Cyberthreats to U.S. businesses are growing in scale, frequency, and complexity. According to Verizon’s 2025 Data Breach Investigations Report, over 12,000 confirmed breaches were recorded globally in the past year. Small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) are especially impacted with nearly 9 in 10 SMB breaches involving ransomware.
These attacks aren’t limited to global enterprises. From phishing emails that redirect payments, to third-party vendors introducing malware, cyber attackers increasingly exploit everyday weaknesses in growing organizations.
While headlines tend to focus on major incidents, it’s often small oversights—a reused password, a missed backup, or a misconfigured device—that create the openings for an attacker to exploit.
We’ve outlined 10 cybersecurity tips for the U.S. market that could help organizations strengthen their defenses. Alongside these steps, the international standard ISO/IEC 27001 sets out the requirements for establishing, maintaining, and continually improving an Information Security Management System (ISMS), helping organizations build long-term cyber resilience.
10 Cybersecurity Tips for Businesses
1. Use password managers and explore passkeys
Cyber criminals only need one weak entry point to gain access, and weak or reused passwords remain among the most common. To counter this, many organizations now rely on password managers to generate and store secure credentials. Others are beginning to adopt passkeys—a modern, phishing-resistant alternative that removes the need for traditional passwords altogether.
2. Add multi-factor authentication (MFA) to logins
Multi-factor authentication adds a second layer of security—such as a code sent to a mobile device or a biometric scan—making it far harder for attackers to exploit stolen credentials. For most systems handling sensitive data, MFA is now considered essential.
3. Classify information according to sensitivity
Not all data needs the same level of protection. Applying clear classifications like Confidential, Restricted, Internal, and Public, which helps ensure critical information receives the safeguards it requires, without overcomplicating access to lower-risk material.
4. Back up data and keep at least one copy offline
Ransomware and system failures can result in catastrophic data loss. Regular backups, with at least one stored offline, give organizations a fallback. Testing recovery processes periodically also helps to ensure backups will work when needed.
5. Plan for continuity and incident response
Cyber incidents can disrupt operations, revenue, and customer trust. Business continuity and incident response plans help minimize downtime by outlining what steps to take during a crisis, and who is responsible for executing them.
6. Encrypt files, devices, and communications
Encryption ensures only authorized users can access sensitive data—even if it’s intercepted. Many organizations now encrypt data in transit (e.g. emails, file transfers) and at rest (e.g. databases, removable drives) to reduce exposure.
7. Secure remote and hybrid work connections
Remote work is here to stay, but it introduces new risks. Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) can help protect data transmitted between devices and company systems, while zero-trust models ensure every user and connection is continuously verified. View our Policy Template.
8. Invest in a cyber-aware culture
Many attacks begin with human error such as clicking a phishing link, misconfiguring a file, or failing to report a suspicious incident. Companies can help improve resilience by delivering regular cybersecurity training, running simulations, and making it a part of workplace culture. View our Technical Threat Intelligence Policy Template.
9. Review access controls and permissions regularly
Role-based access control ensures users only have access to what they need. By reviewing permissions periodically and revoking outdated access, organizations reduce the risk of misuse or exploitation by attackers or insiders.
10. Carry out regular risk assessments
Risk assessments help businesses identify threats (including third-party and supply chain risks), understand their likelihood and impact, and prioritize controls. They are a foundational part of improving security posture over time.
Cybersecurity Self-Check for U.S. Businesses
Cyber breaches often begin with small oversights. These questions can help U.S. organizations assess their current security practices:
- Do we enforce multi-factor authentication on systems handling sensitive data?
- Could a lost or stolen company device allow unauthorized access to key systems?
- Are new hires trained to detect phishing attempts from their first week?
- Do remote workers follow screen privacy and secure network practices?
- Are endpoint devices fully shut down at the end of each workday?
- Have we vetted the security practices of our vendors and software providers?
- Are we ISO/IEC 27001 certified—and if not, what’s holding us back?
- Can we justify delaying certification given the current threat landscape?
- Is there someone internally responsible for monitoring information security risk?
Why ISO 27001 Certification Matters
ISO 27001 is the internationally recognized standard for Information Security Management Systems (ISMS). It sets out the formal requirements for managing information security risks across people, processes, and technology. Certification to ISO 27001 helps organizations:
- Reduce the likelihood and impact of data breaches
- Strengthen internal governance and accountability
- Demonstrate security maturity to customers, partners, and regulators
- Meet growing vendor assurance and procurement requirements
Want to learn more? Download our Beginner’s Guide to ISO 27001 to explore what the standard involves and how it supports cyber resilience.
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If you’d like to speak with a member of our team for more information about our ISO 27001 certification services, please contact us today.
