10 Cyber Security Tips to Follow in 2026

Comprendere Cyber Security

Cybersecurity refers to the strategies, technologies, and processes employed to safeguard digital systems, networks, and data against cyberattacks. Given the scale and breadth of the field, there are many different management methods and types of enterprise cybersecurity. The common goal of these strategies and services is to safeguard the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of corporate data, thereby maintaining business continuity.

10 Cybersecurity Tips to Follow in 2025-2026

#1. Robust Authentication Processes

Gaining unauthorized access to corporate data and systems is the primary goal of most enterprise attacks. Therefore, verifying digital identities and devices is a foundational cybersecurity best practice. Take the time to implement robust authentication processes that secure your attack surface and eliminate common entry points such as credential theft and compromised accounts.

This includes strong password security and requiring users to utilize long and unique credentials when logging into their work account and business device or accessing corporate resources. Reusing the same password across multiple systems can increase your attack surface, exposing more of your network to a single credential theft. Requiring employees to utilize password managers can also improve authentication processes. These are dedicated platforms that manage and automatically generate strong credentials, enhancing and streamlining password security.

Implementing multi-factor authentication adds another critical layer, ensuring that even if credentials are compromised, unauthorized users cannot easily gain access. Modern multi-factor authentication solutions utilize a range of factors to verify users, typically based on:

• Something You Know: A password, PIN, security question, etc.
• Something You Have: A physical or digital item the user possesses, such as a multi-factor authentication app on their smartphone.
• Something You Are: Biometric verification, such as fingerprints or facial recognition.

#2. Restrict Access with Least Privilege and Role-Based Controls

Once users prove their identity, the next step is determining the appropriate access controls they have. Building on robust verification processes such as multi-factor authentication, organizations should implement access controls that go beyond broad, static permissions.

Role-Based Access Controls (RBAC), based on the principle of least privilege, ensure that users have only the access necessary to complete their work. Many security-conscious organizations are now implementing dynamic access controls that consider contextual information. These solutions consider factors like location, device type, time of day, and user behavior to assess the risk associated with a request and dynamically adjust permissions or enforce additional security controls.

For example, a user in the office, on their work computer, during the workday might access the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platform as part of their normal work routine. This request poses a very low risk. In contrast, if a user connects from a new network and uses a new device in the middle of the night, and then suddenly requests to download sensitive client data from the CRM, dynamic access controls should deny this activity and enforce additional security controls to verify the authenticity of the request.

Dynamic RBAC minimizes the attack surface, significantly reducing the risk associated with compromised accounts, while maintaining productivity and avoiding a frustrating user experience.

#3. Eliminate Implicit Trust with Zero Trust Network Access

While authentication and dynamic access controls establish who is trusted with what data, zero trust ensures that it is never assumed. Traditional security models build a perimeter around centralized business assets and users, monitoring traffic entering the network. This strategy assumes that everything inside the perimeter is safe, having undergone security checks, and everything outside is considered suspicious.

With modern distributed IT environments and users, it is impossible to draw a simple perimeter around your digital assets. Therefore, a new security model is needed that continuously verifies users and devices to ensure they have permission to access specific systems, data, and applications.

Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) brings together authentication and access control under a holistic, continuous verification model that eliminates implicit trust based on location. Rather than granting broad access once a user is authenticated, zero trust continuously verifies identity, device health, and context.

This approach prevents lateral movement by attackers when an endpoint or account is compromised. ZTNA solutions are replacing legacy VPNs, enabling remote access with granular, identity-centric controls for specific applications and data. Adopting a zero trust architecture aligns with modern cybersecurity best practices, improving visibility, control, and resilience across the enterprise.

#4. Close Vulnerabilities Through Consistent Patch Management

One of the simplest cybersecurity tips is to maintain effective patch management and keep software up to date. Many breaches stem from unpatched vulnerabilities in widely used software.

Enterprises should implement automated update systems and vulnerability scanning to promptly identify and remediate outdated applications. This minimizes the window of opportunity for attackers to exploit zero-day vulnerabilities. Patch management is also an important aspect of endpoint security and protecting user devices.

#5. Enforce Consistent Endpoint Protection Across All Devices

Organizations must ensure every device connecting to their network meets their security standards. As hybrid and remote work models become more popular, employees are connecting to sensitive corporate assets using a wide variety of devices and networks. Enforcing meaningful and consistent endpoint security across devices enables distributed work models and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) without sacrificing protection.

Strong device security practices include encrypting data stored on devices and implementing endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools, as well as mobile device management (MDM) platforms that enforce consistent policies. This ensures devices accessing corporate data adhere to your desired security baselines, such as updated operating systems, MFA, and network protection.

#6. Promote Safe Browsing Practices and Prevent Network Threats

Even robust device security best practices can be compromised if employees engage in risky online behavior. Employees’ online habits directly impact your organization’s exposure to threats. Promoting safe browsing practices reduces the likelihood of infection. This includes restricting access to unverified websites, disabling downloads from unknown sources, and using secure HTTPS connections. Enterprises should also deploy network-level protections, such as DNS filtering and web isolation technologies, to block malicious traffic before it reaches users.

#7. Strengthen Email Security and Defend Against Phishing Attacks

Data from Check Point’s 2025 State of Cyber Security Report shows that even with the rapid growth of web-delivered attacks, email remains the most common attack vector. 68% of all cyberattacks originate from malicious emails. One of the most important cybersecurity tips in today’s threat landscape is to take phishing protection and email security seriously.

The leading email security solutions combine spam filtering, sandboxing, and AI-driven phishing protection to block malicious attachments and links. In addition to implementing email security tools, security teams should configure email authentication protocols, such as Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance (DMARC), to prevent spoofing and impersonation attacks.

Beyond technical solutions that block malicious emails, organizations also need to increase employee cybersecurity awareness in relation to phishing protection. Train users to recognize the latest social engineering tactics, thereby reducing their susceptibility to phishing messages. With a layered email defense strategy paired with continuous awareness initiatives, you can significantly reduce exposure to social engineering and credential theft attacks.

#8. Implement Robust Data Backup and Recovery Plans

Even after following cybersecurity best practices, data breaches and service outages can still occur. This makes recovery readiness and robust backup strategies essential to maintaining business continuity against ransomware and other attacks.

Organizations should have multiple copies of their data stored on different systems, typically with one off-site or in the cloud. These backups must also be regularly tested to ensure data integrity and reduce downtime during recovery.

Backup systems that adhere to cybersecurity best practices, such as encryption and immutable storage, safeguard sensitive information from tampering. Proactive data backup tips and disaster recovery plans can mean the difference between rapid restoration and costly business disruption.

#9. Secure Your Software Supply Chain

While many of these cybersecurity tips focus on internal protections, an increasing number of attacks now target external dependencies and third-party vulnerabilities. Modern enterprises depend heavily on the software supply chain, integrating code and systems from third-party vendors and open-source components. Attackers targeting the software supply chain can indirectly gain access to your network.

To mitigate this risk, organizations should inventory all software dependencies, verify code integrity using digital signatures, and apply rigorous vendor risk assessments. Implementing continuous monitoring of third-party integrations and enforcing secure development practices (DevSecOps) also helps ensure that vulnerabilities are identified early. Treating suppliers as extensions of your own security perimeter is now a core element of enterprise cybersecurity best practices.

#10. Improve Employee Cybersecurity Awareness with Regular Training

The impact of these cybersecurity tips depends on how they are implemented. This requires improving employee cybersecurity awareness and training staff to follow best practices.

Human error remains one of the most significant cybersecurity liabilities. Regular employee cybersecurity awareness programs help employees recognize suspicious behavior, handle sensitive data responsibly, and report incidents promptly.

When users are equipped with the knowledge to identify and avoid threats, they become active participants in the defense strategy rather than weak points. Continuous education reinforces online security tips, ensuring that employee awareness evolves in line with the ever-changing threat landscape.

Why Cybersecurity Matters More Than Ever

Given that the number of attacks targeting organizations continues to grow, cybersecurity is more important today than ever before. Data from Q2 2025 shows a 21% increase in attacks compared to the same quarter in 2024 and a 58% jump from 2023.

These figures show phishing campaigns, ransomware, infostealers, and other threats are constantly targeting organizations. The growing number of threats is compounded by a number of cybersecurity challenges, including the introduction of AI tools that enhance the targeting and evasiveness of attacks, a well-developed cybercrime ecosystem that supports threat actors, and an ever-expanding attack surface due to distributed infrastructure and users.

To reap the benefits of cloud services, SaaS applications, remote work, and edge devices, businesses must implement proven cybersecurity best practices to prevent introducing new entry points. A single successful attack can result in costly data breaches, business disruptions, reputational damage, and compliance issues.

These outcomes were highlighted in several recent cybersecurity attacks.

Recent Cybersecurity Attacks

• 2024 CrowdStrike Incident: Global disruptions across various industries in 2024 were linked to a faulty update in CrowdStrike’s security software. The outage affected approximately 8.5 million Windows devices, including those used by airlines, healthcare providers, and payment terminals worldwide. Thousands of flights were canceled, as were non-urgent surgeries, and supermarkets could no longer accept card payments during the outage. The total cost of the CrowdStrike incident was estimated to be over $1 billion USD.

• 2021 Colonial Pipeline Ransomware Attack: Compromised credentials led to the shutdown of Colonial Pipeline operations in 2021. Demanding a ransom of $4.4 million USD to restore vital systems, Colonial Pipeline promptly paid the attackers. However, with a lengthy processing time to remediate the attack, widespread fuel shortages occurred across the Eastern United States.
• 2020 SolarWinds Breach: A vulnerability in SolarWinds’ widely used Orion software led to a massive supply chain attack that affected 200 organizations around the world for 8-9 months. Victims of the data breach included government agencies and Fortune 500 companies.

Future Cybersecurity Trends

Cybersecurity is constantly in flux. Most notably, in the current security landscape, advances in AI, machine learning, and automation are reshaping both cyberattacks and defense mechanisms. Cyber criminals are already leveraging AI to craft more convincing phishing campaigns and automate attacks, while security professionals utilize AI technology to better predict, detect, and neutralize threats in real-time.

Additionally, enterprise networks continue to expand with the increased adoption of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, cloud computing, and remote work environments. This grows the digital attack surface, making proactive network and device security more essential. Meanwhile, stricter privacy regulations and data protection laws will continue to prompt organizations to adopt transparent and resilient security frameworks.

To stay secure, businesses must commit to continuous learning and adaptation. Regularly updating systems, adopting emerging cybersecurity best practices, and working with trusted industry vendors to help anticipate new risks before they strike.

Rimani al sicuro con Check Point's Cyber Security Solutions

A leader in the industry for over 30 years, Check Point offers a comprehensive array of solutions to implement these cybersecurity tips and more. Start by scheduling a no-cost security checkup with a Check Point expert. We can show you your weaknesses before attackers exploit them, working with you to develop the best possible solution that delivers security without disrupting business operations.

Alternatively, you can learn more about our industry-leading technologies by downloading the latest 2025 Miercom Firewall Report that ranks Check Point number 1 in threat prevention block rate.