By 2026, cyberattacks are no longer targeting only large companies. SMEs in Trois-Rivières and the Mauricie region have become prime targets for hackers, precisely because they are often less well protected.

Here are 7 concrete steps to protect your business, without needing an in-house IT team.

1. Enable MFA on all accounts

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is the first line of defense against unauthorized access. Without it, a single stolen password is enough to compromise your entire business.

• Enable MFA on Microsoft 365, your email, and your cloud tools
• Use an authenticator app instead of SMS
• Configure conditional access policies with Microsoft Enterprise

Solution: OKTO Solutions configures and manages MFA for all your applications in a few hours.

2. Set up a verified external backup

Over 60% of SMEs that suffer a major data loss close within 6 months. A backup that has never been tested is not a reliable backup.

• Back up your data outside your main network
• Test the restaurant at least once a quarter
• Apply the 3-2-1 rule: 3 copies, 2 different media, 1 off-site

Solution: Our managed IT services in Trois-Rivières include backup monitoring with automatic alerts.

3. Train your employees in phishing

90% of successful cyberattacks begin with a phishing email. Your employees are your first line of defense — or your greatest vulnerability.

• Organize awareness training sessions twice a year
• Simulate phishing attacks to test your vigilance
• Establish a clear procedure for reporting suspicious emails

Solution: We offer turnkey awareness programs tailored to SMEs in the Mauricie region.

4. Control access according to roles

Each employee should only have access to the data they need to do their job. Excessive administrative access creates enormous risks in the event of a breach.

• Apply the principle of least privilege
• Revoke access immediately upon departure
• Audit access at least twice a year

Solution: Automate onboarding and offboarding with Microsoft 365 and Entra ID.

5. Keep your systems up to date

Security updates fix known vulnerabilities that hackers actively exploit. An outdated system is an open door.

• Automate Windows and critical software updates
• Schedule restarts outside of working hours
• Include network equipment in your update cycle

Solution: Our comprehensive IT management includes automated patch management for all your devices.

6. Monitor your network in real time

Without active monitoring, an intrusion can go undetected for weeks. The average time to detect a breach without monitoring is 197 days.

• Install an intrusion detection system
• Set up automatic alerts for suspicious activity
• Analyze event logs regularly

Solution: Our 24/7 monitoring detects and blocks threats before they cause damage.

7. Have an incident response plan

It's not a question of if you'll be attacked, but when. Companies with a response plan reduce their recovery time by 70%.

• Define who does what in case of an attack
• Prepare a list of emergency contacts (IT, insurer, legal)
• Test your plan once a year with a simulated exercise

Solution: OKTO Solutions helps you build your business continuity plan tailored to SMEs in Trois-Rivières.