Cyber threats are on the rise, and small businesses are often prime targets. In fact, in 2024, the average cost of a data breach reached $4.8 million, and 43% of cyberattacks targeted small businesses. Even more alarming, many small businesses that suffer a cyberattack go out of business within six months.
The good news? You can take proactive steps to protect your company. At Connectability, a leading managed IT service provider in Toronto, we’ve been helping businesses stay secure for 30 years. Today, we’re sharing six essential cybersecurity strategies you can implement in 2025 to keep your business safe.
- Implement Zero Trust Security
Zero Trust Security operates on a simple principle: trust no one, verify everything. Just like you wouldn’t let a stranger walk into your office and access confidential files, Zero Trust requires verification for every user and device attempting to access your network.
Key steps to implementing Zero Trust:
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Require multiple forms of verification before granting access.
- Regular Access Reviews: Audit user permissions and revoke unnecessary access.
- Device Verification: Ensure only authorized devices can connect to your network.
- Network Segmentation: Limit access to specific areas of your network to minimize damage in case of a breach.
By adopting Zero Trust Security with the help of a managed IT services provider in Toronto, you reduce the risk of unauthorized access and strengthen your business’s cybersecurity posture.
- Use Advanced Threat Detection Tools
Cybercriminals are leveraging AI and other advanced techniques to carry out attacks. To counter these threats, businesses need equally sophisticated security tools that use machine learning and behavior analysis to detect unusual activity.
Some effective tools include:
- Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)
- Cloud Detection & Response (CDR)
- Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFW)
- Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS)
These tools monitor your network around the clock, automatically identifying and mitigating threats before they cause harm. If your business lacks the in-house resources for cybersecurity, partnering with an IT support company in Toronto can provide the protection you need.
- Regularly Test Your Backups
Backups are essential, but they’re only useful if they work when you need them. Alarmingly, 60% of companies that lose their data shut down within six months. That’s why regularly testing your backups is crucial.
Things to consider:
- Test your backups periodically to ensure they’re functional.
- Assess your recovery time objective (RTO): How long can your business afford to be without data? Some backups take hours to restore, while others take weeks.
- Work with a Toronto-based managed IT service provider to schedule regular backup reviews and ensure your recovery process is seamless.
By proactively managing your backups, you’ll be prepared in case of a cyber incident.
- Provide Ongoing Employee Security Training
Did you know that human error is responsible for over 80% of data breaches? Your employees are the first line of defense, so regular security training is a must.
Key training topics:
- Identifying phishing emails and malicious links
- Password best practices, such as using a password manager and strong, unique passwords
- Secure data handling protocols
At Connectability, a trusted IT support provider in Toronto, we offer ongoing security awareness training to help employees recognize threats before they become breaches. A well-trained team can significantly reduce cybersecurity risks.
- Stay Informed and Proactive
Cyber threats are constantly evolving, and what protected your business last year may not be sufficient today. However, staying informed doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Dedicating just 10 minutes each week to cybersecurity updates can make a big difference.
Here’s how you can stay informed:
- Subscribe to cybersecurity newsletters and blogs
- Follow cybersecurity experts on social media (and while you’re at it, follow us on social media!)
- Attend webinars and watch cybersecurity tip videos
We understand that business owners are busy, which is why our managed IT services in Toronto include cybersecurity insights, industry reports, and proactive security updates to help you stay ahead of threats.
- Conduct Regular Security Assessments
Cybersecurity isn’t a “set it and forget it” process. Ongoing testing is essential to ensure your defenses remain strong.
Key security assessments to consider:
- Penetration Testing: Simulates real-world cyberattacks to uncover security gaps.
- Vulnerability Scans: Regularly scan your network for potential risks.
At Connectability, a leading managed IT service provider in Toronto, we help businesses identify and address weaknesses before they become serious threats, ensuring their networks remain secure and compliant.
Protect Your Business Today
Cybersecurity doesn’t have to be overwhelming, but it does require a proactive approach. If you’re unsure whether your current security measures are enough, our Toronto-based managed IT services team can help.
Schedule a free risk assessment tailored to your business needs.
Additionally, check out our resource library for the latest security updates, industry reports, and expert tips. Staying ahead of cyber threats has never been easier!
By implementing these strategies, you can significantly reduce your risk of cyberattacks and protect your business in 2025 and beyond.
