# Cybersecurity in the Modern Commercial Office: Protecting Your Design Business
Turn on the tech news, and you'll see story after story about ransomware attacks and data breaches. While sensational headlines grab attention, the reality is that cyber threats pose genuine risks to commercial design firms that can't be ignored.
As your business becomes increasingly digital—from cloud-based project management to mobile device usage—cybersecurity deserves the same strategic attention you give to your design projects.
## The Password Problem
Even well-intentioned employees rarely update their passwords as frequently as they should. The solution? Remove the guesswork entirely.
**Automate password requirements** across all company devices, requiring employees to create new passwords every 60 to 90 days. This simple step creates two important barriers:
- It makes it significantly harder for external threats to gain access to your systems - It helps close potential security gaps during employee transitions
## Managing Employee Departures Securely
Most departing employees have no intention of compromising your firm's security, but relying on good intentions isn't a sound business strategy. Instead, build robust departure procedures that actively protect your assets.
**When an employee leaves, take these immediate steps:**
- Wipe and inspect all company devices for malware or suspicious activity - Scan files thoroughly before transferring them to secure storage - Deactivate all accounts immediately—both on hardware and in software platforms like project management tools or client portals
Leaving accounts active too long doesn't just expose confidential client information and proprietary designs; it also wastes money on unused software licenses that can quickly add up.
## Beyond the Latest Technology Trends
While it's tempting to focus solely on the newest design software or presentation tools, cybersecurity represents an equally important technology investment. The most sophisticated design platform won't help your business if client data gets compromised or project files are held hostage by ransomware.
Think of cybersecurity as part of your firm's operational foundation—just as essential as reliable internet or backup power systems. When security protocols become routine rather than afterthoughts, your team can focus on what they do best: creating exceptional commercial spaces.
**The bottom line:** As commercial design becomes increasingly digital, protecting your firm's data and systems isn't just an IT concern—it's a business imperative that deserves proactive attention and regular investment.
