There are 8 essential steps you can take to improve your cybersecurity infrastructure in the coming year.
1. Update Your Security Policies and Procedures
It’s important to review your security policies and procedures regularly and update them as needed, especially in light of the ever-evolving cyber threat landscape. Make sure all employees know what is expected of them when it comes to cybersecurity, and that they are held accountable for following these procedures.
2. Implement a Multi-Factor Authentication System
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of security to your accounts and devices. By using something you know (like a password), plus something you have (like a mobile device or token), it makes it much harder for hackers to gain access. Consider implementing MFA on all devices and accounts to protect your valuable data.
3. Utilize Encryption Technologies
Encryption is an important tool for protecting information from prying eyes, whether it’s in transit or stored at rest. Ensure that you have strong encryption protocols in place and that they are regularly updated to remain effective against the latest threats.
4. Invest in Security Awareness Training
Security awareness training is critical to ensure that all employees understand the risks, best practices, and procedures related to cybersecurity. Consider hosting regular webinars or seminars as well as publishing security guidelines and reminders on your intranet or other internal communication channels.
5. Prioritize Patch Management
Software and system patches are important to keep your systems up-to-date with the latest security fixes. Set up a schedule for regular patching, and make sure any approved patches are installed quickly to ensure the continued security of your environment.
6. Perform Regular Vulnerability Assessments
Regularly assess all of your systems, servers, and applications for any potential vulnerabilities. This will help you identify any weak points in your security infrastructure that could be exploited by malicious actors.
7. Monitor Your Network for Unknown Activity
Network monitoring tools can be used to detect suspicious activity on your network, such as attempts at unauthorized access or data exfiltration. Make sure you have the right tools in place and that they are regularly monitored.
8. Invest in Staff Education and Training
Adequately trained staff is the cornerstone of any strong cybersecurity strategy. Regularly provide educational resources to all employees, such as courses on security-related topics or access to threat intelligence data. This will help ensure your staff understands the importance of cybersecurity and knows how to recognize potential threats.
By following these eight steps, you can improve your cybersecurity infrastructure in 2023 and better protect your valuable data. Implementing the right security measures today will help ensure that your organization is prepared for whatever comes next. In addition, partnering with a managed services provider can provide additional expertise that can help you build a robust and secure environment. With the right team and plan, you can be confident that your organization is well positioned to protect against any potential cyber threats in the future.