Cyber Hygiene: How to Keep Risk in Check (Based on 100+ Audits)?

Vint Cerf, one of the internet’s pioneers, is said to have coined the term “Cyber Hygiene” by cleverly comparing brushing teeth to protecting one’s online security. 

Whether this story is fact or completely invented, it makes sense. Just like brushing your teeth is a preventive measure against decay and disease, maintaining good cyber hygiene helps you take proactive steps to protect against digital threats. 

Skipping those regular checkups or ignoring basic oral care leaves us vulnerable to long-term damage—and the same can be said for cybersecurity.

This isn’t just an analogy, either. A few years ago, the Center for Internet Security (CIS) and the National Governors Association launched the National Campaign for Cyber Hygiene, urging everyone to approach cybersecurity with the same commitment they give to their physical health. 

Have you heard of it? The idea was simple: take straightforward, preventive steps to ensure your organization’s digital environment stays safe, just like you would maintain your physical well-being.

However, cyber hygiene is more than just a clever metaphor. It’s a critical practice for every organization, and there’s more to it than you might realize. In this article, we’ll explore what cyber hygiene really means, its key components, and how to implement it effectively. 

Let’s dive in…

Cyber Hygiene: What is it?

Cyber hygiene is a set of routine practices that help a company keep its network and data safe. These include actions like installing protections to block malware, regularly checking for system breaches, and ensuring strong access controls are in place to secure sensitive information.

FBI Director Christopher Wray recently raised alarms about an increasing threat to national security. He pointed out the dangerous blend of disinformation and cyberattacks orchestrated by foreign adversaries, stating, “We’re also concerned about how misinformation, disinformation warfare, if you will, from a foreign adversary and cyber attacks can work in tandem.”

This is where good cyber hygiene becomes indispensable. It helps you track unmanaged assets, get first-hand insights into the software, and defend against common threats like ransomware and phishing. It’s also key for protecting customer data and ensuring regulatory compliance.

Take a look at this video to see the importance of cybersecurity:

Why is Cyber Hygiene Crucial For Organizations?

Cyber hygiene is crucial, not just for companies but for individuals too. You’re putting up a solid defense when focusing on simple practices like creating strong, unique passwords, keeping software and systems up-to-date, and being wary of suspicious emails or sketchy websites. 

These habits will keep your data safe; they help prevent cyberattacks and give you greater control over your online privacy. 

So why aren’t more people and businesses prioritizing it? The benefits are clear, but it’s often overlooked until something goes wrong. 

Let’s dig into why these practices should be at the forefront of your digital routine.

Poor cyber hygiene poses a significant risk, especially in agriculture, education, and government sectors. 51% of organizations in these industries report that more than half of their cybersecurity incidents stem from poor hygiene practices. 

Even more concerning, one in two organizations use insecure network protocols that malicious actors can easily exploit. So the importance of cyber hygiene is:

• Keeps personal and financial information secure from hackers
• Minimizes risks of breaches that can lead to financial losses or reputational damage
• Ensures your browsing habits and personal information remain private
• Regular updates patch security gaps that hackers might exploit
• Encourages a proactive approach to staying safe online

Case in Point: Take the Sprinto GRC platform as it helped HackerRank scale their security endeavors, and this is what they had to say “While the onus is still on the teams and employees to complete their tasks, since using Sprinto, our engineering teams are spending as much as 20% less time looking for problems. The platform automatically alerts us when something needs to be done, where to look, and what will take us to the 100% compliance mark.” 

Interested? Get on a call with us to know more.

Core Elements of Cyber Hygiene: What You Need to Know

Core elements are essential to reduce these risks and strengthen security. Let’s break down the 6 key components that define a solid cyber hygiene strategy and how they work together to protect companies from escalating threats.

1. Passwords

Under cyber hygiene, password security is one of the most critical yet often overlooked practices. A weak or reused password can serve as an open door for hackers, allowing them to steal or misuse sensitive data. 

Many cyber breaches occur because of poor password hygiene—either through stolen credentials or easily guessable passwords. 

Hackers thrive on weak passwords, and once they gain access to one account, they can quickly compromise others if the same password is used across multiple platforms. Therefore, it is vital to enforce strong password policies. 

Your employees should be required to create complex passwords and avoid reusing them across different systems.

But what exactly makes a password strong enough to keep attackers at bay? Here are a few guidelines:

• Use a mix of characters: Include uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
• Make it long: Aim for 12–15 characters or more, as longer passwords are harder to crack.
• Enable multi-factor authentication: Adding this extra layer of security significantly reduces the chances of unauthorized access.
• Avoid personal information: Steer clear of using easily identifiable details like your name, birthday, or address.
• Don’t repeat passwords: Reusing passwords puts all your accounts at risk if one is compromised.
• Change compromised passwords immediately: As soon as you know a password has been exposed, change it.

2. Security software

Several types of software, including antivirus, password managers, and mobile device management (MDM) solutions, can help with cyber hygiene.

Here are some software you can invest in to improve your cyber hygiene:

• Vulnerability assessment tool 
• Penetration testing tools
• Compliance automation tool
• Email security tool
• Firewall
• Password management software
• Endpoint security software
• Encryption software
• Spam filtering software

3. Data Backups

At the Billington CyberSecurity Summit in Washington, senior U.S. defense leaders issued a stark reminder: no matter how sophisticated your security systems are, they’re only as effective as the basic cyber hygiene practices supporting them. 

One of the most fundamental—but often underestimated—practices is data backup.

Data backup is as easy as a child’s game but very important to implement. It consists of duplicating your data to one or more locations at a fixed time to ensure that, in case of a breach, your information is still secure and can be retrieved.

But why is this so crucial? 

Thus, no matter how robust the cybersecurity measures are, a system breakdown, a ransomware attack, or a mistake made by an employee may lead to data loss. Using an external hard drive, cloud-based storage, or a mix of both for the important files will help you not to be at the mercy of a breach or failure.

4. Firewalls

Firewalls have long been a cornerstone of network security, but how exactly do they fit into the broader picture of cyber hygiene? 

At their core, firewalls act as gatekeepers, monitoring and filtering both incoming and outgoing network traffic based on your organization’s security policies. 

They serve as the first line of defense, creating a barrier between a private internal network and the often dangerous expanse of the public internet.

But why is this important? If there is no firewall, then all the networks of the websites, the email servers, and even some important information are very open to anyone.

A deep firewall guarantees that only smooth traffic gets wayward while deterring cyber threats and safeguarding companies from breaches.

5. Multifactor Authentication

Are passwords alone enough to protect your accounts? 

The simple answer is no. Hackers can easily obtain usernames and passwords through phishing, data breaches, or brute-force attacks. This is why multifactor authentication (MFA) has become a critical layer of defense.

MFA adds an extra barrier, requiring not just a password but additional steps to verify your identity. 

While two-factor authentication (2FA) is common, MFA goes a step further by using two or more factors:

• Something you know (like a password)
• Something you have (like a code sent to your phone)
• Something you are (like a fingerprint scan)

The goal? This is to ensure it’s really you accessing the account, not a cybercriminal.

Simply put, it drastically reduces the chances of unauthorized access. Even if a hacker manages to steal a password, they’d still need to bypass multiple verification steps to gain entry.

6. Employee education

Often, the weakest link in security is not technology but people. This is why employee education is a critical yet often overlooked element. 

Why? Because security awareness training equips employees with the knowledge to identify and handle cyber risks, creating a culture of vigilance and resilience within your organization. 

This training helps minimize human error, a significant factor in many data breaches.

But how can your organizations effectively implement and track this training? 

Enter Sprinto, a GRC automation platform that integrates comprehensive, role-specific training modules into its suite of services. 

Unlike standalone training programs, Sprinto’s training is designed to align with your organization’s specific frameworks and can be launched across the entire organization or tailored to custom campaigns.

Sprinto’s platform also integrates with training providers like Curricula, ensuring that all training needs are met. 

One key advantage is that Sprinto automatically captures evidence of training completion and tracks any gaps, all without additional costs—training modules are included as part of the platform. 

 

Proven Best Practices to Keep Up Your Cyber Hygiene 

Making sure your organization follows good cyber hygiene practices is essential to maintaining a strong cybersecurity posture. Our internal compliance expert Varenya Penna opined, “Your security is only as strong as your weakest digital link. Good cyber hygiene ensures every link is fortified.” 

And this holds true. The table below outlines simple actions your organization can take to boost security and better protect your networks, systems, and data.

Checklist Item	Yes	No
We avoid using the same password for different accounts.	Yes	No
We change our passwords regularly.	Yes
We use strong, complex passwords (12+ characters).	Yes
We avoid using personal information in our passwords.	Yes
We use a password manager to store complex passwords.	Yes
We enable multi-factor authentication for sensitive accounts.	Yes
We disable auto-fill for passwords in browsers.	Yes
We ensure our software and apps are regularly updated.	Yes
We check our software for vulnerabilities and apply patches.	Yes
We regularly update firewall settings to reflect current security needs.	Yes
We implement policies to ensure software and OS are up-to-date.	Yes
We save data in external storage devices or in cloud storage, usually on a daily basis.	Yes
We ensure backups are encrypted and stored securely.	Yes
We use encryption for sensitive files and emails.		No
We avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions.		No
We use antivirus software to scan devices for threats.		No
We use firewall protection to block unauthorized access.		No
We scan USB drives for malware before use.		No
We disable unnecessary services and ports on our network.		No
We track and manage all hardware connected to our network.		No
We block unauthorized devices from connecting to the network.		No
We ensure IoT devices are securely configured and updated.		No
We use virtual private networks (VPN) when accessing the internet remotely.		No
We review and limit permissions granted to third-party apps.		No
We implement role-based access controls for critical systems.	Yes
We monitor the access rights of users who have access to sensitive information.	Yes
We set up alerts for login attempts from unfamiliar locations.	Yes
We restrict admin access to essential personnel only.	Yes
We restrict access to sensitive data based on job roles.	Yes
We monitor and respond to suspicious login attempts immediately.	Yes
We review and adjust cybersecurity policies regularly based on new threats.	Yes
We educate ourselves and our team about phishing scams.		No
We conduct regular cybersecurity training for employees.		No
We implement security controls for remote employees.	Yes
We regularly review and update our data retention policies.	Yes
We maintain an incident response plan for potential cyberattacks.	Yes
We perform regular security audits of all network devices.		No
We verify the legitimacy of requests for sensitive information.		No
We avoid clicking on suspicious links or attachments in emails.		No
We review our privacy settings on social media and other platforms.		No
We log out of accounts when they are not in use.	Yes
We limit the use of personal devices to access company data.	Yes
We deactivate unused accounts to reduce exposure.	Yes
We regularly monitor accounts for unusual activity.	Yes
We ensure our home Wi-Fi network is secured with a strong password.	Yes
We implement email filtering to reduce phishing attempts.	Yes

This table allows you to check off each cyber hygiene practice you follow so that you have a better understanding of your current security measures.

Benefits of Cyber Hygiene: Guard What Matters

The benefits of cyber hygiene can’t be overstated—it benefits both individuals and businesses in more ways than you might think. 

Take the infamous Equifax data breach, for example. With better cyber hygiene, that breach might have been avoided, saving the company millions of dollars and protecting its reputation. So, why is this so critical? Here are some key benefits you should keep in mind:

• Establishes the foundation for technical controls, policies, and procedures to protect against cyber threats.
• Helps avoid phishing attempts and other malicious activities.
• Identifies and removes outdated admin privileges, such as those from former employees.
• Locates unmanaged assets, reducing potential security vulnerabilities.

Cyber Hygiene Challenges

The stakes for poor cyber hygiene are incredibly high. This year alone, we’ve seen major attacks that have cost businesses hundreds of millions of dollars, USD 5.17 million to be exact. 

Beyond breaches, poor cybersecurity hygiene can lead to government fines, operational downtime, and even legal liability—each of which can drain finances and stall growth. That said, implementing strong cybersecurity practices isn’t always easy. 

Here are some challenges you might encounter along the way:

1. Lack of visibility into devices

When it comes to personal hygiene, you know exactly what needs your attention—but, simply having visibility into all your devices is a huge challenge. With the growing number and variety of devices in corporate environments, many companies struggle to answer a fundamental question: “How many devices do we have, and are they secure?”

This is where tools like Sprinto GRC step in. Sprinto offers a systematic and flexible way to implement and manage controls across your devices so that they work in harmony across your organization. 

It continuously monitors asset-level controls, configurations, and compliance programs, giving you a comprehensive view of your entire security framework. That way, you always have a clear, connected understanding of your devices, controls, and compliance across all devices.

2. Monotony in cyber hygiene

Routine activities, like regular system checks and updates, can feel tedious and lead to employee fatigue or inconsistency in execution. This raises a critical question: How do you maintain consistency when the tasks themselves are repetitive and uninspiring?

One solution lies in automation. Just by integrating automated tools, you can reduce the burden of manual tasks. 

Digital checklists and automated reminders ensure that nothing slips through the cracks, making the process both more efficient and reliable. 

The key is to find ways to streamline these essential yet mundane tasks to keep the organization secure without exhausting your team.

See how cyber compliance automation helped one of our customers below:

3. Convincing the higher-ups

When considering the cost of implementing cyber hygiene, a key question inevitably arises: What’s the return on investment? It can be challenging to pinpoint the exact metrics that demonstrate the value of cybersecurity hygiene, especially when seeking buy-in from the executive team. 

So, how can you make a convincing case?

One approach is to highlight the potential cost of a security breach. Share real-world statistics and stories that illustrate the financial and reputational damage caused by cyberattacks. Then, these potential losses can be compared to the ongoing investment in security hygiene, which is far more affordable in the long run. 

Ensure best-in-class Cyber Hygiene & GRC with Sprinto

Cybercriminals are constantly probing for the weakest link in any security setup. The core idea behind cyber hygiene is to minimize the chances of successful breach by making the basics a habit. 

This means intercepting phishing emails, blocking malicious network connections, and stopping harmful process activity before they cause damage. But to achieve this, you need strong, reliable processes and tech.

That’s where Sprinto comes in. Thousands of ambitious tech companies rely on Sprinto to simplify their GRC program, automate management, and maintain cybersecurity best practices. 

Sprinto supports over 20 security standards—including SOC 2, GDPR, ISO 27001, and HIPAA —along with custom frameworks. Its smart, adaptable, and scalable architecture ensures that cyber hygiene best practices are followed without hindering growth.

With its centralized dashboard, you gain real-time visibility into your security posture, making it easy to delegate tasks and track progress. Sprinto’s MDM integrations also trigger alerts for unmanaged devices, keeping every endpoint in check. 

Sprinto also offers best-in-class support to ensure a smooth implementation process. 

With compliance and cybersecurity-certified CX reps, Sprinto’s team delivers practical, goal-oriented assistance, making it easier than ever to stay secure while focusing on your business goals.

FAQs

What is a cyber hygiene score?

A cyber hygiene score helps IT teams measure the organization’s attack surface and evaluate the effectiveness of their security measures. This score provides critical metrics that help quantify the success of ongoing cyber hygiene efforts and identify areas for improvement.

What is poor cyber hygiene?

Poor cyber hygiene includes risky behaviors such as using weak passwords, neglecting to install security updates and patches, clicking on suspicious email links, or failing to implement robust security solutions. These practices leave systems vulnerable to cyberattacks.

What is a cyber hygiene assessment?

A cyber hygiene assessment is an evaluation of an organization’s cybersecurity practices and procedures. It aims to pinpoint weaknesses or vulnerabilities in their defenses, providing a clear picture of areas that need attention to strengthen overall security.