# Top 5 Cybersecurity Resolutions to Cross off Your List in 2022

- Link: https://www.agilicus.com/top-5-cybersecurity-resolutions-to-cross-off-your-list-in-2022/
- Published: 2022-01-06T15:53:45+00:00
- Author: Don Bowman

[⌊secure-access⌉⌊secure-access⌉[

2022 is here and there’s no looking back as we kick off the new year. But looking
forward often means taking lessons from the past. When it comes to cybersecurity
the lessons of the past are proving to be invaluable and can inform our cybersecurity
resolutions for 2022.

 * The cost of a data breach reached an all time high in 2021.
 * Reported zero day exploits reached new heights with [Log4Shell](https://www.agilicus.com/log4shell-not-even-the-smart-thermostat-is-safe/)
   as the icing on the cake.
 * Compromised credentials were the source of 20% of all breaches.
 * Ransomware dominated news headlines as business and institutions were crippled
   and extorted.
 * The Cybercrime industry is booming and is estimated to have cost the global economy
   almost $6 Trillion in 2021

It is no secret that 2021 saw the most cyber attacks, data breaches, and highest
cost to businesses ever recorded. So, while it might be a new year, we still seem
to be facing down the same rapidly evolving cyber threat landscape. It’s not all
doom and gloom however, innovation in the cybersecurity technology space is starting
to keep pace with the threat environment. 

With some strong cybersecurity resolutions for 2022, your organization can put past
lessons to work, eliminate attack vectors, protect against cyber threats, and even
reduce costs along the way. 

## Here’s our list of the top 5 Cybersecurity Resolutions for 2022!

### **1. Prevent Weak or Shared Credentials from Compromising Your Organization**

According to [data compiled by IBM](https://www.ibm.com/security/data-breach), 20%
of all cyber breaches in 2021 were the result of compromised credentials and cost
organizations over $4 million dollars on average. Introducing better password and
credential policies is a way to help mitigate this risk. However, overly complex
password policies can be the double edged sword that introduces more problems and
poor security practices among employees. So what’s the answer?

Adopting a simplified approach to access by introducing identity can both protect
your organization and empower a workforce, ultimately improving collaboration and
productivity. As an advanced security platform, Agilicus helps organizations to 
effortlessly introduce [Federated Identity and enable Single Sign On or Social Login](https://www.agilicus.com/features/federated-identity/)
for all users. Identity based access and privileges ensures your workforce can securely
access their work while eliminating the issues of weak and shared credentials. Learn
more about introducing [Identity and Access Management](https://www.agilicus.com/)
and Federated Identity to secure your organization against compromised credentials.

### **2. Implement Secure Policies Like Multi-Factor Authentication and Auditing**

Secure policies like [Multi-Factor Authentication](https://www.agilicus.com/multi-factor-authentication/)
and [per-user, per-application Auditing](https://www.agilicus.com/features/full-audit/)
can give your organization the competitive edge when it comes to improving cyber
posture and preventing cyber attacks. Multi-Factor Authentication combines a physical
factor of authentication in order for access to be permitted. Fine-grained Auditing
gives you the visibility to see who accessed, what, when, and for how long.

A strong Multi-Factor Authentication policy works by introducing a layer of complexity
to access, requiring a physical object such as a phone or other device to verify
identity. With Agilicus, Multi-Factor Authentication can be added for any user, 
device, and application (including [SCADA, Operational Technology, and Old Applications)](https://www.agilicus.com/add-multi-factor-old-applications/).
So, even if a hacker was able to determine credentials, (through a stuffing attack,
brute force, or a previous breach), this additional layer of authentication can 
prevent them from gaining access because they would need the user’s physical device.

By the same token (pun not intended), per-user, per-application Auditing through
Agilicus can help your team perform deep security and risk analysis with complete
visibility of users and resources. Auditing capability can help your team diagnose
issues, plan for the future, and in some cases achieve compliance goals. 

There is no time like the present to introduce secure policies like Multi-Factor
Authentication and fine-grained Auditing, which might even be a necessity if your
organization needs to obtain cyber insurance. Check out this [webinar re-run](https://www.agilicus.com/webinars/multi-factor-authentication-cyber-insurance/)
to learn more about Multi-Factor Authentication and its role in obtaining and maintaining
cyber insurance.

### **3. Leverage Technology to Align Cybersecurity with Business Goals**

Zero Trust was never just a buzzword. The security principles behind Zero Trust 
Network Access have been recognized by governments across North America and around
the world as the future of cybersecurity. With the record breaking surge in cybers
attacks throughout 2021 showing no signs of slowing down, it is imperative that 
organizations leverage new technology and security frameworks to protect their businesses.

Zero Trust Security Frameworks offer workforces a greater degree of secure access
and protection while reducing the burden on employees and IT teams. Zero Trust works
by shifting access from the perimeter, effectively eliminating the traditional network
edge. Instead, access is bound to a user’s identity which allows organizations to
improve cyber posture and enable simple, secure, access for any user, from any device,
anywhere in the world. 

2022 might be the time to adopt a platform like Agilicus to better align cybersecurity
with business goals. Agilicus’ Zero Trust Network Access Platform can be easily 
deployed and doesn’t require end-user clients or network changes. Learn more about
the [Zero Trust features](https://www.agilicus.com/features/) Agilicus introduces
to help protect against hacks and [ransomware](https://www.agilicus.com/reduce-ransomware-with-zero-trust/).

### **4. Replace Legacy Solutions with Modern Security Platforms**

IT teams are in a constant battle of conflicting demands to reduce costs, add new
services, maintain convenient access, and secure the organization against evolving
threats. Their job is that much harder when the organization is still using conventional,
legacy platforms and solutions like the VPN to power their businesses. 

While VPN’s have seen significant innovation over the years, the base technology
and concepts are over 25 years old. [Replacing the VPN](https://www.agilicus.com/what-we-do/vpn-alternative/)
with a cloud-native cybersecurity platform like Agilicus can help reduce fixed costs
while segmenting access through identity. Replacing legacy technology stacks in 
your organization can securely enable digital workforces while offering protection
from attack vectors like [lateral network traversa](https://www.agilicus.com/blog/zero-trust-blog/)
l.

### **5. Educate Teams and Employees on Security Best Practices**

Finally, employee and workforce education could be one of the most powerful tools
you can leverage to improve cyber resilience across your organization.

By now most everyone knows what the internet is and how to use it. But not everyone
knows how to stay safe online. Educating your workforce on the basics of personal
cybersecurity can not only protect your business, but it also helps keep those same
individuals personally safe from malicious actors. When people are aware of attack
methods like [phishing](https://www.agilicus.com/how-phishing-negates-your-firewall/)
and weak passwords, they stand a better chance of not falling victim to compromise.

## Take Your Cyber Posture to the Next Level and Protect Against Cyber Threats in 2022

Keeping up with the rapid pace of change in business includes keeping up with the
rapid pace of change in technology and cybersecurity best practices. Get in touch
with our team today and learn more about securing your organization with Agilicus.

[Contact Us](https://www.agilicus.com/contact-us/)

We believe that strong security should be simple and available at a lower cost.
Address your Cybersecurity Resolutions of 2022 with an advanced, cloud-native cybersecurity
platform. Quickly and easily secure your business without the need for end-user 
clients, configuration, or a VPN. 
