New year, new cyber threats. But here’s the good news: with the right resolutions, your business can start 2025 stronger and safer than ever. Think of these as your digital version of healthy eating and exercise—but for your IT systems. And the best part? These resolutions are practical, not pie-in-the-sky promises.
Let’s explore some actionable ways to make this the year you take control of your cyber security.
Embrace a zero-trust mindset
What is zero trust?
It’s not about being paranoid; it’s about being smart. A zero-trust framework means verifying every user, device, and request—even if they’re already “inside” your network. It’s like locking every door in your house, not just the front one.
How to get started:
- Segment your network to limit access to sensitive data.
- Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) across your systems.
- Regularly audit access permissions to ensure users only have access to what they need.
Make passwordless logins a priority
Passwords are out; biometrics and secure tokens are in. Why? Because even the strongest passwords can be cracked or stolen.
How to get started:
- Consider adopting passwordless login options like biometrics or single-use codes.
- If you’re not ready to go fully passwordless, enforce strong password policies combined with MFA.
Train your team to spot phishing attempts
We all know the saying: “A chain is only as strong as its weakest link.” Well, in cyber security, your team can either be your strongest defence or your biggest vulnerability.
How to get started:
- Roll out regular phishing awareness training
- Share tips like checking email sender addresses and avoiding clicking on unexpected links.
- Test your team with simulated phishing attacks to keep them on their toes.
Read more: Cyber Awareness Training
Keep your software and hardware up to date
It might sound basic, but skipping updates is like leaving your windows wide open. Cybercriminals exploit known vulnerabilities, and updates patch these gaps.
How to get started:
- Enable automatic updates for software, operating systems, and apps.
- Regularly check hardware for firmware updates.
- Have a process to review and upgrade aging hardware—no one loves a router from 2009.
Back up like a boss
If ransomware strikes, your backups will be your lifeline. No backups? It’s like playing Jenga with your data—you’re just waiting for it all to come crashing down.
How to get started:
- Follow the 3-2-1 rule: 3 copies of your data, 2 different storage types, 1 offsite location.
- Test your backups regularly to ensure they actually work.
Plan for the worst with an incident response plan
Cyber attacks are stressful, but having a clear plan can turn chaos into calm. An incident response plan outlines what to do if (or when) something goes wrong.
How to get started:
- Identify key team members and their roles during a cyber attack.
- Document step-by-step actions for various scenarios, like a data breach or ransomware attack.
- Test your plan with a tabletop exercise to find and fix any gaps.
Ready to make 2025 the year of cyber security success?
Cyber threats evolve, but so can your defences. By adopting these resolutions, you’re not just protecting your systems—you’re safeguarding your business, clients, and peace of mind.
If you’re ready to tackle these resolutions but aren’t sure where to start, we’re here to help. At Cloud & More, we make cyber security approachable and proactive, giving SMEs the tools they need to succeed (without the jargon).
Let’s explore how we can help your business stay secure in 2025. Get in touch today.
