Prioritizing Data and Identity Security in 2025
The cybersecurity landscape has become exponentially more complex in recent years. Attackers now possess unprecedented resources, and data breaches have become almost commonplace. For both businesses and individuals, the imperative for robust data protection has never been clearer, yet many organizations struggle to know where to begin. This is particularly problematic given the soaring costs associated with breaches and the increasing scrutiny from regulators, who are actively penalizing organizations that fail to prioritize security and compliance.
Fortunately, improving data and identity security isn’t an insurmountable task. It requires a clear understanding of attacker tactics, the identification of your most critical vulnerabilities, and a realistic assessment of the modern threat landscape. Attackers are adept at exploiting low-hanging fruit such as compromised identities, reused passwords, and devices lacking multi-factor authentication (MFA). Furthermore, many are leveraging AI tools to enhance their capabilities. However, organizations can take proactive steps to mitigate these risks.
Here are four key steps organizations can take to avoid becoming easy targets:
1. Double Down on Fundamentals
First and foremost, it’s crucial to get the basics right. While new security threats and solutions emerge regularly, security leaders can be tempted to chase the latest headlines. However, most organizations haven’t even addressed known vulnerabilities within their existing infrastructure. Many major security breaches stem from easily preventable technological weaknesses. As tempting as it may be to focus on cutting-edge threats, organizations must prioritize foundational security measures.
A prime example of this is MFA. Many organizations haven’t implemented MFA, and while it’s not a perfect solution, Microsoft reports that 99.9% of compromised accounts lack MFA. Strengthening these basic security measures greatly reduces the attack surface.
2. Understand How AI Impacts Security
The adoption of AI isn’t limited to businesses. Cybercriminals are already employing AI tools to significantly enhance their tactics. For instance, they’re using AI to craft persuasive and error-free phishing emails that are far more difficult to detect. A major concern is that AI lowers the barrier to entry for attackers; even novice hackers can use AI to develop dangerous ransomware. Moreover, sophisticated nation-states are employing AI to create realistic deepfake videos.
Strong security fundamentals can help combat AI-enhanced attacks; however, businesses must stay informed about how the technology is being used and prepare their defenses accordingly.
3. Account for the “Human Element,”
Human beings remain the cybersecurity world’s most overlooked, underfunded, and vulnerable asset. Depending on their awareness and training, employees can act as either the first line of defense or the weakest link. Organizations that recognize this and invest in engaging security awareness training significantly improve their security position. Although training alone cannot solve all problems it can be a powerful deterrent. When it comes to stopping cyberattacks, you never want to be the easy target.
4. Improve Your Approach to Cyber Education
Traditional cybersecurity training methods often involve canned, virtual content that employees tend to tune out. A more effective approach utilizes live, engaging programming. Captivate viewers from the start by offering personal cybersecurity advice before outlining professional directives. It’s also beneficial to break training down into bite-sized, actionable items rather than overwhelming employees with an information overload. When employees can understand and engage with training materials, the security culture improves.
For security professionals and business leaders, staying informed is also crucial. Attending industry conferences and educational events is an excellent way to stay current with emerging threats and best practices. This also includes staying current with vendors in the space to understand and address their security needs. The more security experts can share knowledge, the more informed everyone will be, and in the realm of data and identity protection, that can be the difference between a minor incident and a major breach.
