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5 Ways to Strengthen Your Cybersecurity This October

Updated: Oct 28

October means cooler weather, pumpkin spice everything… and Cybersecurity Awareness Month.  But while you’re pulling out sweaters, hackers are pulling out new tricks.

The truth? Small and mid-sized businesses are among the most targeted groups for cyberattacks—and they’re often the least prepared. The good news is you don’t need a massive IT department to make your business more secure. A few intentional steps this fall can dramatically reduce your risk.

Here are five ways to strengthen your business cybersecurity this October:

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1. Train Your People

Your employees are your first line of defense—and often your biggest vulnerability. Over 90% of cyber incidents start with human error, like clicking a phishing link.

  • Provide ongoing cybersecurity awareness training.

  • Run simulated phishing tests.

  • Make it easy for employees to report emails.

Think of it this way: you wouldn’t hand someone the keys to your building without teaching them how the locks work. The same goes for your digital doors.


2. Enforce Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Usernames and passwords aren’t enough anymore. MFA adds another layer—like a code texted to your phone or an authenticator app. It’s one of the simplest and most effective protections you can implement.

  • Require MFA for email, cloud apps, and remote access.

  • Educate employees on how it works and why it matters.


3. Backup Like You Mean It

Ransomware is still one of the fastest-growing threats. If your data gets encrypted by attackers, backups may be your only way back to business.

  • Back up data regularly (daily if possible).

  • Test your restores—don’t just assume backups work.

  • Store at least one backup copy offline or in a separate environment.


4. Update and Patch Regularly

Cybercriminals love outdated systems—it’s like leaving a window wide open.

  • Enable automatic updates on all devices.

  • Patch servers, software, and applications as soon as updates are available.

  • Consider a centralized service to keep everything in sync.


5. Partner With a Proactive IT Team

Cybersecurity isn’t just about tools—it’s about strategy. At Runbiz, our approach combines Reactive Support, Centralized Services, vCIO strategy, and Technical Alignment to keep businesses protected and future-ready.

  • We don’t just put out fires—we prevent them.

  • We help businesses align IT with long-term goals.


Conclusion & Call to Action

Cybersecurity Awareness Month is a great reminder, but real protection happens year-round. Taking these steps now can help you avoid costly downtime, reputational damage, and sleepless nights later.

👉 Ready to strengthen your defenses? Download our free cybersecurity eBook or schedule a consultation with Runbiz.

 
 
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