10 Attainable Cybersecurity Goals to Set for Your Business in the New Year

In recent years, the topic of cybersecurity has moved from the IT department to the board room. As attacks increase and the consequences of shutdowns and penalties—both regulatory and in terms of lost customer support—become more apparent, proper cybersecurity is not just important, it is a necessity. In the past year alone, we saw a 42% rise in attacks and 69% of companies expected IT budgets to increase, revealing that companies are investing more in cybersecurity solutions to combat cybercriminals.

Yet, as the cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve and with new threats emerging every day, it’s important that businesses stay ahead of the curve. So if you are staying proactive and setting cybersecurity goals for 2023, here are 10 attainable goals that your business can implement moving into the new year:

1. Hold Employee Training Regularly

Invest in cybersecurity training programs for all employees and revisit them at least once per quarter. This will help increase employee awareness of potential security risks and help prevent malicious actors from exploiting vulnerabilities within your organization.

2. Partner with an MSP 

Outsourcing IT services is becoming increasingly popular as businesses realize they don’t have the expertise or resources to do all cybersecurity tasks themselves. Partnering with a managed service provider can help provide you with enterprise-level cybersecurity solutions at an affordable price point.

3. Focus Spending on Cybersecurity Solutions

Budget for cybersecurity products, services, and training that will help secure your environment from potential threats. This includes spending on firewalls and antivirus software, but also looking into emerging technologies such as AI and big data analytics to help detect malicious activities.

4. Get a Compliance Certificate for Your Organization

Obtaining a compliance certification from an accredited organization is critical for any business in meeting regulatory requirements and protecting customer data. Consult with cybersecurity experts who can guide you through the process of obtaining one that fits best with your organization.

5. Use Multi-Factor Authentication Across Your Organization

Multi-factor authentication is a cybersecurity best practice and should be used across all your business assets, from employee accounts to customer data. This ensures that only authorized users are given access to sensitive information and helps protect against unauthorized access.

6. Create or Update Your Password Policy

A strong password policy is essential for keeping your organization safe from potential cyber threats. Consider implementing two-factor authentication for user logins, as well as setting up minimum password requirements such as length, complexity, and renewal frequency.

7. Create or Update Your Business Continuity Plan

Companies should plan ahead in case of a cybersecurity breach or other unexpected event that could halt operations. Have a well-defined plan in place that outlines steps to take in the event of an attack, as well as how to restore normal operations.

8. Back Up Your Data Regularly

Backing up your data is essential when it comes to cybersecurity and can be done across various platforms such as on-premises, cloud, or hybrid solutions. Make sure you have a backup system in place and check it regularly for any discrepancies.

9. Don’t Use Unprotected Wi-Fi

Public Wi-Fi networks are often unsecured and can easily be exploited by hackers looking for unprotected data. Instead, opt for secure private networks or use Virtual Private Network (VPNs) when accessing sensitive information outside of your company’s secure network.

10. Recommit to Physical Security

While cybersecurity threats are on the rise, physical security should not be overlooked as a crucial component to successful cybersecurity. Organizations should consider taking extra precautions, such as making sure all passwords are stored securely and not written down, devices like laptops or smartphones aren’t left unattended or unsecured, and offices and areas holding private data are well secured and monitored.

Don’t Wait! Set Cybersecurity Goals Today with Envision Consulting

By following these cybersecurity goals for 2023, businesses can ensure their data is safe from potential cyber threats while staying compliant with industry regulations. If you need help protecting your business data, set up a meeting with Envision Consulting today! With the help of our experts, your cybersecurity goals can become a reality.