The Basic Pillars of Cyber Hygiene: Stronger Together

As I mentioned in my previous blog on cyber hygiene, the number of cybersecurity products out there can be overwhelming, from tools focused on prevention (“left of boom”) to those designed to help you respond and recover after an incident (“right of boom”). AI has only added to the confusion and, with all that noise, it is easy to lose sight of the basics.

While we have already outlined the importance of the four pillars of cyber hygiene, it is worth reinforcing how effective they are when used as part of a coordinated strategy. For this article, I thought we would take a closer look into the connection between the four main pillars:

• Email Security - to thwart or minimize phishing attempts, malware distribution, and other malicious activities
• Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) - to strengthen access controls and reduce risk of unauthorized access.
• Security Awareness Training - to empower employees and connected personnel as frontline defenders against cyber-attacks.  
• Vulnerability Management - to continuously identify, manage, and remediate exploitable vulnerabilities within your clients’ systems and networks 

These controls by themselves each play a critical role, however, when implemented together, they form a cohesive, layered defense system that will significantly reduce risk for you and your clients.

Where Each Pillar Fits

Email Security

• Why it's important: Email is the most common vector for phishing, malware, and social engineering attacks.
• How it fits in: Even with strong access controls, if a user clicks a malicious link, the system can still be compromised. Email security filters out obvious threats before they reach the user.

MFA

• Why it's important:  Passwords alone are often weak or reused. MFA adds a second layer (e.g., a phone notification or biometric). 
• How it fits in: If a threat actor obtains a user's credentials, whether via a successful phishing email or social engineering,  MFA can still block unauthorized access.

Security Awareness Training

• Why it's important: Technology can't catch everything. Human error is a major cause of breaches.
• How it fits in: Trained employees are more likely to recognize phishing attempts, report suspicious activity, and avoid risky behavior.

Vulnerability Management

• Why it's important: Attackers often exploit known vulnerabilities in software and systems.
• How it fits in: Even if an attacker bypasses email filters or tricks a user, patched systems reduce the chance of successful exploitation. Continuous management is critical, as dozens of vulnerabilities (CVEs) are published daily.

Why the Combined Approach Matters

Attackers rarely rely on a single tactic. Phishing might be paired with credential theft or unpatched vulnerabilities. By combining these pillars, you ensure that if one layer is bypassed, others still stand in the way.

Beyond improving security, this coordinated strategy helps clients meet industry compliance standards and cyber insurance requirements. Most importantly, your clients benefit from a clear, cohesive defense strategy that builds trust.

In the table below, you’ll find examples of real-world scenarios that show how each pillar plays a role and how they work best when deployed as part of a comprehensive strategy.

The Bottom Line

If you are an MSP or IT solutions provider and these four pillars are not part of your core service delivery, your clients may be more vulnerable than you realize. Gaps in these areas can make it harder for them to meet compliance requirements (e.g., CIS, NIST, HIPAA, FFIEC, etc.) or qualify for cyber insurance coverage. 

These pillars support good cyber hygiene practices, which are crucial for fortifying your clients’ security. By delivering all four in tandem, you provide measurable protection, while also reinforcing your role as a trusted partner and keeping your clients protected.

Let us know your thoughts, or you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at fraimondi@igius.com.