Cybersecurity Resolutions for SMBs to Start the New Year Securely

Wednesday, January 1, 2025

The new year is a time of reflection, goal setting, and fresh starts—not just for individuals but for businesses too. For small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs), it’s the perfect moment to focus on something critical yet often overlooked: cybersecurity. As cyber threats grow increasingly sophisticated, ensuring your business is prepared for the year ahead has never been more vital.

Here’s a practical guide to help you assess your current cybersecurity posture, set achievable goals, and take action to safeguard your business in 2025.

Why Cybersecurity Should Be a Top New Year’s Resolution

Cyber threats don’t discriminate by size—SMBs are prime targets. Over 40% of all cyberattacks are directed at small businesses, and nearly 60% of SMBs hit by a cyberattack shut down within six months. Phishing scams, ransomware, and data breaches are just a few of the growing threats SMBs face.

For many SMBs, the gap between risk and readiness is significant. Limited budgets, insufficient resources, and a lack of in-house expertise often leave small businesses vulnerable. But this doesn’t have to be your story in 2025. By taking proactive steps, you can transform your cybersecurity from a weak spot into a strong defense.

Step 1: Start with a Cybersecurity Assessment

Before you can improve, you need to understand where you stand. A thorough risk assessment is the cornerstone of any strong cybersecurity strategy. This process helps you identify vulnerabilities, prioritize actions, and allocate resources effectively.

Key Areas to Evaluate:

  • Software Updates: Are your systems patched and up-to-date?

  • Security Tools: Are your anti-malware, VPNs, and firewalls effective?

  • Employee Practices: Do your staff know how to spot phishing emails or avoid social engineering traps?

  • Device and Account Inventory: Are all connected devices and user accounts accounted for and secured?

How Lockwell Can Help:

Lockwell’s comprehensive risk assessment service simplifies this process. We identify potential weaknesses in your infrastructure and provide actionable insights to help you fortify your defenses.

Step 2: Set Actionable Cybersecurity Goals

The start of the year is the perfect time to set clear, actionable goals to enhance your security. These goals should be practical, measurable, and tied to your business needs.

Examples of 2025 Cybersecurity Goals:

  • Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all accounts.

  • Provide quarterly security awareness training for employees.

  • Transition to automated threat detection and response systems, such as Lockwell’s Automated Security Operations Center (A-SOC).

  • Regularly review and update your incident response plan.

Using the SMART framework—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound—can help ensure your goals are realistic and trackable.

Step 3: Build a Cybersecurity Plan

With your goals set, it’s time to craft a strategic plan to achieve them. This plan should outline clear steps and timelines to bolster your defenses.

Key Elements of a Cybersecurity Plan:

  1. Budget Allocation: Prioritize spending on critical tools and services.

  2. Technology Upgrades: Integrate robust solutions like Lockwell’s all-in-one cybersecurity platform.

  3. Regular Audits: Schedule periodic reviews to assess progress and address gaps.

  4. Incident Response Protocols: Develop a plan to respond swiftly to potential breaches.

Lockwell’s executive reporting services make it easy to track your security posture over time, giving you data-driven insights to guide your decisions.

Step 4: Leverage Technology and Expertise

Cybersecurity doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Modern solutions, like Lockwell’s platform, make it simple to manage your security needs. From automated backups to 24/7 monitoring, Lockwell offers comprehensive protection designed specifically for SMBs.

What Lockwell Brings to the Table:

  • Hands-on support for seamless onboarding.

  • A unified platform covering account, device, and network security.

  • Tailored services like NIST-compliant policy creation and executive reporting.

Unlike traditional MSSPs, Lockwell’s approach is designed to be accessible, affordable, and easy to use, ensuring SMBs can protect their businesses without needing extensive IT expertise.

Step 5: Empower Your Team

Your employees are your first line of defense against cyber threats. Investing in their awareness and skills is one of the most effective ways to reduce risks.

Employee Engagement Ideas:

  • Host quarterly live webinars on cybersecurity best practices.

  • Provide on-demand training modules employees can access anytime.

Lockwell’s training programs include all of the above, ensuring your team is ready to tackle threats head-on.

Looking Ahead to a Secure 2025

As the cyber landscape evolves, SMBs must stay ahead of the curve. By committing to cybersecurity this New Year, you’re not just protecting your business—you’re ensuring its growth and longevity.

Start your journey today with Lockwell’s risk assessment. Together, we can build a resilient and secure future for your business.