Cybersecurity basics every business should get right

When people hear the word cybersecurity, they often imagine complex systems, expensive software and specialist knowledge.The reality is that some of the most effective security measures are also the simplest and they’re often the ones businesses overlook.

At J700 Group, many of the cyber incidents we see don’t start with sophisticated attacks. They start with small gaps in everyday security practices. The good news is that these gaps are usually easy to fix.

Here are three simple steps every business can take today to be more secure.

1. Use strong, unique passwords

Passwords are still one of the most common ways cybercriminals gain access to business systems.

Reused passwords, short passwords or passwords based on names and dates make it much easier for attackers to break in especially when credentials from previous data breaches are widely available online.

What we recommend:

• Use long passwords (or passphrases) with a mix of letters, numbers and symbols
• Avoid reusing the same password across multiple systems
• Consider using a password manager to store and generate secure passwords safely

A strong password won’t stop every attack but a weak one can undo all your other security efforts.

2. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Multi-factor authentication adds an extra layer of protection by requiring more than just a password to log in such as a code sent to your phone or an authentication app.

This means that even if a password is compromised, an attacker is far less likely to gain access.

MFA is now available on most:

• Email platforms
• Cloud services
• Accounting software
• Remote access tools

Yet many businesses still haven’t enabled it.

Put simply: MFA turns a single mistake into a recoverable one instead of a business-ending incident.

3. Keep systems and software updated

Updates are often postponed because they feel inconvenient but outdated systems are one of the easiest targets for cybercriminals.

Software updates don’t just add new features; they fix known security vulnerabilities that attackers actively look for.

Delaying updates can leave your business exposed to:

• Ransomware attacks
• Data breaches
• System outages

Best practice:

• Enable automatic updates where possible
• Replace unsupported systems before they become a risk
• Regularly review what software your business relies on

Keeping systems updated is one of the simplest ways to stay ahead of common threats.

Small steps that make a big impact

These three steps are some of the most common security gaps we see and they’re also some of the easiest to fix.

Cybersecurity doesn’t have to be complicated to be effective. By strengthening the basics, businesses can significantly reduce their risk without overwhelming their teams.

If you’re unsure where your business currently stands, a quick review can often highlight simple improvements that make a big difference.