Just like our health or fitness, cyber security requires constant attention and maintenance. Creating new habits now can protect your business from potential risks in the future. Here are a few key cyber security habits to embrace this year:

1. Regular Software Updates: Keeping your software up to date ensures that vulnerabilities are patched before they can be exploited by hackers.
2. Stronger Password Policies: Enforce the use of strong, unique passwords for every account. Encourage the use of password managers to handle the complexity.
3. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): MFA adds an additional layer of security, reducing the risk of unauthorized access, even if passwords are compromised.

Security Awareness Training: Regularly educate your staff on recognizing phishing attacks and other forms of social engineering.

A penetration test is one of the most vital tools for assessing the security of your network. It simulates real-world attacks on your systems to identify potential vulnerabilities before cybercriminals can exploit them.

Here’s why a penetration test should be on your to-do list for the new year:

1. Identify Hidden Vulnerabilities: Even with the best practices in place, there could still be gaps in your security. A penetration test uncovers weak points in your network, applications, or systems that could be exploited.
2. Test Your Defenses: It’s not enough to have security measures in place—you need to test them. A penetration test allows you to see how your security controls perform under real-world conditions.
3. Prioritize Security Fixes: A penetration test not only identifies vulnerabilities but also helps prioritize which issues need to be addressed first, ensuring that critical gaps are closed quickly.
4. Compliance Requirements: Many industries have strict regulations around cyber security, and penetration testing is often a requirement. Conducting regular tests helps your business stay compliant with standards.
5. Strengthen Your Incident Response: Knowing how well your team can detect and respond to simulated attacks is crucial. A penetration test can help evaluate your incident response processes and highlight areas for improvement.

Make a resolution to protect your business against growing cyber threats. A penetration test is the perfect way to kickstart your new cyber security habits, ensuring that your defenses are strong, your vulnerabilities are minimized, and your business is prepared for whatever threats the new year may bring.

Register today for your free Cyber Security Risk Assessment. Make sure your business starts the year off with a safer, more secure digital environment.