How to Improve Cybersecurity for Businesses

Although artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing are creating a wave of new opportunities for businesses, they are also giving cyber criminals the tools they need to carry out far more sophisticated digital attacks. Small business owners are keenly aware of the amplified threat, with the majority feeling particularly vulnerable to cyberattacks.

Proactive cybersecurity for businesses is non-negotiable. With solid measures in place, you can build resilience, protect revenue, and ensure compliance. Learn how to improve cybersecurity for businesses and how legacy modernization from Mojo Trek can lay the foundation for new digital tools and infrastructure below.

The State of Cybersecurity Threats in 2025

Much like the tools you use to power your team, today’s cyber threats are smarter and faster than ever before. From AI-powered phishing to quantum risks, your organization is up against truly unprecedented challenges.

To that end, knowing what you are up against is the first step to building robust defenses that protect your data and bottom line. The following are some of the most notable trends regarding cybersecurity today:

AI-Driven Threats and Defense

Hackers are not shy about adopting new tools or innovating to make their tactics more sophisticated, so even as threat detection and defense make for one of the leading cybersecurity use cases for AI, the Berkeley Center for Long-Term Cybersecurity reports that AI-enabled cybercrime is already on the rise.

Tools like CrowdStrike are effective at spotting unusual patterns and automating responses to breaches. However, fighting fire with fire (that is, using AI alone) isn’t enough. You need to pair it with strong fundamentals to stay ahead. Enact solid policies, educate your team on cybersecurity best practices, and ensure that human oversight remains a key part of your countermeasures.

Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) Gains Traction

Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) is reshaping cybersecurity for businesses by enforcing strict identity verification for every user and device, even internally. IBM Think has since identified ZTA adoption as a leading cybersecurity trend, minimizing risk by segmenting access to your network while requiring continuous authentication.

Growing Concern Over Quantum Threats

Quantum computing looms as a game-changer, as it could break current encryption and threaten sensitive data in finance or healthcare. Indeed, according to a global cybersecurity outlook report created by the World Economic Forum (WEF), 72% of respondents report increased cyber risks.

In response, businesses are exploring quantum-resilient encryption to future-proof their systems, believing that it is not a matter of if a quantum attack will take place, but when. You need to start assessing your long-life-cycle data now and adopt post-quantum cryptography standards to ensure you are prepared.

Compliance Pressure and Regulatory Expansion

Forrester outlined expanding regulations and compliance pressures as factors that are further complicating cybersecurity for businesses. Non-compliance runs the risk of fines and reputational damage, meaning your business needs to align with standards like the GDPR and CCPA.

Conducting regular audits will help you find and fix weaknesses before they impact your day-to-day. Staying ahead isn’t just a legal issue; it’s the basis of your competitive edge.  

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Steps Businesses Should Take to Improve Cybersecurity

Here are some clear, actionable measures to protect your business from the next generation of cyber threats:

Start with a Cybersecurity Risk Assessment

Kicking things off with a thorough risk assessment will allow you and your team to do the following:

• Identify all vulnerabilities present in your digital assets
• Pinpoint sensitive data
• Evaluate threats
• Map weaknesses

A retail business, for instance, might take a deep dive into its payment systems.

There are plenty of free resources out there to help you perform a proper risk assessment, such as the SBA’s list of cybersecurity basics. But if you don’t have the bandwidth or understanding to handle the task internally, partner with a managed security service provider (MSSP) that has knowledge of your industry and regulatory requirements.

Regardless of how you go about it, conducting a risk assessment is a key task that will guide your strategy and help you determine when and how to apply the following steps.

Apply Foundational Protections

While the cyber threat landscape may be changing, you can’t ignore the basics. Start with foundational protections, such as:

• Complex password requirements
• Multi-factor authentication
• Firewalls and antivirus software
• Encryption
• Data backups
• Secure Wi-Fi

You also need to train your staff to recognize phishing attempts and other common threats. Conduct regular drills to see if your training is resonating with staff members.

Upgrade to Zero Trust Principles

Adopting a ZTA is crucial for robust cybersecurity for businesses. By verifying every user and device, even internally, it helps reduce your exposure to threats that may originate from internal devices that are typically viewed as “trustworthy”. It is especially useful for organizations with hybrid or remote workforces, and segmenting access to sensitive data further reduces your digital footprint.

CISA’s Zero Trust Guide provides actionable tips for adopting the ZTA framework.

Use AI-Driven Security Tools (But Understand Their Limits)

AI-powered tools like CrowdStrike and Microsoft Defender can enhance your digital security posture by detecting anomalies and automating responses. However, though these tools are great at spotting unusual patterns, they aren’t a replacement for multi-factor authentication (MFA) or regular backups.

The reason for that is simple: AI tools have their limits. You wouldn’t let ChatGPT loose in your marketing department and have it start publishing content without human oversight, of course; staff members must be tasked with reviewing and editing content before it reaches customers. Use similar guardrails when adopting AI-driven security solutions.  

Plan for the Post-Quantum Era

Quantum computing threatens current encryption, and that means your cybersecurity strategy needs to evolve. You cannot move forward assuming that your business won’t be a target, and you certainly don’t want to wait until the first quantum attack makes front-page news; by then, it may be too late to protect your data.

If you handle sensitive data, explore quantum-safe encryption now, starting with an audit of your long-life-cycle data and tests of your post-quantum algorithms. Prioritize documents that will be prime targets for hackers, such as customer records.

Train and Engage Your Workforce

Ultimately, security is everyone’s job. Run quarterly phishing drills and role-specific training. Finance teams will face different threats than marketers, for instance, which is why each group needs relevant training.

You may also want to consider gamifying learning by way of leaderboards to get people engaged. For instance, a simulated phishing email can teach employees to spot scams. You can track each team’s performance and reward the group that achieves the highest score.

If you’re not sure where to begin, the SBA’s list of security training tips can help you decide where to start and which areas to focus on.

Know When to Bring in Experts

As alluded to earlier, bringing in an MSSP or consultant is essential if you know your in-house efforts won’t cut it. And even if you can handle routine audits internally, conducting annual third-party reviews can mean uncovering weak points you might have missed.

Forrester’s webinar on cybersecurity for businesses outlines the biggest threats and helps demonstrate the need for experts. It is also packed with valuable strategies and recommendations to help you uncover critical vulnerabilities.