Computer-based criminals are constantly becoming more innovative and more effective in their attempts to access unauthorized files or steal confidential data. As such, businesses must be vigilant, constantly refining their approach to cybersecurity. The start of a new year provides an excellent opportunity to audit your existing security measures, and to consider potential areas for improvement.

7 Cybersecurity Resolutions for 2024

1) Provide more consistent training.

When it comes to thwarting online assailants, your employees are your first line of defense. When’s the last time your company provided team-wide cybersecurity training, instructing employees on their role in keeping hackers at bay? In the new year, make routine training a top priority.

2) Keep your antivirus software up to date.

It’s easy to take a set-it-and-forget-it mentality with antivirus software. In the coming months, resolve to regularly check the status of your cybersecurity software, and to update it as needed. Your managed service IT team can be invaluable here, doing the legwork on your behalf.

3) Create password policies.

Robust passwords can go a long way toward keeping your network safe. Work with IT to develop password policies for all employees to follow. Stipulations might include:

  • Changing passwords regularly.
  • Not using the same password for multiple accounts.
  • Using special characters in each password.

4) Implement multifactor authentication.

Even good passwords may not be enough to keep your network secure. An additional step to consider is multifactor authentication, which would require employees to provide additional information (such as a phone number) in order to access a particular file, database, or platform. Multifactor authentication can be a meaningful safeguard against compromised credentials.

5) Assess your vulnerability.

To ensure the strongest IT security protections, it’s helpful to know about your current risk exposure and vulnerability levels. If you haven’t conducted a risk assessment or penetration test recently, resolve to do so toward the start of the new year. Again, your IT provider can provide a lot of help here.

6) Enact a strong data backup program.

If your files are ever compromised, you’ll want to ensure you have safe backups, preferably offline. If you don’t already have a data backup protocol in place, resolve to implement one at the outset of the new year.

7) Keep up to date.

The risks your company faces are always changing, and it’s critically important to remain in the know. Make it a priority to regularly read up on the latest forms of vishing, phishing, and smishing attacks, along with ransomware and other forms of malicious behavior. You might want to schedule regular meetings with IT to ensure everyone is maintaining a high level of vigilance, and that your internal policies can be adapted or revised as needed.

Resolve to Be Safer in 2024

There are plenty of sensible steps your business can take to make cybersecurity a priority in 2024. We’d love to help. To discuss the best IT security measures for your company, reach out to the BlueArmor team at your convenience.