By Emily Jones, PMP, CMMC-RP
As we enter 2024, it is imperative for organizations to reassess and enhance their cybersecurity strategies. To help, we’ve outlined five New Year’s resolutions that businesses should consider to fortify their cybersecurity posture in the coming year.
1. Employee Cybersecurity Training:
If you haven’t already, make 2024 the year you invest in comprehensive cybersecurity training for your employees. Human error remains a primary vector for cyberattacks, and a vigilant workforce can be a formidable line of defense. Regular training sessions and awareness campaigns should be implemented year-round to ensure that employees can recognize and mitigate common threats like phishing and social engineering.
2. Implementing Vulnerability Management:
Continuous monitoring and assessment of your network and systems for vulnerabilities is essential. Vulnerability management is different than just a vulnerability assessment because it is an ongoing monitoring of your environment, whereas a vulnerability assessment is a one-time snapshot of where you are the day the assessment is completed. Businesses should implement vulnerability management and utilize penetration testing to identify weaknesses and address them promptly. This proactive approach can help to fend off potential threats before they materialize.
3. Regularly Update Application Patches:
Outdated software is a common entry point for cyberattacks. In 2024, businesses should prioritize software updates and patches for their operating systems, applications, and security software. Timely updates are crucial to thwart cybercriminals who exploit known vulnerabilities. To be effective, patching should be consistent; a great automated patch management software can help in keeping your systems patching up to date.
4. Develop An Incident Response Plan:
Cyberattacks can happen to any organization. This year, resolve to create a well-defined incident response plan that outlines the steps to take when a breach or disaster occurs. This plan should include a robust backup and recovery strategy, communication protocols, legal considerations, and procedures for containment, eradication, and recovery.
5. Collaborate With Cybersecurity Experts:
The field of cybersecurity is complex and dynamic, making it crucial for businesses to work with cybersecurity experts. Consider hiring skilled professionals or partnering with reputable security firms to benefit from expert guidance in navigating the ever-changing threat landscape. This will also take some of the pressure off the internal IT team so they can continue to assist employees day-to-day.
By implementing these New Year’s resolutions, organizations can bolster their cybersecurity defenses, adapt to the evolving threat landscape, and instill confidence among customers and partners. This proactive approach to cybersecurity will protect sensitive data and pave the way for a successful and secure year ahead.
Emily Jones, PMP, CMMC-RP is the Principal Practice Leader for Warren Averett Technology Group. Emily oversees all aspects of implementing processes for valuable client IT solutions, including education and risk reduction.
Emily Jones / 334.260.2238 / [email protected]
