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Cybersecurity Awareness Month: 4 Cybersecurity Habits For SMBs

Picture of Byron Martin Byron Martin : Oct 1, 2025

Cybersecurity Compliance

4:03

October isn’t just the start of fall in the Pacific Northwest, it’s also Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a perfect reminder for business leaders to step back and ask: Are we really doing enough to keep our business safe from cyberattacks?

Here’s the truth: most breaches don’t happen because of sophisticated hackers; they happen because of everyday bad habits. An employee reuses a password that’s already been stolen. Someone skips a software update. Or they click on a phishing email disguised as a vendor invoice.

The good news? With the right habits in place, you can drastically lower your risk. Let’s break down the four cybersecurity practices every workplace in Washington and Oregon should adopt right now.

1. Compliance Protects More Than Your Reputation

If you handle healthcare records (HIPAA), process credit cards (PCI), or manage sensitive client data, you already know compliance matters. But it’s not just about avoiding fines, it’s about protecting trust.

Even small businesses without heavy regulations need to prove they take data security seriously. To keep your compliance in check:

Review and update your security policies regularly.
Keep documentation of employee security awareness training and system updates.
Make compliance everyone’s responsibility, not just an IT checkbox.

2. Business Continuity = Business Survival

Ask yourself this: if ransomware locked your systems tomorrow, how long could your business afford to be offline? Continuity planning makes sure your business can keep running when disaster strikes.

Ensure backups run automatically and are tested often.
Map out a step-by-step incident recovery plan before you need it.
Practice and test your recovery steps. Even as simple as restoring a single critical file can prove whether you’re truly ready.

3. Make Cybersecurity a Regular Conversation

Cybersecurity isn’t just an IT department issue, it’s a company-wide responsibility. The best defense starts with open communication. For example:

Add a quick how to spot a phishing email reminder to your staff meeting.
Share real examples of recent scams in your industry so employees know what to watch for.

When security becomes part of the daily conversation, it feels less like a burden and more like common sense.

4. Build a Culture of Cybersecurity

Technology can’t protect your business alone, your people are the first line of defense. By creating a security-first culture, you turn everyday employees into security allies.

Require multifactor authentication (MFA) across accounts.
Deploy a password manager for secure, unique passwords. It’s better than sticky notes under the keyboard or reused logins.
Recognize and reward employees who spot phishing attempts.

When security is part of your culture, your team becomes your strongest protection.

Why Cybersecurity Awareness Month Matters for Local Businesses

For small and mid-sized businesses across Washington and Oregon, October’s Cybersecurity Awareness Month is more than a calendar reminder; it’s a chance to strengthen your defenses before an attacker forces your hand.

By focusing on communication, compliance, continuity, and culture, you don’t just check boxes, you build resilience.

Take the First Step Today

Don’t wait for an attack to test your defenses. This Cybersecurity Awareness Month, take action:

👉 Schedule a free discovery call with Teknologize and find out how we can help you create a cyber-smart workplace.

Protect your business. Protect your people. Protect your future.

Teknologize is a SOC 2 Accredited, Professional Technology Services company with clients throughout the Pacific Northwest. We have offices located in: