In today’s threat landscape, the basics of cybersecurity still matter—big time. According to IBM’s 2023 Cost of a Data Breach Report, 82% of breaches involved cloud data, and most were preventable with basic security measures.
That’s where cyber hygiene comes in. Think of it as the digital version of handwashing. It’s not flashy. But it’s non-negotiable.
At BridgeNet, we help Gulf Coast businesses eliminate avoidable risks, meet compliance standards, and build stronger defenses—starting with these four essential practices:
1. Secure Your Network—Inside and Out
Your internet connection is your front door. Don’t leave it wide open.
- Encrypt sensitive data
- Use a firewall
- Keep your WiFi hidden using SSID masking
- Password-protect your router
- Require VPN use for remote employees
If you're working from a shop in Slidell, a warehouse in Harahan, or from home in Covington, this layer of protection matters.
2. Train Your Team to Be Your First Line of Defense
The biggest cyber threats don’t come from hackers—they come from human error.
- Teach password best practices and enforce MFA (multi-factor authentication)
- Establish internet use and data handling policies
- Educate staff on spotting phishing emails and dangerous downloads
At BridgeNet, we offer plain-English training sessions for Gulf Coast businesses that don’t have the time (or patience) for jargon.
3. Back Up Your Data Like Your Business Depends on It—Because It Does
Crashes, ransomware, or accidental deletion can stop your operations cold.
- Back up key files regularly: financials, HR data, inventory records, customer info
- Automate your backups whenever possible
- Store backups in the cloud and offsite for redundancy
We’ve helped clients from Baton Rouge to Bay St. Louis recover from ransomware without paying a dime—because they had backups in place.
4. Control Who Has Access
Not everyone needs access to everything.
- Limit employee access to only what they need
- Restrict admin rights to trusted personnel
- Immediately revoke access when staff leave the company
Smart access control can stop a breach from turning into a disaster.
Security Doesn’t Have to Be a Headache
Yes, it’s one more thing on your plate. But skipping basic security measures costs more—in downtime, data loss, and your reputation.
At BridgeNet, we make cybersecurity simple, proactive, and tailored to your business—not someone else’s template.
Free Cybersecurity Risk Assessment
Want to know how your business stacks up?
BridgeNet is offering a FREE Cybersecurity Risk Assessment for businesses in the Gulf Coast region. We’ll help you:
- Uncover hidden vulnerabilities
- Spot weak points in your systems
- Get a straightforward, step-by-step plan to clean up your cyber hygiene
Call us at 985-635-4380 or visit https://www.bridgenetllc.com/contact-us/ to schedule your free assessment.
BridgeNet Technology Consultants
Cybersecurity-first IT support for Gulf Coast businesses that can’t afford downtime or surprises.
