For many businesses, cybersecurity feels like an impossible mountain to climb—too technical, too expensive, too confusing, and constantly changing. 

But the truth is that most successful attacks aren’t the result of advanced hacking. They’re the result of small gaps, overlooked habits, and avoidable mistakes. And that means small, consistent improvements can dramatically strengthen your defenses.

As the new year begins, it’s the perfect time to rethink your cybersecurity posture. Below are practical “resolutions” any organization can adopt—clear, manageable steps that build real protection over time.

Resolution #1: Enable Multifactor Authentication (MFA) Everywhere

Why it matters:

Multifactor authentication (MFA) for business security is the single easiest, highest-impact step you can take. It stops the majority of account-takeover attempts cold—even when a password has been stolen.

How to implement:

• Start with email, payroll, HR platforms, cloud storage, and banking systems.
• Use app-based codes (like Microsoft Authenticator or Google Authenticator) rather than SMS whenever possible.
• Require MFA for all employees, including contractors and executives.

This one action shuts down a massive amount of threat activity.

Resolution #2: Schedule Regular Software and Device Updates

Why it matters:

Most attacks exploit old, unpatched software vulnerabilities. Cybercriminals actually track newly announced security flaws and target businesses that haven’t updated yet.

How to implement:

• Turn on automatic updates wherever possible.
• Schedule monthly “patch days” for servers, laptops, mobile devices, and network equipment.
• Replace unsupported hardware and software—if it can’t be updated, it’s a liability.

Staying current is boring, but it’s hugely effective.

Resolution #3: Strengthen Password Practices Across the Organization

Why it matters:

Weak or reused passwords remain one of the biggest business vulnerabilities.

How to implement:

• Require long, unique passwords (12+ characters).
• Use a password manager to generate and store them.
• Eliminate shared logins—every employee should have their own unique credentials.
• Reset default passwords on printers, routers, smart devices, and security cameras.

Good password hygiene is a low-cost, high-return habit.

Resolution #4: Train Employees to Spot Modern Scams

Why it matters:

People—not firewalls—are the easiest entry point for bad actors. And with AI-generated phishing emails, deepfake audio, and realistic spoofing on the rise, training is more critical than ever.

How to implement:

• Offer short, scenario-based training quarterly—not long, dull annual webinars.
• Teach employees to pause before clicking, verify senders, and report anything odd.
• Use internal phishing simulations to reinforce learning without shaming employees.
• Remind teams of seasonal threats (tax scams, benefits scams, PTO-related phishing, etc.).

Awareness turns employees from vulnerabilities into a frontline defense.

Resolution #5: Implement a Robust Data Backup Strategy

Why it matters:

Ransomware thrives on a lack of usable backups. Businesses that can’t restore their systems are forced to pay—or shut down operations altogether.

How to implement:

• Use the 3-2-1 rule: 3 copies of data, 2 types of storage, 1 copy off-site.
• Test your backups quarterly to make sure they actually work.
• Protect backups with MFA and restricted access.

A strong backup strategy turns ransomware into an inconvenience instead of a disaster.

Resolution #6: Develop and Test an Incident Response Plan

Why it matters:

Chaos is the enemy during an attack. A documented plan makes recovery faster, cheaper, and far less stressful.

How to implement:

• Define who does what during a breach.
• List emergency contacts: IT providers, cyber insurance, legal, leadership.
• Run tabletop exercises twice a year to practice your response.
• Document communication templates for employees, customers, and vendors.

Preparedness reduces both downtime and panic.

Resolution #7: Review Cyber Insurance and Vendor Cybersecurity

Why it matters:

As your business evolves, your exposure changes. So do the threats to your vendors and partners.

How to implement:

• Review cyber insurance requirements—they often overlap with best practices.
• Ask key vendors about their security measures.
• Ensure contracts address data protection and breach notification responsibilities.

Strong partnerships reduce shared risk.

Start Small. Stay Consistent. Build Strength.

Cybersecurity doesn’t require perfection—just progress. By adopting even a handful of these resolutions, businesses can dramatically harden their defenses and reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim. The new year is a chance to reset, refocus, and build habits that keep your organization—and your employees—safe.