2023 is here and many of us are approaching the new year with a long list of resolutions to tackle. With the continual threat of cyber-attacks looming over organizations and privacy regulations imposing new requirements, 2023 is the year to add a few cybersecurity resolutions to that list.
While improving your organization’s cyber hygiene may seem like a daunting task, taking a few steps can make a world of difference in helping to safeguard your company, employee, and customer data. Here are some cybersecurity resolutions that can set your organization on a path toward cyber preparedness in 2023:
1. Use Strong and Unique Passwords
Make implementing or strengthening your organization’s password policy a top priority in 2023. Weak or reused passwords may be the weakest link in your organization’s defense against account theft and take-over. Mandating unique and complex passwords for company accounts can make a huge difference in preventing unauthorized access.
2. Implement Multi-Factor Authentication
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is an effective tool in decreasing the theft of online accounts. MFA adds an extra layer of protection to individual users’ accounts by requiring users to verify their identity by entering a code sent to their email or phone or by accepting a push notification through an app linked to their account. Under most apps and digital tools, MFA is free but needs to be manually enabled. This simple step can be the first line of defense against unauthorized access by a threat actor.
3. Keep Devices and Systems Updated
It’s easy to put off system updates when we’re busy, but regularly updating your software is a critical step in bolstering your security systems. Updates released by major technology provides, such as Apple or Microsoft, often contain critical security patches that help fix vulnerabilities that could be exploited by threat actors. In addition to helping improve your cyber hygiene, software updates also make your devices faster and more usable. It is important to remind staff when new updates become available to confirm your entire team is running on the most secure and up-to-date systems.
4. Train Your Employees
Human error continues to be a main cause of data breaches and other cybersecurity attacks. Make one of your 2023 resolutions to emphasize employee education. Conducting regular cybersecurity trainings empowers your team to take a proactive approach to cybersecurity and creates a culture in which employees understand their role in protecting organizational data.
Key Takeaways
There is no time like the present to start prioritizing cybersecurity. Making small changes to your business today can make a big difference in the event of a future cybersecurity incident. As a law firm that helps organizations prepare for cybersecurity incidents and implement information security best practices, Octillo can help your team start the year on a cyber-focused foot by conducting regulatory and risk assessments, creating incident response plans, and providing tabletop exercises and employee security and privacy trainings. Reach out to a member of our team to discuss how we may assist you in meeting your 2023 cybersecurity resolutions.
*Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome
