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The Top 3 Cyber Security Essentials Every Small Business Owner in Rhode Island & Massachusetts Must Know

Posted on by Bob Paradise
top 3 cyber security essentials
28
May

Implementing These Three Measures Can Make Your Business Up to 90% More Secure

In the ever-evolving digital threat landscape, small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are prime targets for cyber criminals. If you run a business in Rhode Island or Massachusetts, you’re not too small to be noticed. In fact, attackers are banking on the idea that you think you are.

Cyber security isn’t just an Information Technology (IT) issue anymore—it’s a business survival issue. If you’re a business owner in the Ocean State or the Bay State, this guide will walk you through the top three things you can do to immediately and significantly improve your company’s cyber security posture.

1. Enforce Mobile Device Management (MDM) on All Endpoints and Cloud Email Platforms

If your team uses laptops, tablets, or smartphones to access company data (including via Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace), you must control and monitor those endpoints. Mobile Device Management (MDM) ensures that:

  • Only authorized devices can access your systems.
  • You can remotely wipe lost or stolen devices.
  • You can enforce encryption and password policies.
  • You have visibility into how, when, and where your data is accessed.

Why It Matters for Rhode Island and Massachusetts Small and Medium-Sized Businesses (SMBs): With the rise of hybrid and remote work, especially across industries like manufacturing, healthcare, and professional services, MDM isn’t optional—it’s critical. Local regulations and cyber liability insurance carriers are increasingly expecting MDM to be in place as a standard control.

“Organizations that implement Mobile Device Management (MDM) can reduce endpoint risk and improve compliance.” — National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

2. Deploy Next-Generation Antivirus (NGAV), Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR), and Managed Detection and Response (MDR)

Traditional antivirus solutions are outdated. They rely on known virus signatures, which is a bit like locking your door only after someone has broken in before.

Next-Generation Antivirus (NGAV) uses machine learning and behavior analysis to detect threats in real-time, including:

  • Zero-day malware
  • Fileless attacks
  • Ransomware and phishing exploits

Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) provides continuous monitoring and threat detection at the endpoint level, enabling faster investigation and mitigation.

Managed Detection and Response (MDR) takes it a step further by having a dedicated security team actively monitor, analyze, and respond to threats 24/7.

Why It Matters for Local Businesses: Rhode Island and Massachusetts have seen a rise in ransomware attacks targeting small companies with limited defenses. NGAV, EDR, and MDR act as a layered, always-on sentinel, blocking threats and ensuring fast response.

“Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) solutions are essential for identifying, investigating, and responding to advanced threats that bypass traditional defenses.” — Gartner

“Managed Detection and Response (MDR) provides organizations without an in-house Security Operations Center (SOC) the ability to detect and respond to threats rapidly.” — Forrester

3. Require Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Across All Systems

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is one of the simplest yet most powerful ways to prevent unauthorized access. Even if a hacker gets a password, MFA stops them cold.

  • Use it for cloud email (Microsoft 365, Google Workspace).
  • Enable it on remote desktop connections and Virtual Private Networks (VPNs).
  • Apply it to financial platforms, customer data portals, and internal systems.

Local Implications: Cyber insurance providers in Massachusetts (MA) and Rhode Island (RI) increasingly require MFA for coverage eligibility. Plus, implementing MFA dramatically reduces your risk of data breaches and email compromise—two of the most common (and costly) threats facing SMBs.

“Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) blocks 99.9% of automated cyber attacks.” — Microsoft Security Blog

How Much More Secure Will You Be? According to data from Microsoft, Gartner, and multiple industry sources, implementing MDM, NGAV/EDR/MDR, and MFA can reduce your cyber risk by up to 90%.

Bonus Tip: Start With a Cyber Security Assessment Not sure where you stand? A comprehensive cyber security assessment tailored for small businesses in Rhode Island and Massachusetts can identify gaps and help prioritize action. (Attain Technology offers this—just ask.)

Final Thoughts: Cyber Security Isn’t Optional Anymore Whether you’re a manufacturing firm in Providence, a law office in Worcester, or a healthcare provider in Fall River, cyber security is part of your operational DNA now. Implementing these three essential controls doesn’t require a six-figure budget, but it does require leadership—and that starts with you.

If you’re ready to take action and want guidance tailored to your industry and location, Attain Technology Inc. is here to help. We specialize in Information Technology (IT) support and cyber security for SMBs across Rhode Island and Massachusetts.

About Attain Technology Inc. Based in Providence, Rhode Island (RI), we help small and medium businesses across New England gain confidence in their IT and cyber resilience. Want to learn more? Call us at 401-400-0813 or visit our dedicated guide: 11 Cyber Security Tips.

Additional Cyber Security Resources:

Bob Paradise

Bob Paradise has a track record of achieving success by utilizing his analytical and technical skills, along with leveraging diverse technology and cybersecurity solutions, to enhance business capabilities and reduce organizational risks.