Cyberattacks are becoming more automated, more scalable, and more targeted than ever. A single security lapse can expose your entire organization to data breaches, ransomware, and reputational damage. Threats evolve quickly in today’s hyper-connected world, but the core principles that keep networks safe remain surprisingly stable.

In this article, we look at the top six cybersecurity best practices that form the backbone of a secure and resilient modern business network.

• Implement a zero trust architecture
• Keep all systems updated and patched
• Use effective network security tools
• Use multi-factor authentication
• Establish a robust backup and disaster recovery plan
• Invest in regular security awareness training

1. Implement a zero trust architecture

Unlike the traditional perimeter-based model that defends against everything outside a network but trusts everything inside it, zero trust architecture assumes threats can be anywhere — both outside and inside your network. This means every access request, regardless of its source, must undergo rigorous authentication and authorization before being granted.

This approach dramatically reduces your attack surface and contains breaches by preventing lateral movement. So if a breach does happen, its blast radius will be limited. The key principles behind a zero trust security model are:

• Enforce least-privilege access
• Use continuous strong multi-factor authentication (MFA) and device checks (see below)
• Segment internal networks to create granular security zones (e.g., finance, HR, dev) and enforce strict policies for traffic between them

Proton’s VPN for Business offers highly-configurable dedicated IP addresses and Gateways (logical groupings of dedicated IPs) that restrict logins, so only approved devices can access your networks. This allows you to assign and segment permissions, so employees only see what they need.

Each login can be secured using MFA(new window) with an authenticator app such as Proton Pass or Proton Authenticator, or via a hardware security key that supports biometric authentication, such as a YubiKey.

2. Keep all systems updated and patched

Unpatched software is still one of the most exploited attack vectors, with 60% of data breaches(new window) involving known vulnerabilities that weren’t patched.

Notable recent examples include the Salesforce data breach(new window) in which hackers exploited unpatched vulnerabilities in Salesforce integrations with third-party tools like Drift and SalesLoft, the MOVEit Transfer Vulnerability(new window) which was the result of unpatched zero-day vulnerabilities in MOVEit file transfer software, and the 2024 Microsoft Exchange Server attacks(new window), where ProxyNotShell and other known vulnerabilities in unpatched Exchange servers were exploited.

Where possible, use endpoint management software to maintain compliance. This ensures consistent patching across your team’s devices, makes it easier to identify and fix vulnerabilities, and reduces the manual workload for your team. If automated updates aren’t an option (such as in BYOD environments), it’s essential to enforce rigorous manual patch-management policies.

3. Use effective network security tools

Network security tools are software or hardware solutions that protect your organization’s data, systems, and users from cyberthreats. They help prevent unauthorized access, detect and stop attacks, enforce security policies, and maintain compliance.

Importantly, these systems are most effective when built around several complementary layers, each addressing a different class of threats and providing visibility, control, and response capabilities.

• Endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools: Continuously monitor, record, and analyze activity on endpoint devices connected to your company’s network (such as laptops, servers, and mobile devices). They detect malicious behavior, investigate incidents, and automate or guide your response when potential threats arise. Managed detection and response (MDR) tools are similar, except they are fully managed by a team of external third-party cybersecurity experts to monitor 24/7, investigate, and respond to threats on your behalf.
• Antivirus software: While EDR and MDR tools are designed to handle more sophisticated or targeted attacks, more traditional antivirus (AV) software remains a valuable first line of defense, stopping the everyday threats that employees are most likely to encounter (for example, infected email attachments or malicious downloads).
• Business VPN: With a modern cloud-based business VPN, you can easily secure remote access to company resources, so that only authorized personnel can access your systems. A business VPN also eases your company’s compliance journey, bypasses censorship and geo-restrictions, and adds a layer of defense against denial-of-service (DoS) attacks(new window) by obscuring the actual IP addresses of your company’s resources.
• Password manager: Human error remains one of the biggest causes of data breaches, and password reuse is a major culprit. A business password manager enforces good password hygiene by generating and storing strong, unique logins for each account.

Proton VPN for Business is a fully-audited, open source, Swiss-based VPN solution that protects your remote workforce and ensures safe access to company resources from around the world.

Proton Pass for Business (also fully audited and open source) ensures your staff secure their access to precious company resources using strong passwords (with built-in 2FA and passkeys support). Login credentials are stored using end-to-end encryption, and can be easily and securely shared among team members. As an administrator, you can deploy Proton Pass across your organization with ease, and quickly onboard new hires or revoke access for departing employees with one click.

Learn more about the best network security tools to protect your business

4. Use multi-factor authentication

Multi-factor-factor authentication (MFA) provides an extra layer of protection for your team’s business accounts by requiring them to use more than just a username and password to sign in. MFA prevents access to your company’s resources, even if your passwords are leaked.

Common MFA methods include TOTP authenticator apps, security cards and keys, and biometrics. Modern MFA security solutions such as the Yubikey combine physical security (a key) with biometrics (fingerprint scans).

Most Proton apps support multi-factor authentication via TOTP authenticator apps or a FIDO2 2FA security key (such as a YubiKey). We also offer our own standalone authenticator app (Proton Authenticator), and you can conveniently and securely generate TOTP codes in Proton Pass.

5. Establish a robust backup and disaster recovery plan

Backup and disaster recovery (BDR) planning is your safety net against catastrophic events. Whether it’s ransomware, natural disasters, or simple system failures, having reliable backups ensures your business can keep running no matter what.

The old 3-2-1 backup rule — two local copies on different media (such as your production servers or workstations and a local NAS) plus an off-site or cloud copy — has evolved to address modern cyberthreats (particularly ransomware), but its core principles remain relevant. The modern 3-2-1-1-0 rule adds:

• Extra 1: An immutable or air-gaped copy that cannot be modified, deleted, or otherwise targeted by ransomware.
• 0: Stands for **zero failures **through regular active monitoring of backups to ensure they are successful and, if any problems are found, fixing them immediately.

Proton Drive for Business is a secure end-to-end encrypted cloud storage solution that’s ISO 27001 certified, meeting the global standard for information security. Your team can also securely important files and collaborate in real-time using Proton Docs and Proton Sheets.

6. Invest in regular security awareness training

Your employees are both your greatest asset and potentially your biggest security risk. Comprehensive security awareness training transforms your workforce from a vulnerability into your first line of defense. For example, phishing simulations show that security training can reduce click rates by 86%(new window). Training should cover:

• Phishing and social engineering recognition
• Password management best practices
• Secure remote work procedures
• Data handling policies
• Incident reporting procedures

Rewarding staff for maintaining good security practices reinforces the lessons learned during training and encourages compliance.

Robust network security management keeps your company safe

Modern network security requires a comprehensive, multi-layered approach that addresses both technical controls and human factors. By implementing these top cybersecurity tips, your organization can significantly reduce its risk of cyberattacks, protect its sensitive data, and maintain business continuity in an increasingly complex threat landscape.

Security is a journey, not a destination. Regular assessment, continuous improvement, and a commitment to security at all levels of the organization are essential for building resilient defenses that can withstand today’s sophisticated cyberthreats.