Every year, small businesses lose millions to cyberattacks, and most of those breaches happen because of simple mistakes.
If you're a small business owner in New Jersey, securing your network isn’t optional.
It’s essential.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through step-by-step instructions to protect your systems, avoid common threats, and set up the right tools, including how to handle VPN setup for NJ businesses.
From passwords to firewalls to cloud backups — here’s everything you need to secure your business network, without needing an IT degree.
Key Takeaways
Small business network security starts with the basics: firewalls, antivirus, and updates
A proper VPN setup for NJ businesses protects remote work and off-site teams
Most SMBs don’t have cybersecurity policies — that leaves them wide open
Cybersecurity solutions don’t need to be expensive, but they do need to be consistent
Cloud Atlas offers local NJ support to help with firewall setup, endpoint protection, and VPNs
Why Small Business Network Security Matters
You don’t need to be a big company to be a target.
In fact, 43% of all cyberattacks target small businesses.
Why?
Because most small businesses:
Use weak passwords
Share logins
Don’t update their systems
Have no firewall
Have no data backup plan
Cybercriminals know this. They scan for open networks and outdated systems.
One wrong click, and you’re locked out of your systems with a ransomware demand.
That’s why a strong network security plan is not optional — it’s protection for your data, your team, and your customers.
Step 1: Secure Your Wi-Fi Network
The first step in network security is right in your office: your Wi-Fi.
Here’s what to do:
Change the default admin password on your router
Use WPA3 encryption (or at least WPA2)
Set up a separate network for guests
Hide your SSID so it’s not broadcasting
Reboot your router monthly to update firmware
Hackers often get in through poorly secured wireless networks. We will choose the tools that fit your business.
This is especially true for businesses operating out of shared spaces or co-working environments in areas like Newark or Jersey City.
Step 2: Use a Business-Grade Firewall
A firewall filters traffic coming in and out of your network.
Think of it as your business’s digital security guard.
Most consumer routers have a basic firewall, but that’s not enough.
A business-grade firewall gives you:
Real-time traffic filtering
Malware and virus blocking
VPN access control
Custom rules for employees and devices
Cloud Atlas offers managed firewall services for New Jersey businesses.
Need help choosing a firewall model? Reach out via Cloud Atlas IT Support
Step 3: Install Antivirus + Endpoint Protection
Antivirus isn’t just for individual PCs anymore.
Every device that connects to your network is a risk, including:
Laptops
Smartphones
Tablets
You’ll want to install endpoint protection — advanced antivirus software that protects each device individually and tracks activity.
Look for tools with:
Ransomware protection
Phishing detection
Centralized management
Real-time scanning
Cloud Atlas can help deploy these tools across your network for full coverage.
Step 4: Set Up a VPN for Remote Workers
If your team works from home — even part of the week — you need a VPN.
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) encrypts traffic between remote users and your internal systems.
This keeps your data safe from hackers on public Wi-Fi or unsecured networks.
For NJ businesses, we recommend:
Setting up site-to-site VPNs between offices
Providing individual VPN access to remote workers
Using two-factor authentication (2FA) with VPN logins
Monitoring VPN traffic for unusual activity
Need help with VPN setup in NJ?
Cloud Atlas provides complete VPN installation and training for businesses in Middlesex County and beyond.
Step 5: Create Cybersecurity Policies for Employees
Technology is only half the battle.
Your team needs to understand the risks, too.
Create simple rules like:
Never share passwords
Always use a business email for work
No downloading software without approval
Report phishing attempts immediately
Use password managers (not sticky notes)
Post these policies where everyone can see them.
Better yet, include them in employee onboarding and review them quarterly.
Step 6: Use Strong Passwords + MFA
One of the easiest ways to boost security is to stop using bad passwords.
Strong passwords should be:
At least 12 characters
Include letters, numbers, and symbols
Different for every site or tool
Also, enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) anywhere you can.
MFA requires a second step — like a phone code — even if your password is stolen.
It's simple, and it works.
Step 7: Back Up Your Data (Offsite)
If a ransomware attack hits you, will you still have access to your data?
You should.
But 60% of small businesses don’t back up data regularly.
Here’s what you need:
Daily backups of all critical files
Offsite or cloud-based storage
A disaster recovery plan
Regular tests of backup restore processes
Need help setting this up?
Check out Cloud Atlas’s full data backup and disaster recovery services
Step 8: Monitor Everything
Security isn’t set-it-and-forget-it.
You need real-time monitoring to catch threats before they cause damage.
That includes:
Network traffic
Device health
Login attempts
Firewall logs
VPN connections
Cloud Atlas offers 24/7 monitoring as part of our managed IT services for NJ businesses.
This means you don’t have to worry about what’s happening behind the scenes, we’ll alert you if something’s off.
Step 9: Train Your Team
Your people are your first line of defense.
Schedule short, no-jargon training sessions on:
Spotting phishing emails
Reporting unusual activity
Creating strong passwords
Using approved cloud tools
What to do if something goes wrong
Even one 30-minute session per quarter can prevent major losses.
Schedule Your Free Network Security Audit
Not sure if your network is secure?
Get a free consultation and basic audit from our team of experts in New Jersey.
We’ll review your setup and give you a custom security plan — no tech-speak, just plain English.
Book now:
https://www.cloudatlastech.com/contact-cloud-atlas-technologies
FAQs
What is small business network security?
It’s the combination of tools, settings, and habits that protect your computers, data, and people from hackers and viruses.
How much does cybersecurity cost for small businesses?
You can start with free tools, but most businesses spend $100–$300/month for full coverage. It’s cheaper than dealing with a breach.
What’s the best way to protect remote workers?
Use a VPN, strong passwords, multi-factor authentication, and train your staff on best practices.
Can Cloud Atlas help with VPN setup?
Yes. We offer full VPN setup and management for businesses across New Jersey, including remote employee access and office-to-office VPNs.
What if I already have antivirus — is that enough?
Antivirus is just one layer. You also need a firewall, VPN, backups, employee training, and monitoring.