Small offices often think they are too small to be attacked. In reality ransomware and phishing email do not choose targets by size; they scan in bulk. And small offices are often weaker because nobody is in charge. Here are eight basics that cost little and work well.
1. Update the operating system and software
Most intrusions exploit holes that were patched months earlier. Turn on automatic updates for Windows, browsers, Office and accounting software. For machines running an unsupported Windows version, plan a replacement or upgrade.
2. One account per person, no sharing
Shared accounts mean that after an incident nobody knows who did what, and staff who have left still know the password. Create individual accounts and give standard user rights, not administrator, for daily work.
3. Turn on two-factor authentication for email and key accounts
Email is the key that resets every other password. Turn on two-factor authentication using an app rather than SMS where possible.
4. Back up and test restoring
Backup is the last and most effective defense against ransomware. Keep at least one copy disconnected from the network. See also the article on backing up data properly.
5. Anti-malware and firewall
Windows Defender is enough for most small offices if it is switched on and updated. What matters is having a single active product rather than stacking several antivirus programs on top of each other.
6. Be careful with email and attachments
- Check the sender's address, not just the display name.
- Do not open .zip, .iso, .exe files or Office macros from strangers.
- An urgent transfer request must be verified by phone using the old number.
7. Wi-Fi: separate guests from internal
Change the default router password, use WPA2/WPA3 encryption and create a separate guest network. See the article on LAN and Wi-Fi for a small office.
8. Have a process for staff changes
When someone leaves: lock their accounts the same day, change shared passwords and collect devices. When someone joins: create accounts with only the rights they need.
Does a 5-computer office need dedicated management software?
What if my data gets encrypted?
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