The simple security steps businesses still overlook

Cybersecurity is often perceived as complex, technical and costly particularly for small and medium-sized businesses.

In reality, many of the cyber incidents affecting Lancashire businesses stem from basic security gaps, rather than highly sophisticated attacks. These gaps are common but they are also entirely preventable.

Based on what IT providers consistently see across the region, here are three straightforward cybersecurity measures that businesses can implement immediately to reduce risk and strengthen their overall security posture.

1. Strengthen password practices

Weak or reused passwords remain one of the most common entry points for cybercriminals.

Many attacks begin with credentials obtained from previous data breaches, where passwords are reused across email, cloud platforms and business systems.

Best practice for businesses includes:

• Using long, complex passwords or passphrases
• Avoiding password reuse across systems
• Implementing password managers to securely store credentials
• Strong password hygiene alone can significantly reduce the likelihood of unauthorised access.

2. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Multi-factor authentication provides an additional layer of security by requiring a second form of verification, such as a mobile prompt or authentication app.

This means that even if login details are compromised, attackers are far less likely to gain access.

MFA is now available on most:

• Email platforms
• Cloud services
• Accounting and finance software
• Remote access tools
• Despite this, many SMEs have yet to enable it across their systems.

For businesses, MFA can be the difference between a minor security incident and a serious data breach.

3. Keep systems and software updated

Outdated systems remain a key target for cybercriminals, particularly where known vulnerabilities have not been patched.

Software updates are not just about new features they are designed to fix security weaknesses that attackers actively exploit.

Businesses should:

• Enable automatic updates where possible
• Replace unsupported or end-of-life systems
• Regularly review critical software and infrastructure
• Delaying updates increases exposure to ransomware, data loss and operational disruption.

Focusing on the basics

These three measures are among the most common security gaps seen across SMEs and also among the easiest to address.

Cybersecurity does not need to be overwhelming to be effective. By focusing on practical, achievable steps, businesses can significantly improve their resilience to cyber threats without major disruption.

For Lancashire businesses, strengthening these fundamentals is an important first step towards protecting data, maintaining customer trust and ensuring business continuity.

J700 Group provide effective IT support and services that enable your business to have secure, responsive and reliable information technology, keeping it running smoothly 24/7.  Above this though, we are a family run company who truly care about our customer service and the business relationships we develop.

We are a Lancashire-based, family-run, professional and responsive, Managed Solutions Provider helping Businesses, to utilise Innovative IT Consultancy Services, Cloud Solutions, Cyber Security, Microsoft 365, Telecoms, Web Design and SEO solutions to propel their organisation to the next level and beyond.

As an experienced IT Support Provider, helping businesses across Lancashire & Manchester, if you need any assistance with your IT including IT Hardware, a Disaster Recovery Policy or Managed Backup Solutions please get in touch with one of our team on 0333 7721 700 or email [email protected] for more information.