2025 Cybersecurity Checklist: Protecting Your Business from Emerging Threats
As cyber threats evolve, protecting your business has become more critical than ever. With Australian businesses experiencing an increasing number of cyberattacks—67% of SMEs reported some form of cyber incident in 2024- 2025 is the year to fortify your cybersecurity strategy. This checklist outlines essential steps for safeguarding your business, focusing on cybersecurity for Australian SMEs.
1. Conduct a Comprehensive Risk Assessment
A thorough risk assessment identifies vulnerabilities within your IT infrastructure. Australian industries, particularly healthcare and finance, are prime targets for cybercriminals. Evaluate:
Weak password practices
Unsecured endpoints (e.g., employee laptops)
Third-party vendor risks
Example: The Medibank breach of 2022, which impacted 9.7 million customers, underscored the importance of understanding where your business is most vulnerable.
2. Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Passwords alone are no longer sufficient. Multi-factor authentication significantly reduces the risk of unauthorised access by requiring two or more verification factors.
82% of breaches in 2024 stemmed from compromised credentials.
Enabling MFA can block up to 99.9% of automated cyberattacks.
Enable Technology assists businesses in implementing MFA to enhance their security posture.
3. Upgrade to Zero-Trust Architecture
A Zero-Trust approach assumes that threats can originate both inside and outside the organisation. Key principles include:
Continuous monitoring of network activity
Strict access controls (least privilege)
Verification at every point of access
Why it matters: Australian businesses adopting Zero-Trust models have seen a 35% reduction in successful breaches, according to ACSC data.
4. Invest in Proactive Endpoint Protection
With remote work becoming the norm, endpoints like laptops, phones, and IoT devices are gateways for cyberattacks. Ensure all devices are:
Protected with antivirus and anti-malware solutions
Updated with the latest security patches
Monitored for unusual activity
Example: An Australian SME reported a 23% productivity drop due to ransomware locking endpoint devices—highlighting the need for robust endpoint security.
5. Establish a Data Backup and Recovery Plan
Ransomware attacks surged by 92% in 2024, targeting businesses without reliable backups. To mitigate risks:
Maintain encrypted, off-site backups
Test recovery processes regularly
Leverage cloud-based solutions for redundancy
Enable Technology offers tailored backup and recovery solutions to keep your business operational even in the face of cyber incidents.
6. Educate Employees on Cyber Hygiene
Your employees are your first line of defence—and often the weakest link. In Australia, 91% of successful cyberattacks in 2024 began with phishing emails. Prevent this by:
Conducting regular cybersecurity training
Simulating phishing attacks to test awareness
Providing guidelines for safe remote working
7. Monitor and Respond to Threats in Real-Time
A Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) system can detect and respond to suspicious activities across your network.
SIEM adoption among Australian SMEs increased by 47% in 2024, improving response times to cyber incidents.
Pair SIEM tools with managed IT services for 24/7 monitoring.
Enable Technology's managed IT services include real-time threat detection, ensuring your systems are always protected.
8. Stay Compliant with Australian Cybersecurity Standards
Non-compliance with regulations like the Australian Privacy Act can result in hefty penalties. Steps to ensure compliance include:
Conducting regular audits
Encrypting customer data
Reporting data breaches promptly
In 2024, Australian businesses paid over $11 million in fines due to privacy violations—a risk you can’t afford to ignore.
The Enable Technology Advantage
Enable Technology specialises in cybersecurity for Australian SMEs, providing tailored solutions to protect your business from emerging threats. Our services include:
Risk assessments
Cloud Security
Endpoint protection
Managed IT support
By implementing this checklist, you’ll strengthen your defence against cyberattacks while positioning your business for growth in 2025 and beyond
Secure your business with proactive cybersecurity solutions. Contact Enable Technology today and start building a safer, more resilient IT environment.