Throughout 2021, cybercriminals have taken advantage of remote workers, created new ransomware, and sent out massive phishing schemes. As we kick off the new year, businesses need to be ready for emerging cyber threats and have the right protections in place to ward off cybercriminals. Below are four new year’s resolutions you can set to improve cybersecurity for your business.

Enforce Strong Passwords

Using weak or repeated passwords is one of the easiest ways for hackers to access a business’s sensitive data. One study found that 81% of data breaches are the result of poor passwords. A startling 555 million passwords have been stolen and published on the dark in the past four years. While these figures may be disturbing, passwords are also one of the easiest things for a company to change to improve cybersecurity. Here are a few tips to make your passwords as secure as possible:

• Passwords should be 8-15 characters long.
• Mix numbers, symbols, uppercase, and lowercase letters.
• Create an uncommon sentence, phrase, or combination of words while substituting letters for numbers or symbols.
• Use multi-authentication or two-factor authentication.

Keep Software Versions and Patching Updated

Security software is designed to protect your data and is constantly updated to correspond with the latest security threats. Keeping your software up to date will allow any necessary patches to be applied to correct or stabilize potential weaknesses. Over half (57%) of cyberattack victims have noted that if they had simply updated their software and applied the needed patches, the breach could have been prevented. Performing regular security scans and updating software can improve cybersecurity and protect a company’s sensitive data.

Train Your Employees

Research indicates that 90% of security breaches are caused by human error. A key to improving cybersecurity is empowering employees with the knowledge to protect themselves and, in turn, your company. Employees may unknowingly open an email or click a link that could provide a door for cybercriminals to come into your system and do untold damage. Proper training can give employees the tools and know-how to recognize and avoid a cyberattack. This can save your company from losing vital data and the money it costs to restore any damage done to your infrastructure or reputation.

Have an Expert Look at Your Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is a tricky game and is always changing and evolving. Having an expert come in to look at your system and evaluate its weaknesses can greatly help in improving your online security. A cybersecurity expert like TPx can investigate any vulnerabilities or gaps in your system and assess what adjustments should be made. That information is vital in your cybersecurity strategy and could protect your company from massive amounts of data loss.

Resolve To Improve Cybersecurity

Protecting your business and its data should be at the top of your new year’s resolutions. TPx is here to help improve cybersecurity for your business this new year and for years to come. For more tips and information on how to secure your business, read our Comprehensive Guide to Cybersecurity for Small and Medium Businesses.