Small to medium businesses (SMBs), like larger corporations, are facing increasing cyberthreats due to the sensitive customer data they handle. However, they often lack the resources needed to adequately protect this information. To make matters worse, cybercriminals are continually evolving their tactics, making it increasingly difficult for businesses to stay one step ahead.
This blog post will explore the current state of cybersecurity in 2024 and outline the top strategies every business should implement.
How cybersecurity strategies have had to adjust to threats in 2024
The cybersecurity landscape has reached a point where, every day, a new threat appears out of the woodwork. Cybercriminals are now using AI to develop more sophisticated malware and phishing attacks, making it essential for businesses to adopt comprehensive cybersecurity measures to prevent vulnerabilities that cybercriminals can exploit. They must also be proactive in preparing for when a breach eventually occurs in order to mitigate the impact.
Defending your SMB against cyberthreats
Here’s what you need to do to combat evolving threats effectively.
Maintain strict and updated security policies
A strong security policy forms the backbone of any effective cybersecurity strategy. However, simply having a policy in place is not enough; it must be regularly updated to address emerging threats and technological advancements. Employees in every department should be trained to understand and comply with these updates, recognizing the consequences for both the company and themselves if they fail to do so. This helps keep the entire organization aligned in its cybersecurity efforts.
Implement zero trust architecture
One effective approach to enhancing your security posture in 2024 is to adopt a zero trust architecture, a way of organizing your network and access controls under the assumption that every access attempt is a potential threat. This strategy requires continuous access authentication at each stage of a digital interaction, minimizing the risk of unauthorized access.
Use multifactor authentication (MFA)
Implementing MFA is crucial for enhancing account security. MFA typically involves a secondary form of authentication to accompany login credentials, such as a one-time password sent to your mobile device or a biometric scan. By integrating an authentication method that is difficult, if not impossible, to replicate, you make it far harder for malicious actors to breach your network.
Regularly update your software
One of the most common ways hackers breach systems is by exploiting a flaw in software. If the flaw has already been fixed with a patch but you haven’t applied it yet, your systems are still vulnerable to breaches. Regularly scheduled, or better yet, automated updates that download and install patches can prevent these vulnerabilities from occurring.
Back up your data constantly
In the event of a cyberattack (as well as hardware failure or other disasters), having a recent backup can be the difference between a slight inconvenience and a crippling crisis. For example, if you are the target of a ransomware attack that holds your data hostage, a recent backup of critical data could help you restore operations without paying the ransom. Remember to encrypt your data backups and store them securely so that cybercriminals can’t access them, rendering them moot.
Segregate networks
Network segregation is a strategic approach to enhancing security. By isolating critical networks and services through methods such as internal firewalls and virtual local area networks (VLANs) you can reduce the impact of data breaches and protect your networks from advanced threats. Should a breach occur or malware enter your system, network segregation measures will at least slow them down, giving your security experts more time to detect and contain them.
Audit your cybersecurity
Regular cybersecurity audits are essential for maintaining a strong security posture. Audits help identify vulnerabilities and ensure compliance with legal requirements. Conducting audits at least once a year, or more frequently for businesses handling sensitive data (such as healthcare), can help you improve your security posture.
Prepare your business for the cybersecurity threats of 2024 and beyond by talking to a predictiveIT expert. Contact us today.
