Security Tips for Small Businesses: Easy Wins

General5/12/2025

Good security is good business

Security is not just something for large corporations or tech companies. Every business that handles personal data needs to take basic security seriously. Not just for GDPR compliance, but to protect trust and avoid costly problems.

The good news: You do not need a huge budget or a big IT department to make a real difference.

Here are some practical, easy wins you can apply today.

🔒 1. Use strong, unique passwords (and a password manager)

Weak passwords are still one of the biggest security risks.

Use unique passwords for every account
Make passwords long and complex
Use a password manager to safely store them

Bonus tip: Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible.

🛡️ 2. Keep your software updated

Outdated software is a favorite target for hackers.

Make sure you:

Update your operating systems
Update your apps and tools
Update your plugins and extensions

Most attacks exploit vulnerabilities that have already been fixed, if you apply the updates.

🖥️ 3. Limit access to sensitive information

Not everyone in your company needs access to everything.

Apply the principle of least privilege:

Give access only to the data and systems someone needs for their job
Regularly review user permissions and remove old accounts

This reduces the damage if something goes wrong.

📋 4. Train your team (even the basics help)

Most security incidents start with human mistakes, not technical failures.

Teach your team:

How to recognize phishing emails
Why they should not reuse passwords
Why software updates matter

A little awareness goes a long way.

🛠️ 5. Know your tools and vendors

If you use cloud services, CRM systems, payment platforms, or marketing tools, you are trusting them with your data.

Keep a list of your vendors
Check if they offer strong security measures
Make sure you have agreements like DPAs in place

ToolHive helps you track all your tools, vendors, and contracts so you always know where your data is and who is responsible.

🚀 Small steps, big improvements

You do not need to do everything at once.

Even small changes can dramatically reduce your risk and make your business stronger, safer, and more resilient.

Security is not just a technical problem. It is part of building a business that people can trust.

Want to simplify your data and vendor management? Start your free trial of ToolHive today and take the first step toward better security and privacy.