2018 Cybersecurity resolution checklist

The New Year is just days away and there is a good chance you’ve started to think about New Year’s resolutions and goals. To accommodate you and your teams’ security needs, we decided to take the tradition of resolutions and spin it in a different direction.

It should come as no surprise that 2018 is expected to see an increase in cyberattacks. In fact, by 2021 it is expected that cyberattacks will cause $6 trillion in damage. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to make sure you and your business are safe as we transition into the new year.

Preparing for the new year can look like a lot of different things. One thing that should not be overlooked is preparing for cybersecurity attacks. These attacks come in all shapes and sizes – from a suspicious link in an email to an unsecure website – these things could cost you more than just a headache.

With that said, here are 4 tips you and your team can use to prepare for the new year, cybersecurity style.

1. Backup data

This is something that you should already be doing frequently but when transitioning into a new year you should always back up your files for safe keeping. Backing up files will guarantee you will not lose data if you fall victim to a cybersecurity attack. For more information on backup options read the US-CERT data backup options.

2. Use protective measures

Firewalls and anti-malware software will help protect your systems from attacks and breaches. Firewalls are your first line of defense, they create a barrier between you and your potential attackers. Anti-malware software protects your data from attacks such as phishing emails. Both of these types of software are essential to cybersecurity and will help you prevent a threat before it takes place.

3. Update software

You are more likely to get attacked if your software is out of date. This is because hackers have more time to learn their way around that system. Make sure your software is up to date with the most current version in order to stay protected.

4. Educate your employees

Make it a goal in 2018 to hold training seminars educating your employees on all your cybersecurity procedures. Explain to them why these procedures are in place and how important it is to follow them. Put these policies and procedures in a convenient location, printed, for your employees to read when needed. If you’re not sure where to begin when it comes to security training, Secure360 has you covered. Attend any one of our cybersecurity conferences for comprehensive security and risk management training.

These tips are simple and attainable goals for you and your team in the new year. They could determine whether you advance through the year untouched or become one of the many victims of cybercrime.

Now is the time to get prepared for the safety of your family, your business, your team and yourself.

Tell us how you’re preparing for cybercrime in the comments below!