MSB Blog

Cybersecurity isn’t just a concern for large corporations—it’s a critical priority for small businesses too. With cyberattacks on the rise and small businesses often being the targets, protecting your data and your customers’ information is essential to maintaining trust and long-term success.

At Monson Savings Bank, we’re committed to helping local businesses stay secure. Here are the cybersecurity fundamentals every small business should have in place:

Use Strong Passwords and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Weak or reused passwords are one of the easiest ways for hackers to gain access to your systems. Make sure your team:

• Uses complex passwords (a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols)
• Changes passwords regularly
• Enable multi-factor authentication wherever possible (especially for email, banking, and cloud services)

Consider using a password manager to securely store and generate strong passwords.

Keep Software and Systems Updated

Outdated software can leave your business vulnerable to known security flaws. Always:

• Install updates and patches as soon as they’re available
• Use reputable antivirus and anti-malware tools
• Regularly update your operating systems, browsers, and plugins

Train Employees to Recognize Phishing and Scams

Your employees are your first line of defense. Educate them on how to:

• Spot suspicious emails or links (avoid spoofed and phishing emails)
• Avoid downloading unknown attachments
• Report potential phishing attempts immediately

Look out for emails with urgent language, unfamiliar senders, or requests for sensitive information.

Check out our Workplace Cybersecurity Coach Module on our Business Security Center.

Secure Your Wi-Fi and Network

An unsecured network is an open door for cybercriminals. Make sure to:

• Use strong encryption for your Wi-Fi
• Change default router passwords
• Set up a separate guest network for visitors

Back Up Your Data Regularly

Data loss can be devastating. Protect your business by:

• Backing up data daily (automated backups are best)
• Storing backups in a secure, offsite or cloud location
• Testing your backups to ensure they can be restored

Limit Access to Sensitive Information

Not every employee needs access to everything. Use the principle of least privilege:

• Restrict access based on roles
• Monitor who accesses sensitive data
• Revoke access immediately when employees leave

Have a Cybersecurity Plan in Place

If a breach happens, you need to act fast. Your plan should include:

• Who to contact (IT, legal, law enforcement, etc.)
• How to notify affected customers
• Steps to contain and recover from the breach

Monson Savings Bank Is Here to Help

At Monson Savings Bank, we’re here to help you stay one step ahead. We offer secure digital banking tools, fraud detection services, and personalized support to help protect your business. If you ever suspect fraud or need guidance, reach out to your business banking team.

Visit our Business Security Center for more information on how to protect your business.

This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or cybersecurity advice. Businesses should consult with qualified professionals for guidance specific to their operations and risk profile. Monson Savings Bank is not responsible for any losses resulting from the use of this information.