15 Ways Minnesota Businesses Can Protect Themselves from Cyberattacks

By go-dts.com

Cybersecurity threats are no longer just a concern for large corporations. Today, small and mid-sized businesses across Minnesota are increasingly becoming targets for ransomware, phishing attacks, data breaches, business email compromise, and other evolving cyber threats.

At DTS, we help organizations throughout the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota strengthen security, improve productivity, and reduce risk through our Managed IT Services, Cybersecurity Solutions, and proactive technology management strategies.

One thing we’ve learned over the years: most cyberattacks exploit preventable weaknesses.

Here are 15 practical ways businesses can better protect their networks, employees, and sensitive data from modern cyber threats.

1. Start with a Security Assessment

You can’t secure what you can’t see.

A professional cybersecurity assessment helps identify vulnerabilities, outdated systems, weak security policies, and hidden risks throughout your environment before attackers have a chance to exploit them.

Many businesses are surprised to discover:

  • Old user accounts that remain active
  • Missing security patches
  • Firewall misconfigurations
  • Weak password policies
  • Devices that are no longer monitored

A comprehensive assessment creates a baseline and provides a roadmap for improving both security and operational efficiency.

2. Train Employees on Cybersecurity Awareness

Your employees are often your first line of defense—or your biggest vulnerability.

Cybercriminals rely heavily on phishing emails, fake login pages, malicious attachments, and social engineering tactics to gain access to networks.

Regular security awareness training helps employees:

  • Recognize suspicious emails
  • Avoid phishing scams
  • Follow password best practices
  • Handle sensitive information securely

Cybersecurity is no longer just an IT issue. It is a company-wide responsibility.

3. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Passwords alone are no longer enough.

Multi-factor authentication adds an extra layer of protection by requiring users to verify their identity through a secondary method such as a mobile authentication app, text message, push notification, or hardware security key.

Organizations utilizing Microsoft environments should combine MFA with secure Microsoft 365 Solutions to further strengthen account security and reduce the likelihood of unauthorized access.

4. Monitor Security Logs & Network Activity

Threats often leave warning signs before major damage occurs.

Security monitoring and SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) solutions help businesses:

  • Detect suspicious activity
  • Monitor failed login attempts
  • Identify abnormal behavior
  • Improve compliance visibility

Businesses that leverage proactive Managed IT Services often gain continuous monitoring capabilities that help identify and stop threats before they spread.

5. Strengthen Firewall Protection

Your firewall is one of the most important security barriers between your business and external threats.

Modern firewall solutions should include:

  • Intrusion detection
  • Intrusion prevention
  • Traffic filtering
  • Threat intelligence
  • Secure remote access controls

Many organizations continue operating with outdated firewall configurations that expose significant security gaps.

6. Improve Email Security

Most cyberattacks still begin with email.

Spam filtering, phishing protection, attachment scanning, email authentication, and advanced threat protection help reduce exposure to malicious threats before they ever reach employees.

Common attacks include:

  • Fake invoice scams
  • Microsoft 365 credential theft
  • Malware attachments
  • Executive impersonation emails

A layered approach that includes dedicated Cybersecurity Solutions is essential for protecting modern businesses.

7. Keep Computers & Software Updated

Outdated software remains one of the easiest ways for attackers to gain access.

Businesses should regularly update:

  • Windows systems
  • Microsoft 365 applications
  • Browsers
  • Adobe software
  • Antivirus platforms
  • Network equipment

Automated patch management helps close known vulnerabilities before cybercriminals can exploit them.

8. Use Web Filtering & Gateway Security

Web-based threats continue to evolve.

Modern web security platforms can block:

  • Malicious websites
  • Dangerous downloads
  • Phishing pages
  • Command-and-control traffic

Real-time web filtering significantly reduces user exposure to emerging threats.

9. Encrypt Sensitive Data

Encryption helps protect information whether it is:

  • Stored on devices
  • Shared through email
  • Transferred between systems
  • Accessed remotely

If devices are lost or stolen, encryption can help prevent unauthorized access to sensitive business data.

10. Enforce Strong Password Policies

Weak passwords remain one of the most common cybersecurity risks.

Businesses should implement:

  • Strong password requirements
  • Password managers
  • Screen lock timeouts
  • Account lockout policies
  • Access control standards

Simple password improvements can dramatically reduce security exposure.

11. Deploy Advanced Endpoint Protection

Traditional antivirus software alone is no longer enough.

Modern endpoint detection and response (EDR) platforms help defend against:

  • Ransomware
  • Fileless malware
  • Script-based attacks
  • Suspicious device behavior

Advanced endpoint protection provides deeper visibility into threats and faster response capabilities.

12. Monitor the Dark Web for Stolen Credentials

Compromised passwords frequently appear on dark web marketplaces after data breaches.

Dark web monitoring can alert businesses when:

  • Employee credentials appear online
  • Company email accounts are exposed
  • Passwords are leaked

Early detection gives organizations time to respond before attackers gain access.

13. Secure Mobile Devices

Phones, tablets, and remote laptops have become common attack targets.

Organizations should secure:

  • Company smartphones
  • Employee-owned devices
  • Tablets
  • Remote laptops

Mobile device management policies help enforce security standards, protect sensitive data, and remotely wipe lost devices.

14. Backup Your Data Properly

Backups are critical for ransomware recovery and business continuity.

A strong Data Backup & Disaster Recovery strategy should include:

  • Local backups
  • Cloud backups
  • Offline backups
  • Backup testing
  • Disaster recovery planning

Many businesses only discover backup failures after a critical incident occurs.

15. Continuously Evaluate Risk

Cybersecurity is not a one-time project.

Threats evolve constantly, requiring businesses to continually evaluate:

  • User access permissions
  • Open network ports
  • Security policies
  • Device inventory
  • Software vulnerabilities
  • Compliance requirements

Organizations operating in regulated industries can benefit from Compliance as a Service (CaaS) to help simplify compliance management and reduce risk.

Why Cybersecurity Matters More Than Ever

Cyberattacks continue to rise, particularly among small and mid-sized businesses.

A single successful attack can result in:

  • Downtime
  • Lost revenue
  • Data loss
  • Compliance violations
  • Reputation damage

For many organizations, the cost of prevention is significantly lower than the cost of recovery.

Additionally, businesses should consider securing more than just their computers. Secure communication systems such as modern Business VoIP & UCaaS Solutions and protected document workflows through Document Management Solutions can further reduce organizational risk and improve operational security.

How DTS Helps Minnesota Businesses Improve Security

At DTS, we help organizations throughout Minnesota strengthen cybersecurity while simplifying technology management.

Our solutions include:

  • Managed IT Services
  • Cybersecurity Solutions
  • Endpoint Protection
  • Microsoft 365 Security
  • Backup & Disaster Recovery
  • Firewall Management
  • Compliance Services
  • VoIP & Communication Security
  • Document Management Solutions

We believe technology should help businesses move faster—not create additional risk.

Technology Should Help You Move Forward

The goal of cybersecurity isn’t just to prevent attacks—it’s to enable your business to operate with confidence.

By investing in the right security strategies, technology solutions, and ongoing risk management practices, organizations can reduce downtime, improve productivity, and better protect what matters most.

At DTS, we’re committed to helping Minnesota businesses leverage technology in ways that support growth, strengthen security, and simplify day-to-day operations. Because technology should help your business move forward—not hold it back.

Want to see what this could look like for your business?
Visit: go-dts.com or reach out to our team today.