Cybersecurity in Plain English 

Tech gets complicated fast. Firewalls, encryption, multi-factor this, zero-trust that…but here’s the truth most people don’t hear enough:

Cybersecurity isn’t just something your IT team does, it’s something your whole team strengthens every single day.

And you don’t need to be a security expert to make a meaningful impact; small habits add up to big protection. Here are some practical tips:

1. Slow Down Before You Click Anything Weird

Most attacks start with an email that looks almost real. Take three seconds to pause before clicking a link or opening an attachment.
Three seconds is enough to save hours of cleanup later.

2. Check the Sender — Not Just the Name

Cyber criminals love to disguise themselves as someone you know. Look at the actual email address, not just the display name.
If it doesn’t look right, forward it to IT and ask.

3. Use Strong, Unique Passwords

One password reused across everything is an open door.  A password manager makes this painless — one vault, many secure passwords you don’t have to remember.

4. Turn On Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Everywhere

MFA is the seatbelt of the cybersecurity world. It takes an extra 5 seconds, but it blocks the majority of account-takeover attacks.
If something matters, MFA it.

5. Keep Your Device Updated

Updates aren’t just feature improvements. They patch security holes that hackers actively search for. When your computer or phone says “Update available,” click yes sooner rather than later.

6. Avoid Public Wi-Fi Without Protection

Airport Wi-Fi, hotel Wi-Fi, conference center Wi-Fi — all risky. If you must use it, connect through your company’s VPN first.
That VPN applies  your companies security protocols to the network you are using.

7. Store Work Files in Approved Places

Saving a quick document to your desktop or personal drive feels harmless… until something goes wrong. Use the shared drive, Teams, or the cloud tools your company provides, not your own file stash. This allows your companies remote detection services to keep any bad actors out of your files.

8. Lock Your Screen Every Time You Walk Away

It doesn’t matter if you trust everyone around you, your screen holds client info, emails, passwords, internal systems.

Tap Win + L or Control + Command + Q.
Takes one second. Protects everything.

9. Be Thoughtful About AI Tools

AI has become part of everyday work, but not all AI tools are created equal. Before pasting sensitive information into a chatbot or browser plugin, check with IT to make sure it’s approved.

10. When Something Feels Off, Speak Up

The moment something looks weird — an unexpected login prompt, a strange pop-up, an email you’re unsure about — tell your IT team.

Catching the small things early prevents the big things later.

Cybersecurity Isn’t About Fear — It’s About Confidence

You don’t need to know the technical details to make smart, safe decisions. These small habits don’t slow you down., they protect your team, your clients, and your business. Security starts with everyday people doing everyday things every day