Organizations should perform due diligence on their cybersecurity practices as the new year begins. Start the year on the right foot by focusing on five key areas.
Employee Training and Awareness
Regular cybersecurity awareness training for all employees should cover phishing scams, password hygiene, and data privacy practices. Staff should remain vigilant about suspicious activity and report concerning incidents promptly.
Data Protection
Organizations should encrypt sensitive information both at rest and in transit. Data loss prevention mechanisms help block unauthorized exfiltration, while regular backups ensure recovery capabilities following potential breaches.
Policy Review and Governance
Companies need to review existing security protocols and update procedures accordingly. Establishing scheduled awareness training and clearly defining cybersecurity roles strengthens the governance framework.
Risk Assessment and Threat Management
A comprehensive risk assessment identifies potential threats and vulnerabilities. Developing threat intelligence channels keeps organizations informed about emerging risks and evolving cyber threats.
Incident Response and Remediation
Organizations should develop and test incident response plans through tabletop exercises, implement post-incident analysis processes, and establish clear communication protocols for reporting security events.
By addressing these five key areas at the start of each year, your organization can maintain a strong security posture and be better prepared to face the evolving threat landscape.