Small Business Cyber Hygiene Series: Part 1: Why Cyber Hygiene Matters
A family member of mine was recently impacted by multiple scammers, bad actors, and criminals. While she was a victim, the situation was made worse by a few avoidable practices — the kinds of everyday habits many people don’t realize put them at risk. Her trusting nature played right into the attackers’ tactics, and her pride made the aftermath even harder.
These incidents hit close to home, and they hit particularly hard because I’ve spent my entire career in technology, cybersecurity, and risk management. Yet even with that background, delivering an educational message to a family member can be difficult. Pride, fear, or the shame of admitting you were victimized can cloud the intent. But with just a little information sharing and a few protective habits, the outcome could have been very different. Asking for help takes courage, and many people don’t know where to begin.
Who I Am
My name is Larry Augustine, Managing Principal of SQ Risk Management Solutions. I’m certified in Information Security, Business Continuity, and Third‑Party Risk. I’m compelled to share practical security principles to help small and mid-sized businesses (SMB) and individuals avoid cybersecurity pitfalls, recognize scammers’ tactics, take appropriate security actions, and practice what I call Cyber‑Hygiene.
What Is Cyber‑Hygiene?
Cyber‑Hygiene refers to the regular practices and steps individuals and organizations take to maintain the security and health of their devices, networks, and data. I like the term because it mirrors personal hygiene — small, consistent actions that prevent bigger problems.
Cyber‑Hygiene isn’t about becoming a cybersecurity expert. It’s about building simple, sustainable habits that reduce risk and increase resilience.
Why SMBs Are Now Primary Targets
Cybercriminals have shifted their focus dramatically over the past decade. Large enterprises still face attacks, but small and mid‑sized businesses have become the preferred targets — not because they’re more valuable, but because they’re easier to compromise.
How the NIST Cybersecurity Framework Provides the Structure
The NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) is widely respected because it breaks cybersecurity into clear, manageable functions that any organization — regardless of size — can understand and act on. For SMBs, it provides a roadmap that avoids overwhelm and focuses on what matters most.
What You Can Expect From This Series
In this series, I’ll share foundational cyber‑hygiene concepts in a practical, non‑technical way to empower readers to make risk‑aware decisions and promote a Security‑First culture.
Each article is written to stand on its own, but together they form a complete cyber‑hygiene program.
This series is based primarily on the NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF), with occasional references to:
- CIS Controls
- FTC Safeguards Rule
- CISA’s “Secure Our World”
- Vendor best practices (Microsoft, Google, etc.)
My goal is to translate these frameworks into everyday language and actionable steps that small businesses and individuals can actually use.
I Hope You Find It Helpful
Cybersecurity doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right information and a few consistent habits, anyone can dramatically reduce their risk.
I hope this series gives you the confidence to take meaningful steps toward protecting yourself and your business.
Ready to Strengthen Your Cyber‑Hygiene?
SQ Risk helps small and mid-sized businesses build simple, sustainable device‑security practices that align with NIST CSF and real‑world needs.
If you’d like help assessing your current security posture, improving your cyber‑hygiene practices, or building a Security‑First culture, SQ Risk is here to support you.
Small Business Cyber Hygiene Series
A practical, step‑by‑step guide based on NIST CSF + CIS Controls IG1.
Start Here:
- Introduction: Why Cyber‑Hygiene Matters (You are here)
Next Articles:
2. Know What You Have (Identify)
3. Protect Access: Passwords, MFA, and Accounts
4. Secure Your Devices: Updates & Endpoint Security
5. Back Up What Matters: The 3‑2‑1 Rule
6. Defend Your Inbox: Phishing & Email Security
7. Monitor for Trouble: Detection Basics
8. Respond Effectively: What To Do When Something Goes Wrong
9. Recover Quickly: Getting Back to Normal
10. Build a Security‑First Culture
11. Bonus: Safe Use of AI for Small Businesses
12. Cyber‑Hygiene Checklist: A One‑Page Summary