Cybersecurity for Non-Tech People | Cloud Cover

Let's just say it:
Cybersecurity sounds boring. 

It's one of those things business owners know they should care about, right up there with flossing daily and sorting the junk drawer—but it always ends up at the bottom of the list, somewhere between “renew my domain name” and “figure out where the weird smell in the break room is coming from.” 

And hey, we get it. You didn’t start a business because you love firewalls, phishing scams, or multi-factor authentication.

You’ve got customers to serve, employees to lead, and 17 browser tabs open already. 

So here’s the deal: this post is for you—the business owner who knows cybersecurity matters… but would literally rather be doing anything else. 

Let’s keep it simple. No jargon. No judgment. Just a few things you actually need to know to keep your business safe (and get back to doing literally anything else). 

🔐 So... What Even Is Cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity is just a fancy word for keeping the bad guys out of your stuff. 

Your stuff = 

✔️ Emails 
✔️ Files 
✔️ Customer info 
✔️ Invoices, contracts, your to-do list 
✔️ That one spreadsheet you haven’t closed in 4 months 

The bad guys? They want access. Not because they care about your inventory spreadsheet—but because they know you care about it, and they can hold it for ransom, steal data, or use it to sneak into other systems.

🧼 The Basic Hygiene Checklist (For Non-Tech People)

Like brushing your teeth but for your business. 

✅ Use strong, unique passwords.

Not your pet’s name. Not your birth year. Definitely not Password123.

✅ Turn on MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication).

Yes, the annoying little code thing. It's annoying because it works.

✅ Don’t click weird links.

If an email says "Click here to claim your Home Depot gift card," don’t. Carl already fell for it once.

✅ Back. Up. Your. Stuff.

Cloud backups. Off-site backups. Anything but “saved to my desktop.” Please.

✅ Update your software.

Those little update notifications? They’re not just to bug you. They patch security holes. Do it.

😬 What Happens If You Ignore This Stuff? 

Nothing… until everything.

One click on a phishing email. One leaked password. One outdated server. That’s all it takes to:

• Lock you out of your systems
• Expose client data
• Lose every file you care about
• And spend days (or weeks) in full panic mode

All while still trying to run your business. 

👋 But You Don’t Have to Be a Tech Genius 

Here’s the good news: You don’t have to know how to fix this. You just have to know who to call.

At Cloud Cover, we help business owners all across Ohio stop worrying about cybersecurity—without making them sit through a two-hour seminar or memorize acronyms.

We'll:

• Lock down your passwords
• Set up secure backups
• Train your team (without making them cry)
  
• Monitor your systems around the clock
• And help Carl stop clicking on sketchy emails
  
  

Cybersecurity = Peace of Mind (Without the Panic)

You don’t have to become an IT expert. You just have to stop pretending everything’s fine when you know it’s not. 

Let us take it from here.

You go back to doing literally anything else—like running your business, enjoying your weekend, or finally figuring out that smell in the break room.

👉 Schedule a quick chat

We’ll keep the hackers out. You keep doing your thing. 

Frequently Asked Questions: Online Safety for Everyday Users

What simple steps can a non-tech person take to stay safe online?

Non-tech users can significantly boost online safety by using strong, unique passwords for every account, enabling two-factor authentication (2FA), and keeping their software, devices, and apps updated regularly.

Why should I avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive tasks?

Public Wi-Fi networks are often unsecured, making it easier for hackers to intercept your data—such as passwords or personal information. For banking or other sensitive tasks, use a secure home network or a trusted VPN for safer browsing.

How can I protect myself from phishing emails or scam messages?

Be cautious with unexpected emails or messages, especially those requesting personal information or urging quick action. Avoid clicking suspicious links or downloading attachments. When in doubt, verify the message by contacting the company or sender directly.

What should I do to secure my devices (phone, laptop, tablet)?

Use strong screen locks (PIN, password, or biometrics), install reputable antivirus software, and enable automatic updates for your operating system and apps. Regularly back up important files—such as through cloud storage—to prevent data loss from malware or hardware failure.

Is it risky to share personal information on social media or online?

Yes. Oversharing information—like photos, location, or personal details—can make you vulnerable to identity theft, stalking, or social engineering scams. Limit what you share publicly and be selective with who can view your posts.