As the world bid farewell to 2024, it was clear that the past year was marred by a plethora of data breaches, ransomware attacks, and mass-hacks that exploited trivial software vulnerabilities. Even well-resourced organizations like AT&T, Ticketmaster, and Change Healthcare fell victim to these attacks, highlighting the importance of robust cybersecurity measures. However, there is hope for startups in 2025, as some simple yet effective cybersecurity resolutions can help keep malicious hackers at bay.

One of the most critical steps startups can take is to securely store company passwords using password managers. These tools not only store passwords securely but also help create and save unique and complex passwords for all accounts, preventing account intrusions caused by password re-use. Some companies are even moving away from passwords altogether, opting for passkeys that are resistant to phishing attacks and other passwordless technologies.

Implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) is another crucial step in defending against cyber threats. MFA requires users to provide an additional code beyond just a password when logging in, making it much more difficult for cybercriminals to break into online accounts. This is particularly important, as hackers stole at least 1 billion personal records in 2024, largely due to the lack of MFA protection for corporate accounts. Most security experts recommend using authenticator apps that generate login codes on devices, rather than codes sent by SMS text message, which can be intercepted.

Keeping software up-to-date is also essential in preventing breaches. Many damaging breaches in 2024 were caused by unpatched vulnerabilities in third-party software. Ensuring that internal software is kept up-to-date and applying security patches as soon as possible can help prevent these types of attacks. This is particularly important for managed file-transfer tools, which are often targeted by hackers for their ability to store sensitive company data.

Regularly backing up company data is a critical line of defense against ransomware attacks, which had a record-breaking year in 2024. Having encrypted offsite backups can help in the event of security or data disasters, allowing victims to effectively restore their business operations without significant data loss.

In addition to these technical measures, startups should also be wary of fraudulent phone calls, which are becoming an increasingly popular tactic for hackers. A single phone call to the IT help desk of a company can lead to a massive breach, as seen in the case of MGM in 2023. It is essential to be skeptical of unexpected calls and never share confidential information over the phone without verifying the caller through another means of communication first.

Finally, transparency is key in the event of a cyberattack. Even with the best security measures in place, there are no guarantees that a startup won't be targeted. Being upfront about the incident can make a real difference in terms of outcomes, allowing customers to take necessary action and sharing information to help others defend against similar attacks in the future. Keeping a data breach under wraps can lead to reputational damage, fines, and even a spot in TechCrunch's annual 'badly handled breaches' roundup.

In conclusion, as startups look to the new year, it is essential to prioritize cybersecurity and implement these simple yet effective resolutions to protect against data breaches and ransomware attacks. By doing so, startups can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to these types of attacks and ensure a safe and secure future for their customers and business operations.