In an economy that has become increasingly unstable in the past few years, budgeting for cybersecurity seems like a luxury for many businesses. In fact, over 30% of executives admit that they don’t think cybersecurity is in their budget for the upcoming year. However, we are still seeing a drastic increase in cyber vulnerabilities among businesses, and therefore, an increase in cyberattacks. Neglecting your cybersecurity budget in the new year is a risky business move.
As cyberattacks steadily increase, having an effective cybersecurity plan is no longer a choice but a necessity. Luckily, there are some low-cost steps businesses can take to protect their data and networks from cyber threats in 2023.
1. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is a strategic, easily-adopted method to ensure that only authorized people have access to your data and networks. Implementing MFA will help protect you from hackers who are trying to steal login credentials or personal information.
2. Password Policy
If you don’t already have a password policy in place, this is one of our most important cybersecurity goals for 2023. Having a password policy in place ensures that the passwords used by employees are not easy for hackers to guess. With an effective password policy, you can greatly reduce the chances of unauthorized access at no exorbitant cost.
3. Password Manager
Choosing a password manager that supports your password policy can further protect your systems from attack. A password manager allows users to store all their passwords securely in one location. This makes it easier for users to remember multiple complex passwords while protecting their accounts from being breached.
4. Frequently Changing Passwords
In order for your passwords to remain secure, you should change them on a regular basis. This is especially important if you are using the same password across multiple accounts or websites. Changing your passwords frequently will make it much harder for hackers to gain access to your data.
5. Software Updates
Make sure that all your software is up to date with the latest security patches and bug fixes. Outdated software can leave your systems open to attacks and give hackers easy access to your confidential data.
6. Vulnerability Assessment
Set a cybersecurity goal in 2023 to have an MSP conduct a vulnerability assessment on your network. A vulnerability assessment will help identify any weaknesses in your system that could be exploited by malicious actors. This includes identifying outdated software, weak passwords, and other vulnerabilities that can be used by attackers.
7. Virtual Private Network (VPN) for Remote Employees
If your employees are working remotely, you should require them to use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) connection in order to access the company’s network securely. This will help protect their data from being intercepted or exposed by hackers.
8. Employee Cybersecurity Training
Educating your employees about cybersecurity best practices is essential for protecting your business from cyber threats. Make sure that all of your employees understand what constitutes a secure password and how they can identify phishing emails and other suspicious activities.
9. Email Security
Implementing spam filtering and threat detection measures on your email platform can help prevent malicious emails from reaching your inboxes. These solutions also allow you to quickly identify and remove malicious attachments or links before they can cause damage.
10. Partner with an Managed Service Provider
If your business doesn’t have the resources or expertise to manage its cybersecurity needs, you should consider partnering with a managed service provider (MSP). A reliable MSP will be able to provide you with the necessary tools and services to ensure that all of your data is secure, all at an affordable price.
Tech Rockstars Can Help You Accomplish Your Cybersecurity Goals
If you feel like you need more help implementing cybersecurity goals in the new year, you’ve come to the right place!
At Tech Rockstars, we provide comprehensive cybersecurity services for businesses of all sizes. Our team of experts can help you create a secure environment and ensure that your data is safe from hackers and breaches. Schedule a consultation to learn more about how we can help you protect your business.
