12 Strategic Moves for Cybersecurity Success in 2025

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As we head into 2025, the cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve at a breakneck pace. Driven by advancements in technology, increasingly sophisticated cyberthreats and growing regulatory demands, 2024 was a year of major change and evolution. For IT professionals, staying ahead of these challenges requires a smart strategic approach coupled with access to cutting-edge tools. By making a few proactive moves, IT professionals can make sure they’re keeping businesses safe from cyberthreats through the dangerous winter holiday season and well-positioned for a strong start to 2025.

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12 Smart moves to make right now

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Here are twelve key moves that IT professionals can make to proactively secure businesses against cybersecurity risk in the coming year.

1. Embrace AI-driven security solutions

Cybercriminals are leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to develop more sophisticated attacks, including deepfake scams and automated spear phishing campaigns. To counter these threats, IT professionals must encourage businesses to invest in AI-driven security solutions capable of handling the increased pressure. Smart, advanced endpoint detection and response (EDR) platforms, anti-phishing solutions and automated threat intelligence systems can help organizations leverage AI to stay one step ahead of evolving security threats.

2. Strengthen email security

Email remains the top vector for cyberattacks. The widespread adoption of generative AI in constructing highly believable malicious messages only increases the danger. A study published by the Harvard Business Review showed that an estimated 60% of participants fell victim to AI-automated phishing. These threats will only grow more complex as AI technology continues to evolve. Businesses must act now to bolster email security by deploying robust email filtering systems, implementing AI-powered anti-phishing tools and training employees to recognize and report suspicious emails. Regular phishing simulations also help reinforce good habits and improve an organization’s overall security posture.

3. Invest in proactive penetration testing

With cybercriminals constantly searching for vulnerabilities, businesses must take a proactive approach to identifying and addressing security weaknesses. Regular penetration testing or pen testing enables organizations to uncover and remediate vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. Automated pen testing solutions make it easy and painless. MSPs can provide value to clients by offering penetration testing services alongside vulnerability assessments to deliver a comprehensive view of security gaps.

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4. Prioritize zero trust architecture

Zero trust principles are no longer optional for businesses looking to secure their networks against modern threats. Requiring strict identity verification for every user and device attempting to access resources is important for keeping systems and data safe. IT professionals should guide businesses into implementing zero trust elements including micro-segmentation, multifactor authentication (MFA) and continuous monitoring of access requests.

5. Address the rise of IoT and OT threats

The growing interconnectedness of operational technology (OT) and Internet of Things (IoT) devices introduces unique vulnerabilities. In critical infrastructure sectors, where IoT is widely used, over half of organizations have experienced security incidents, including data breaches and system failures, stemming from IoT vulnerabilities. IT teams should work to identify and secure all connected devices within an organization’s network. Strategies include segmenting IoT and OT systems, applying firmware updates promptly and conducting regular risk assessments to mitigate potential threats.

6. Expand cybersecurity awareness training

Human error remains a significant factor in cybersecurity incidents. In 2025, IT professionals must expand cybersecurity awareness programs to address evolving threats. These programs should include updated training on phishing, social engineering and safe data handling practices, as well as guidelines for safely using emerging technologies such as generative AI tools. Companies that engage in regular security awareness training have 70% fewer security incidents. Consider gamifying training sessions to increase engagement and retention among employees.

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7. Promote phishing simulations

About 9 in ten cyberattacks start with a phishing message. To mitigate this risk, IT professionals should incorporate phishing simulations into their training programs. Phishing simulations help employees recognize cybercriminal tricks while keeping employees alert for danger.

8. Ensure compliance with evolving regulations

Cybersecurity regulations are becoming increasingly stringent worldwide. IT professionals need to stay informed about regulatory updates to help their organizations align with regulations about data privacy (e.g., GDPR, CCPA) and critical infrastructure protection (e.g., NIS2 Directive). Leveraging compliance management tools can streamline processes such as risk assessments, policy management and audit preparation, reducing the burden on internal teams.

9. Enhance incident response capabilities

An estimated 75% of security professionals report a surge in attacks that they say can be attributed to the rise of generative AI. Preparedness is crucial for minimizing the impact of cyber incidents. IT professionals need to develop, test and regularly update incident response plans to ensure that organizations are prepared to handle sophisticated threats. Partnering with a managed detection and response (MDR) service is the perfect way to enhance visibility and beef up monitoring and response capabilities without spending a fortune building an in-house security operations center (SOC).

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10. Leverage automation and AI for efficiency

The cybersecurity talent shortage has left many IT teams stretched too thin. At the same time, the volume of cyberthreats that they have to deal with is steadily increasing. Implementing solutions that make the most of AI and automation technology is essential for enabling IT teams to withstand the pressure and keep businesses out of trouble. Automation tools streamline processes and bolster capabilities across the board from patch management to incident response. In a Microsoft study, 82% of IT professionals said that AI improves their job efficiency. This approach not only improves efficiency but also frees up resources to focus on strategic initiatives.

11. Monitor the dark web

Bad actors can access a wide variety of information and services on the dark web to facilitate cybercrime. One of those commodities is stolen credentials, which can lead to unpleasant surprises for businesses. To prevent compromised credentials from leading to unauthorized access that can result in cyberattacks and data breaches, IT professionals should implement dark web monitoring. Early detection of credential compromise through dark web monitoring empowers IT professionals to act proactively to mitigate risk by resetting passwords or implementing additional security measures.

12. Build a cybersecurity culture

The success of any cybersecurity strategy hinges on creating a culture where maintaining security is both a shared responsibility and a shared accomplishment. Unfortunately, many employees are fearful about security and the repercussions they may face if they make a mistake. An estimated 50% of employees are afraid to report their cybersecurity errors because they are afraid of punishment or job loss. Building a healthy security culture involves fostering open communication, celebrating security successes and ensuring that all employees understand their role in protecting the business.

Helping businesses navigate cybersecurity challenges efficiently and effectively requires a proactive, adaptive and informed cybersecurity strategy. IT professionals tasked with successfully guiding businesses through the cyber hazards of 2025 need to take action now to ensure that they are ready to handle the obstacles that may lie ahead confidently.

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Our robust solutions help IT professionals mitigate cyber-risk today and be ready for what’s next!

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The cyberthreat landscape moves fast. IT professionals must arm themselves with smart tools, like our security solutions, which offer the advanced capabilities they need to stay ahead of the curve without breaking the bank.

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 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 – This automated anti-phishing solution uses AI and a patented algorithm to catch and quarantine dangerous messages. It learns from every organization’s unique communication patterns to continuously tailor protection without human intervention. Best of all, it deploys in minutes to defend businesses from phishing and email-based cyberattacks, including zero day, AI-enhanced and novel threats. 

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