Five Cybersecurity Practices for Ohio Businesses
Review five cybersecurity practices for Canton and Akron businesses, including employee guidance and protection for everyday systems.

From our archive: Originally published January 13, 2025. Product features, pricing and availability mentioned in this article may have changed.
Cybersecurity threats are on the rise, and businesses in Canton and Akron are no exception. With small businesses increasingly targeted by cybercriminals, it’s crucial to take proactive steps to protect your data, systems, and reputation. Here are five practical cybersecurity best practices that can help safeguard your business and ensure uninterrupted operations.
1. Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Passwords alone are no longer enough to protect your accounts and sensitive information. Multi-Factor Authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification, such as a code sent to your phone or email.
Why It Matters: MFA reduces the risk of unauthorized access even if a password is compromised.
Pro Tip: Enable MFA for all critical accounts, including email, financial systems, and cloud services.
2. Train Your Employees on Cybersecurity Awareness
Your employees are your first line of defense against cyberattacks. Regular training can help them recognize phishing attempts, avoid suspicious links, and practice good password hygiene.
Did You Know? 90% of data breaches are caused by human error.
How We Can Help: Cyber Shift Technologies offers tailored training sessions to keep your team informed and vigilant.
3. Regularly Update Your Software and Systems
Outdated software is a common entry point for cybercriminals. Regular updates ensure that your systems have the latest security patches and are protected against known vulnerabilities.
Action Step: Enable automatic updates for your operating systems and software to stay protected without additional effort.
4. Back Up Your Data Frequently
Ransomware attacks can lock you out of your systems and demand payment for access. Regular backups ensure you can restore your data without giving in to cybercriminals.
Best Practice: Use a combination of on-site and cloud backups for maximum redundancy.
Cyber Shift Tip: Test your backups regularly to ensure they can be restored quickly in case of an emergency.
5. Use Endpoint Protection and Firewalls
Strong endpoint protection and properly configured firewalls are essential for blocking malware, viruses, and unauthorized access.
Why It Matters: These tools act as barriers, preventing threats from reaching your network.
How We Can Help: Cyber Shift Technologies provides advanced endpoint protection and firewall solutions tailored to your business needs.
Stay Ahead of Cyber Threats
Cybersecurity doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By implementing these best practices, your business can significantly reduce its risk of cyberattacks and operate with peace of mind.
Want to strengthen your cybersecurity posture? Contact Cyber Shift Technologies today for a consultation.