5 Things Every Small Business Is Getting Wrong About Security

The rise of hybrid work—where employees split time between home and the office—has opened new doors for flexibility, productivity… and cyber threats.

For small businesses, this shift presents a unique challenge: how do you protect your team and data when everyone’s logging in from everywhere?

Fortunately, staying secure doesn’t mean becoming an IT expert. It just means putting smart, practical safeguards in place. Here are five essential cybersecurity tips you can start using right away.

1. Turn On Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Still relying on passwords alone? That’s risky business.

MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication) adds an extra layer of protection by requiring a second form of verification—like a text message code or fingerprint—in addition to your password.

🔐 Why it matters: Even if a password gets stolen, MFA can block unauthorized access.

✅ Pro Tip: Use MFA on email, file sharing platforms, financial tools, and anything business-critical.

2. Adopt a “Zero Trust” Approach

Old-school security assumes you can trust anyone inside your network. That doesn’t fly anymore.

Zero Trust means “never trust, always verify.” Every device, login, and request is checked before it’s allowed—even from people you know.

🚧 Why it matters: With employees working from various places, this limits the risk of someone sneaking in through the back door.

✅ Pro Tip: Use identity verification tools and device health checks before granting access to sensitive systems.

3. Secure Remote Access with a VPN

When team members work from coffee shops, co-working spaces, or home networks, Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) encrypt everything they do online.

🔐 Why it matters: VPNs prevent outsiders from spying on internet traffic, especially over public Wi-Fi.

✅ Pro Tip: Provide your team with a company-approved VPN—and train them to use it every time they connect remotely.

4. Keep Systems Updated—Always

Cybercriminals love outdated software. It often contains bugs and holes that have already been patched in newer versions.

💻 Why it matters: Skipping updates leaves the door wide open for ransomware and malware attacks.

✅ Pro Tip: Turn on automatic updates for operating systems, antivirus programs, browsers, and collaboration tools.

5. Make Cybersecurity Everyone’s Job

Even the best tech can’t stop someone from clicking the wrong link.

📬 Why it matters: Human error is one of the top causes of data breaches—and it’s 100% preventable.

✅ Pro Tip: Run regular training on phishing scams, password hygiene, and what to do if something feels suspicious.

How Managed Nerds Can Help

At Managed Nerds, we make it easy for small businesses to stay secure in the hybrid work world. You don’t need to know the difference between a firewall and a phishing lure—we’ve got your back.

Our services include:

• 🔐 Multi-layered security setups (MFA, VPNs, Zero Trust, and more)
• 👨‍🏫 Hands-on employee training and awareness campaigns
• 🛠️ Regular system audits and patch management
• 🚨 Threat detection and 24/7 response support

Don’t Wait for a Breach to Make a Change

Cybersecurity isn’t just for big corporations. Hybrid work has leveled the playing field—and raised the stakes.

Let us help you build the kind of digital defense your business deserves.
📞 Contact Managed Nerds today and get a custom cybersecurity plan built for the way you work.