Secure your business with these 9 cybersecurity tips and best practices
We are facing an ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats. Whether you’re a small business or a larger enterprise, securing your digital assets has never been more important. Cybersecurity breaches can lead to significant financial losses, reputational damage and operational disruption and unfortunately, they are becoming increasingly common with small and medium businesses.
Taking proactive steps is critical and can significantly reduce these risks and ensure your business is protected. In this blog, we share nine cybersecurity tips and quick wins you should be implementing in 2025.
1. Remove access when employees leave
When an employee leaves your company, it’s crucial to promptly remove their access to systems, files and any other internal resources. It’s easy to overlook this step, especially when an employee’s departure is sudden or unexpected. However, keeping their accounts active can lead to unauthorised access, which is a significant cybersecurity risk.
Implement a standard offboarding process that includes deleting logins and access credentials as soon as an employee leaves. This will ensure that former employees don’t have lingering access to critical company data.
2. Use a company-wide password manager
One of the simplest, yet most effective ways to improve cybersecurity is by implementing a company-wide password manager like Keeper. It’s easy for employees to fall into the trap of using weak or repeated passwords across different systems. A password manager ensures that employees generate strong, unique passwords for each login, which are stored securely and easily accessible.
By using a password manager, you reduce the chances of password fatigue, while also increasing your overall security posture. Make sure to choose a password manager that offers encryption, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and is user-friendly for all employees.
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3. Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) across all platforms
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is an essential layer of security for your business. It adds an additional step to the login process, requiring users to verify their identity through a smartphone app or security token in addition to their password.
Make sure to enable MFA on all accounts that support it, especially for high-risk systems like email, financial platforms and cloud services. This can drastically reduce the likelihood of unauthorised access, even if a password is compromised.
4. Regularly update software and systems
It might sound simple, but keeping your software, operating systems and applications up to date is often neglected. Cybercriminals frequently exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software, so it’s essential to apply patches and updates as soon as they become available.
Set up automatic updates for critical systems wherever possible and establish a routine for manually updating less frequent patches. You’ll ensure your business stays on top of potential vulnerabilities and reduce the risk of a cyber attack.
5. Educate your team on cybersecurity best practices
The number one vulnerability in an IT system are the people that use it. Employees may unknowingly fall victim to phishing scams, malware downloads or weak password practices. By offering regular cybersecurity training, you can empower your team to recognise potential threats and take the appropriate steps to avoid them.
Focus on topics such as identifying phishing emails, safe browsing habits, and creating strong passwords. Regularly remind employees of the importance of cybersecurity and encourage a culture of vigilance.
“We recommend our customers take our approved training software that distributes regular training videos and mock phishing campaigns directly to staff and reports back on how well trained they are.”
6. Backup your data regularly
Data loss can be catastrophic for any business, whether it’s due to a cyber attack, human error or hardware failure. Having a comprehensive data backup plan in place ensures that you can recover quickly in the event of a security breach.
Schedule automatic backups for critical data and store backups in a secure, offsite location (cloud or physical). Make sure to test your backups regularly to ensure they’re functional and easily retrievable when needed.
7. Conduct regular security audits
Regular security audits are essential for identifying vulnerabilities and ensuring your cybersecurity practices are up to date. Bring in external experts or use internal resources to evaluate your company’s network, systems and policies.
Conduct audits annually as well as after any significant changes to your infrastructure or software. Audits provide an opportunity to address potential weaknesses before they’re exploited by cybercriminals.
8. Secure your remote workforce
As remote work continues to be the norm for many businesses, securing remote access to company systems is more important than ever. Ensure that employees working remotely have secure connections, such as using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) and are accessing company resources through secure portals.
Additionally, equip remote workers with the proper cybersecurity tools, such as firewalls, endpoint protection and secure communication channels, to prevent cyber threats from infiltrating your network.
9. Implement a clear incident response plan
Unfortunately, even with the best cybersecurity practices in place, breaches can still occur. The key to minimising damage is having a well-defined incident response plan (IRP). This plan outlines the steps your business will take in the event of a cybersecurity incident, from containing the breach to notifying stakeholders and regulatory bodies.
Ensure your team is trained on the IRP and make sure it’s reviewed and updated regularly. A quick, coordinated response can prevent a minor issue from escalating into a major crisis.
Cybersecurity threats are constantly evolving and it’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and tactics used by cybercriminals. By following these top tips and implementing best practices, you can significantly reduce the risk of a cyber attack, protect your valuable data, and ensure your business runs smoothly throughout the year.
Cybersecurity best practice in 2025 and beyond
Start 2025 strong by securing your digital environment, educating your team and taking proactive steps to keep your business safe.
If you need help implementing any of these tips or would like a cybersecurity consultation, contact us today. We're here to ensure your business remains protected in 2025 and beyond.
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