10 Smart Cybersecurity Moves to Make Now to Avoid Future Trouble
The importance of robust cybersecurity practices cannot be overstated. A single security breach can lead to major problems for organizations in the form of financial losses, reputational damage and regulatory fines. In this blog, we’ll discuss smart moves IT professionals can make to ensure their organizations’ defenses are ready for today’s sophisticated threats.
Excerpted in part from The Midyear Cyber Risk Report 2024 DOWNLOAD IT>>
What cybersecurity troubles lie ahead?
When thinking about how their organization could be at risk of a cyberattack, a quarter of the people we talked to for the Kaseya Security Survey 2023 pointed to email. This really shows how crucial it is to have strong, multilayered email security measures to keep risks low. Another quarter said that their organization’s biggest weak spot is endpoint security (23%). Interestingly, 22% feel that human factors, like mistakes or insider threats, are the likeliest paths for a cyberattack on their company. This underlines just how vital it is for every employee to go through security training. After all, a well-educated workforce can significantly lower the chances of a cybersecurity incident.
Which of the following threat vectors are you most concerned about being the gateway to a successful attack in the next 12 months?
| Attack vector | Response |
| 25% | |
| Human error (social engineering, distraction) | 16% |
| Endpoint (server) | 12% |
| Endpoint (laptop) | 11% |
| Cloud | 10% |
| Network | 8% |
| Insider threats | 6% |
| Supply chain | 5% |
| Unpatched systems (zero-day attacks) | 5% |
| None | 2% |
Source: The Midyear Cyber Risk Report 2024
10 smart security moves to make right now
In today’s dynamic threat landscape, smart cybersecurity strategies are essential for protecting sensitive information and maintaining operational integrity. Below, we expand on key cybersecurity practices that can bolster an organization’s defenses.
1. Conduct regular, comprehensive security awareness training
Security awareness training is crucial to ensure all employees understand the importance of cybersecurity and their role in maintaining it. It should cover:
- Phishing awareness: Educate employees on how to recognize phishing attempts, suspicious emails and social engineering tactics. About 78% of IT professionals believe their organization will be hit by phishing in 2024.
- Password security: Promote the use of strong, unique passwords and encourage the use of password managers.
- Data protection: Teach employees how to handle sensitive data properly, including encryption and secure file-sharing practices.
- Incident reporting: Ensure employees know the procedures for reporting suspected security incidents or vulnerabilities.
2. Frequently train employees with phishing simulations
Regular phishing simulations can help employees stay vigilant and improve their ability to identify phishing attempts. These simulations should:
- Mimic real threats: Use realistic scenarios that reflect the latest phishing tactics.
- Provide feedback: Offer immediate feedback to employees who fall for the simulations, including tips on how to recognize similar attempts in the future.
- Track progress: Monitor and analyze the results of simulations to identify trends and areas needing improvement.
3. Get a clear picture of dark web data risks
Understanding the risks associated with data exposure on the dark web is essential for proactive cybersecurity.
- Dark web monitoring: Use services that scan the dark web for mentions of your organization’s data, such as credentials, intellectual property or personal information.
- Risk assessment: Evaluate the potential impact of exposed data and take steps to mitigate risks, such as resetting compromised passwords and alerting affected individuals.
4. Regularly run penetration tests
Penetration testing helps identify and address vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by attackers.
- Internal and external testing: Conduct tests from both within the network and from external perspectives to uncover different types of vulnerabilities.
- Regular schedule: Perform penetration tests regularly and after significant changes to the network or systems.
- Remediation plan: Develop and execute a plan to address the vulnerabilities identified during penetration tests.
5. Implement smart email security
Email security solutions can significantly reduce the risk of malicious emails reaching employees.
- Advanced threat protection: Use solutions that incorporate machine learning and AI to detect and block phishing, malware and other threats.
- Sandboxing: Implement email sandboxing to safely open and analyze suspicious attachments and links.
- Email authentication: Utilize DMARC, SPF and DKIM protocols to authenticate incoming emails and prevent spoofing.
6. Don’t neglect maintenance
Regular maintenance is critical for ensuring the security and performance of systems.
- Patch management: Establish a patch management process to ensure that all software and systems are regularly updated with the latest security patches.
- System audits: Conduct regular audits to identify and address misconfigurations, outdated software and other vulnerabilities.
- Backup and recovery: Maintain regular backups and test recovery procedures to ensure data can be restored quickly in the event of an incident.
7. Consider choosing a managed security operations center (SOC)
A managed SOC provides access to dedicated cybersecurity expertise and continuous monitoring.
- 24/7 monitoring: Ensure that your network is monitored around the clock for threats and anomalies.
- Incident response: Benefit from rapid incident response capabilities to quickly address and mitigate security incidents.
- Threat intelligence: Leverage threat intelligence to stay informed about emerging threats and adapt defenses accordingly.
See why choosing a smarter SOC is a smart business decision. DOWNLOAD AN EBOOK>>
8. Invest in endpoint detection and response (EDR) technology
EDR solutions enhance the ability to detect, investigate and respond to threats on endpoints.
- Real-time monitoring: Continuously monitor endpoints for suspicious activity and potential threats.
- Automated response: Implement automated response actions to quickly contain and remediate incidents.
- Forensic capabilities: Use EDR tools to conduct detailed forensic investigations and understand the scope and impact of incidents.
9. Create, update and drill incident response plans
An effective incident response plan is essential for minimizing the impact of security incidents.
- Comprehensive plans: Develop detailed incident response plans that cover a wide range of scenarios, including ransomware, data breaches and insider threats.
- Regular updates: Review and update plans regularly to account for new threats and changes in the organization.
- Drills and simulations: Conduct regular drills and simulations to test the effectiveness of incident response plans and ensure all team members are prepared.
10. Assess the cyber resilience of vendors and service providers
Third-party vendors and service providers could introduce additional risks, which is why it is crucial to monitor them.
- Vendor assessments: Evaluate the cybersecurity practices and policies of vendors and service providers before engaging them.
- Contractual agreements: Include cybersecurity requirements and incident response protocols in contracts with vendors.
- Continuous monitoring: Regularly monitor and review the security performance of vendors to ensure they maintain high standards.
What challenges will IT pros face in the second half of 2024? Find out in the Mid-Year Cyber Risk Report. GET IT>>
Kaseya’s Security Suite helps businesses mitigate all types of cyber-risk affordably
Kaseya’s Security Suite has the tools that MSPs and IT professionals need to mitigate cyber-risk effectively and affordably with automations and AI-driven features that make IT professionals’ lives easier.
BullPhish ID: This effective, automated security awareness training and phishing simulation solution provides critical training that improves compliance, prevents employee mistakes and reduces a company’s risk of being hit by a cyberattack.
Dark Web ID: Our award-winning dark web monitoring solution is the channel leader for a good reason: it provides the greatest amount of protection around with 24/7/365 human and machine-powered monitoring of business and personal credentials, including domains, IP addresses and email addresses.
Graphus – Graphus is a cutting-edge, automated antiphishing solution that puts three layers of AI-powered protection between employees and phishing messages. It supercharges your Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace email security to catch threats conventional security might miss including Zero Days and AI-enhanced malicious messages.
RocketCyber Managed SOC – Our managed detection and response (MDR) solution is backed by a world-class security operations center that detects malicious and suspicious activity across three critical attack vectors: endpoint, network and cloud.
Datto EDR: Detect and respond to advanced threats with built-in continuous endpoint monitoring and behavioral analysis to deliver comprehensive endpoint defense (something that many cyber insurance companies require).
Datto AV: Safeguard businesses effortlessly against sophisticated cyberthreats, including zero days and ransomware, with AI-driven, next-generation antivirus protection that is over 99% effective, far surpassing the industry average.
Vonahi Penetration Testing: How sturdy are your cyber defenses? Do you have dangerous vulnerabilities? Find out with vPenTest, a SaaS platform that makes getting the best network penetration test easy and affordable for internal IT teams.
See how our Security Suite can be put to work for you with a personalized demo.