As cyber threats grow in frequency and sophistication, businesses need to prioritize staying safe in this evolving threat landscape. At Cowbell, we believe Internet Safety Month is the perfect opportunity to review and reinforce your organization’s cybersecurity posture and build long-term cyber resilience.
Why Cyber Resilience Matters Now
The numbers speak volumes. According to Verizon’s 2024 data report:
- Business Email Compromise (BEC) carries a median transaction loss of $50,000.
- 68% of breaches involve the human element.
- Phishing attacks can fool users in under 60 seconds.
- Exploitation of vulnerabilities rose 180% year-over-year, driven by zero-day flaws like MOVEit.
If you think SMEs aren’t a top target, consider this: in 2023, 73% of small businesses experienced a cyberattack. In 2024, that number surged to 94%.
What Is Cyber Resilience?
Cyber resilience is more than protection; it’s your business’s ability to prevent, withstand, and recover from cyber incidents. It blends cybersecurity, business continuity, and incident response into a unified defense. During Internet Safety Month, Cowbell encourages all businesses to take tangible steps to strengthen this resilience.
7 Steps to Build Cyber Resilience
1. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Using a password alone is no longer enough. MFA reduces the risk of unauthorized access by over 99.9%. We recommend using app-based authenticators over SMS for stronger protection and enabling MFA across all systems: email, remote access, payroll, and admin platforms.
2. Implement Strong Password and Email Hygiene
Good habits go a long way:
- Use a password manager to create and store unique, complex passwords.
- Train employees to spot phishing emails, look out for typo-squatting, and never click suspicious links.
- Avoid public Wi-Fi without a secure VPN.
Want an added layer of protection? Enforce email authentication protocols like SPF, DKIM, and DMARC to protect your domain from spoofing.
3. Deliver Cybersecurity Awareness Training
Human error causes nearly 70% of breaches. Cybersecurity training reduces risk and saves money. Cowbell partners with Wizer to offer microlearning videos and phishing simulations for all policyholders at no additional cost during their first policy year.
4. Patch Systems Promptly
Patching vulnerabilities is one of the simplest yet most overlooked tasks. Cowbell Insights and platform integrations help identify and prioritize security gaps across your systems. Setting a patch management policy will be crucial in helping your company be better protected from cyberattacks.
5. Back Up Your Data (The Right Way)
Apply the 3-2-1 strategy:
- 3 copies of your data
- 2 different types of media
- 1 backup stored off-site or in the cloud
Backups should be encrypted, access-limited, and tested regularly to ensure data recovery.
6. Secure Your Network and Remote Access
RDP remains one of the top ransomware entry points. If you use it, encrypt traffic and enforce MFA. Otherwise, disable unused ports. Ensure your network infrastructure—including firewalls, routers, and OT systems—is monitored and updated.
7. Have a Tested Incident Response Plan (IRP)
It’s not enough to have a plan on paper. Run tabletop exercises to test your readiness. Cowbell offers an IRP template and complimentary reviews by our cyber risk engineers to strengthen your strategy.
Cyber Insurance: The Final Piece of the Puzzle
Cyber resilience doesn’t end with defense. A cyber insurance policy ensures your business has the support to recover quickly if the worst happens—whether through coverage for forensics, legal costs, business interruption, or ransomware negotiations.
Cowbell offers:
- Custom-tailored coverage based on your unique risk profile
- Real-time risk monitoring through Cowbell Factors™
- 24/7 incident response
- Exclusive access to more cybersecurity solutions and vendor partners through Cowbell Resiliency Services.
Let’s Build Resilience Together
Internet Safety Month is a reminder that the digital landscape is constantly evolving. Cyber resilience isn’t a one-time achievement; it’s a continuous commitment to security, preparedness, and adaptability.
Whether you’re just getting started or want to review your existing posture, our Cybersecurity Services team is here to help. Request a consultation at plorefrphevgl@pbjoryyplore.nv.
