Cybercrime is more sophisticated and persistent than ever, putting small businesses at significant risk. The new year offers a fresh start, and there is no better time to commit to your business’s cybersecurity resolutions. Below are seven actionable steps to help you protect your data, your customers, and your reputation in 2025.
Learn to use AI assistants securely
AI assistants such as ChatGPT and Siri are powerful tools for small businesses — they help with drafting documents, scheduling tasks, and answering questions. However, using these tools can also introduce security risks, such as data leaks or exposure of sensitive information.
To mitigate these risks, never process confidential business information through an AI assistant. In addition, use secure networks when accessing AI assistants and regularly monitor and restrict data sharing settings.
Switch to passkeys
Traditional passwords are becoming a thing of the past. Passkeys — a highly secure alternative — eliminate the need for memorizing passwords by relying on biometric or device-based authentication, which greatly reduces the risk of hacking. Platforms such as Google, Apple, and Microsoft now offer passkey options that sync across devices. Enable this feature wherever possible to strengthen your security posture.
Cybersecurity resolutions: update outdated passwords
Despite the rise of passkeys, passwords still play a vital role in online security. Therefore, auditing and changing old passwords regularly remains one of the most important cybersecurity resolutions you can make. Ensure your passwords are strong by using a unique combination of letters, numbers, and special characters for each account, avoiding dictionary words or easily guessed phrases, and enabling multifactor authentication wherever possible.
Learn how to spot deepfakes
Deepfakes are AI-generated videos, audio, or images used to deceive individuals and organizations by convincingly replicating real people. From business scams to fake video calls, these tactics are on the rise. To spot deepfakes and avoid related scams, watch for unnatural blinking or poorly synced lip movements, use reverse image searches or deepfake scanners to verify content, and stay skeptical of urgent requests delivered through videos or unusual call behavior.
Cybersecurity resolutions: use encrypted messaging apps
Not all communication apps are built with privacy in mind. Using platforms with end-to-end encryption ensures your conversations remain confidential. Look for apps with robust privacy policies that do not store your conversation content. This is a straightforward cybersecurity resolution that can dramatically reduce your exposure to eavesdropping or data interception.
Cybersecurity resolutions: set aside time for regular data backups
Data loss — from hard drive failures to ransomware attacks — is an all-too-common scenario for small businesses. The solution is regular backups. Dedicate time each month to back up your critical business data. Use cloud-based services alongside physical storage for redundancy, and follow the 3-2-1 backup strategy: keep three copies of important files, store them on two different types of media, and keep one copy off site or in the cloud. Our managed IT services can help you set up and automate a reliable backup process.
Minimize credit card exposure
Each time you enter your credit card details online, there is a risk of interception by hackers. Minimize this exposure by using virtual card numbers provided by your bank or payment apps, sticking to trusted payment portals such as PayPal, Google Pay, or Apple Pay, and saving payment details only when absolutely necessary.
These cybersecurity resolutions are practical, achievable, and impactful. According to CISA’s Cybersecurity Awareness resources, small businesses that adopt basic cyber hygiene practices reduce their risk of a successful attack significantly. Start with two or three habits today, and build from there throughout 2025.
Get in touch with our cybersecurity experts for more specific guidance on protecting your digital assets.