Cybersecurity New Year's Resolutions Every Enterprise Leader (and user) Should Make

The article, originally published by VentureBeat, provides 5 cybersecurity resolutions that every enterprise should make for the new year.

• Use strong and unique passwords: Passwords are the first line of defense against hackers, so they should be long, complex, and different for each account. Password managers, anti-malware platforms, and disabling auto-fill settings can help protect passwords.
• Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA): MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second factor, such as a code or a biometric, to verify identity. MFA can block 99.9% of account compromise attacks, according to Microsoft research.
• Beware of phishing: Phishing is a common and evolving method of tricking users into giving up their credentials or installing malware. Phishing can take various forms, such as email, phone, text, QR code, or social media. Users should be vigilant and avoid clicking on suspicious links or providing sensitive information to unsolicited messages.
• Adopt a Zero-Trust policy: Zero trust is a security model that assumes every user could be a potential threat and grants access only to the data and systems they need. Zero trust relies on verifying identity, inspecting network traffic, and logging anomalies.
• Backup data and patch systems: Data is the most valuable asset of any enterprise, so it should be backed up regularly and stored in secure locations. Patching systems and devices is also essential to prevent hackers from exploiting vulnerabilities. Employees should be educated about the importance of updating their own devices, especially in a hybrid work environment.