04 Jan Simple Cybersecurity Resolutions for the New Year

A new year brings newer opportunities. The promise of what lies ahead offers a potential clean slate and time for change and growth. Cybersecurity is no different. Given the rapidly changing digital landscape, including all the threats and dangers it can bring, establishing simple but effective resolutions for the new year ensures longevity, success, and resilience.

While every enterprise is different with varying resources and capabilities, there are simple, usable resolutions any company can follow to strengthen their cybersecurity posture for the new year.

Resolution 1: Always Update!

Does this sound familiar? That is because updating your software, apps, and programs is essential for proper security. Hackers look for easily exploitable software, especially that is unpatched. Zero-day vulnerabilities are notorious weak spots that malicious actors take advantage of. Therefore, any and all relevant business tools – from apps to software – should be updated. Don’t delay or ignore notifications, handle those updates asap!

Resolution 2: Conduct Pentests and Security Runs with Staff

Every new security measure implemented, every procedure adopted, and every bit of anti-virus software installed will count for little if you don’t have adequately trained, prepared staff. Any malicious link clicked, any dangerous website accessed, your best security model has been compromised.

Security awareness and cybersecurity training – even on a light basis – are essential for long-term health. Users need to be wary of phishing and social engineering schemes. Additionally, privileged access to essential network functions should be limited and regulated across the board.

An effective way to do this is to conduct pentests and security “rough drafts,” allowing you to get a pulse on your staff’s cybersecurity readiness.

Resolution 3: Get that Backup Disaster Recovery Plan!

Preparedness and proactivity go miles in a cybersecurity environment. A BDR plan accounts for the worst-case scenario: a hacker or malicious group successfully breaching your network.

What’s in a BDR plan? Typically, it involves having essential security contacts, data backups, third-party recovery services (if available), and simple but effective procedures in case “the worst” happens.

Resolution 4: Adopt the Backup Rule!

Backups are part of recovery plans, but even if your network isn’t in immediate danger, maintaining said backups is crucial for data recovery. Unintentional hazards, hardware failure, and even natural disasters are all capable of damaging components.

Some recommend implementing the “3-2-1” rule if you don’t know where to begin.

• Maintain 3 direct copies of your data and/or essential files
• Store these copies on at least 2 separate storage media types
• Possess at least 1 offsite copy, such as through cloud or data backup services

Doing so grants you access to easily recoverable backups, ensuring you always have records of critical and important files.

Other Recommendations

Still feeling overwhelmed? Even simple backup procedures become a complex task, especially with larger organizations. Enforcing MFA across the board, finding the right backup services, and even utilizing the correct routes for said backups is not always the “top priority” for a business organization.

Thus, a fresh new year resolution can quickly become a messy backlog. In these circumstances, reaching out for additional assistance can help you focus on your resolution goals. In that case, it’s wise to contact a managed service provider, such as Bytagig, to assist you with long-term goals.

To find out how, you can learn more by contacting Bytagig today.