.
Are your defenses strong enough? Don’t wait for a breach—use our Security Assessment tool today and get expert guidance on protecting your business.
