Essential SMB Cybersecurity Best Practices to Implement in 2024

Essential SMB Cybersecurity Best Practices to Implement in 2024

By Michael Thornton

March 21, 2025 at 12:17 PM

Small and medium-sized businesses face increasing cyber threats in today's digital landscape. Here's a comprehensive guide to essential cybersecurity practices for 2024:

  1. Automate SSL Certificate Management

SSL certificates create encrypted communications between machines and authenticate website identities. With certificate lifespans decreasing to 90 days, automated management becomes crucial to:

  • Prevent certificate expiration
  • Avoid service outages
  • Reduce manual management time
  • Ensure continuous protection
  1. Build a Security-Focused Culture

Develop a strong cybersecurity mindset throughout your organization by:

  • Implementing comprehensive employee training
  • Establishing clear security protocols
  • Encouraging reporting of suspicious activities
  • Including security metrics in performance evaluations
  • Promoting strong password practices and MFA usage
  1. Maintain Updated Software

Regular software updates are critical for security:

  • Enable automatic updates when possible
  • Keep antivirus solutions current
  • Patch security vulnerabilities promptly
  • Update all business applications regularly
  1. Implement Website Scanning

Regular website scanning helps identify and address vulnerabilities:

  • Conduct malware scanning
  • Perform SQL injection checks
  • Monitor for suspicious activity
  • Execute regular application security scans
  1. Deploy a Web Application Firewall (WAF)

A WAF provides essential protection by:

  • Filtering malicious traffic
  • Preventing common attacks like XSS and SQL injection
  • Offering cost-effective security
  • Providing real-time threat protection
  1. Create an Incident Response Plan

Prepare for potential security breaches with:

  • Clear response procedures
  • Defined team responsibilities
  • Incident classification system
  • Real-time threat intelligence integration
  • Recovery protocols

SCM Pro dashboard on tablet

SCM Pro dashboard on tablet

Maintaining strong cybersecurity requires constant vigilance and adaptation to new threats. Stay informed about emerging security trends and regularly update your protection strategies to ensure your business remains secure.

Bald man smiling in black shirt

Bald man smiling in black shirt

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