As one of our valued clients, you already understand the importance of strong cybersecurity for your organization. But in today’s hyper-connected world, protection doesn’t stop at the office. Laptops, tablets, and smartphones have become everyday tools for managing life’s details—from personal banking and online shopping to staying in touch with family and friends.

Unfortunately, that convenience also makes them targets. Cybercriminals know that personal devices are often less protected than corporate systems. In 2023, ransomware and extortion incidents surged by 67%, underscoring the growing threat to both individuals and businesses.

The shift toward remote work, cloud tools, and mobile access means cybersecurity is no longer just an IT department issue—it’s a shared responsibility. While we implement strong protections on your business devices and network, it's just as important to remain vigilant on the personal side. This guide offers simple, practical tips to help you do just that.

Keep Devices Updated

Hackers love outdated software. When your phone or laptop runs an old operating system or your apps haven’t been updated in months, it opens the door for attackers to exploit known vulnerabilities.

Most software companies regularly release patches to fix these issues, but if updates aren’t applied, your devices stay at risk. That’s why it’s important to turn on automatic updates for your operating system, apps, and security tools. Also, remember to check your browser, firmware, and any plugins you use, especially those tied to sensitive information.

Use Strong Authentication

A strong password is your first line of defense. Yet password breaches remain one of the top ways cybercriminals gain access to sensitive data. Once they crack one account, they often try the same credentials across multiple platforms.

We highly recommend enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA) on important accounts, including email, banking, and cloud services. MFA makes it much harder for someone to access your account, even if they have your password.

When it comes to creating and managing strong, unique passwords for each account, a password manager can be a game-changer. For clients on our managed service plans, we offer a professional-grade password manager that also includes a complimentary personal-use license for each team member. These personal accounts are not connected to the company’s system and can continue to be used independently, even if someone leaves the organization. (If you’re not currently enrolled in a plan with this benefit and would like to learn more, we’re happy to discuss options.)

Secure Your Internet Connection

Your network is the gateway to your devices, and if it’s not secure, everything you do online could be at risk.

Make sure your home Wi-Fi uses strong encryption—preferably WPA3. If you’re using an older router or haven’t updated the default password, now is the time to do it. Many factory passwords are widely known and easily guessable.

When you’re out and about, avoid connecting to public Wi-Fi networks without protection. If you need to access important accounts or work-related tools, use a VPN to encrypt your internet traffic and keep your data safe from prying eyes.

Watch Out for Phishing and Scams

Not all cyberattacks rely on technical tricks. Many succeed because people are tricked into giving away information.

Phishing attacks—whether via email, text, or fake websites—are designed to steal passwords, personal data, or even financial information. A 2023 study found that 10.4% of employees clicked on malicious links, and over half entered passwords on fraudulent sites. That’s all it takes to compromise an account.

Be cautious with links and attachments, especially if they come from unknown sources or seem urgent. When in doubt, visit websites directly rather than clicking on email links. Always look for the secure “HTTPS” in the URL, and don’t be afraid to ask us if something seems suspicious.

Cybersecurity Is a Habit—And We're in It Together

Security is something we build over time, through small, consistent habits. Whether it’s keeping software updated, being cautious about links, or using strong authentication, each action adds to your protection.

As your cybersecurity partner, we’re here to support you at work and beyond. If you have questions about the personal-use password manager, your current service plan, or other ways to strengthen your cybersecurity posture, we’re just a call or email away.

Let’s keep building a safer, more secure environment together—wherever you log in from.