Essential Cyber Security Best Practices for Every Business
Published on: 7 Oct 2020
Last modified on: 15 Dec 2025

Cyber Security Best Practices for Small to Mid-Sized Organisations
Cyber security best practices are no longer optional. As cybercrime continues to rise, organisations of all sizes face an increasing risk of data breaches, ransomware attacks, and operational disruption.
Small to mid-sized organisations are particularly vulnerable due to limited budgets, fewer resources, and less mature security frameworks.
Why Cyber Security Best Practices Matter
According to industry research, over half of small and mid-sized organisations have experienced a cyber breach in the past year. Attackers view these organisations as easier targets, often exploiting outdated systems or untrained staff.
A proactive approach to cyber security helps reduce risk, protect sensitive data, and ensure business continuity.
Six Essential Cyber Security Best Practices
1. Regular Patching
Applying security patches promptly closes vulnerabilities that hackers actively exploit. Regular patching significantly reduces the risk of system compromise.
2. Two-Factor Authentication
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second verification step, making unauthorised access far more difficult.
3. Security Awareness Training
Human error is responsible for the majority of cyber incidents. Ongoing security awareness training equips employees to recognise phishing emails, malicious links, and social engineering tactics.
4. Secure Backup and Incident Monitoring
Reliable backups and continuous monitoring allow organisations to recover quickly from ransomware or system failures, minimising downtime and data loss.
5. Identify Critical Information Assets
Understanding where sensitive data is stored and who has access enables organisations to prioritise protection and reduce exposure.
6. Create an Incident Response Plan
An incident response plan ensures staff know how to report threats and respond quickly, reducing financial and reputational impact.
Learn More About MetaCompliance Solutions
Implementing cyber security best practices requires strong governance, informed employees, and continuous risk visibility. MetaCompliance helps organisations embed security into everyday operations and reduce human risk.
Our Human Risk Management Platform supports cyber resilience through:
- Automated Security Awareness
- Advanced Phishing Simulations
- Risk Intelligence & Analytics
- Compliance Management
To strengthen your organisation’s cyber security posture, contact us today to book a demo.
FAQs on Cyber Security Best Practices
What are cyber security best practices?
Cyber security best practices are proven measures that protect systems, data, and users from cyber threats.
Why are small businesses targeted?
They often have fewer security controls and limited resources.
Is employee cyber security training really necessary?
Yes, employee cyber security training is necessary as most cyber attacks begin with human error.
How does MetaCompliance support cyber best practices?
By combining training, simulations, analytics, and compliance tools.