Cyber Threats Persist: Why Preparation Is Your Best Defense

Cybersecurity remains one of the most urgent challenges for businesses in every industry. Today, estimates suggest that more than 2,200 cyberattacks occur worldwide each day — a relentless drumbeat of phishing attempts, ransomware campaigns, and malicious network intrusions. For business leaders, the threat is more than a technical nuisance. It’s a constant operational risk that can cripple productivity, damage reputation, and cause lasting financial harm.
According to The Hartford’s 2025 Risk Monitor report, many companies acknowledge this reality. Leaders cite increased threats of data breaches, phishing scams, and malware as top concerns, and they’re acutely aware of the potential financial and operational fallout from a successful attack. While most are making investments in cyber insurance and mitigation procedures, 49 percent say they will develop or refine their cyber strategies in the coming year, with a greater focus on policies, training, and proactive preparation.
The Hartford’s message is clear: businesses can’t afford to be reactive. By prioritizing fundamental “cyber hygiene” measures, companies can significantly reduce vulnerabilities and improve resilience.
1. Enable Multifactor Authentication (MFA)
MFA is one of the most effective and accessible defenses against unauthorized access. By requiring two or more verification factors — such as a password and a one-time code sent to a mobile device — companies can make it exponentially harder for attackers to compromise accounts.
MFA is especially critical for remote access, cloud applications, and systems housing sensitive data. It’s also increasingly required by industry regulations, meaning the failure to implement it could expose a business to compliance penalties as well as cyber risk.
Consider a real-world example: a mid-sized manufacturer suffered a phishing attack that captured several employee passwords. Because MFA was enabled on critical systems, attackers were unable to proceed, preventing what could have been a costly data breach.
2. Maintain Secure, Segmented Backups
Ransomware remains one of the fastest-growing cyber threats. Attackers encrypt data and demand payment for its release, often halting operations for days or weeks. Secure backups, stored separately from the main network, can allow businesses to bypass ransom demands and recover quickly.
Industry research shows that in 68 percent of ransomware incidents, secure backups eliminated the need to pay attackers. However, backups are only as good as their last update and their ability to survive an attack. That means businesses must schedule regular backups, isolate them from production systems, and test their viability.
Imagine the difference between two companies hit by ransomware: one has a week-old segmented backup and is back online within hours; the other has no recent backups and spends weeks in costly recovery.
3. Prioritize Patching Known Vulnerabilities
Cybercriminals often look for the path of least resistance, and that often means exploiting software vulnerabilities that already have patches available. The Hartford cites a recent report showing that in 76 percent of intrusion cases, attackers took advantage of just 10 known vulnerabilities.
Prioritizing patching doesn’t just protect against headline-making breaches; it can also block less-publicized but equally damaging intrusions. Businesses should maintain an updated inventory of systems, automate patch deployment when possible, and dedicate IT resources to addressing high-risk vulnerabilities quickly.
In one incident, an unpatched web server flaw allowed attackers to gain entry to a company’s HR database. The vulnerability had been public and patchable for months, underscoring the risk of delaying updates.
4. Implement and Test Incident Response Plans (IRPs)
Even with strong defenses, incidents can still occur. A well-developed IRP ensures that when they do, the business can respond swiftly and effectively.
An IRP should define roles and responsibilities, outline decision-making processes, and include clear escalation paths. Employees — often the first to notice suspicious activity — must be trained to recognize and report potential threats.
The Hartford recommends involving a company’s cyber insurance carrier in IRP development. In the event of an incident, the insurer can quickly connect businesses with an incident response coach, cyber attorney, and technical remediation experts.
One financial services firm credits its IRP with helping it contain a malware outbreak in under 24 hours, avoiding regulatory penalties and preserving client trust.
The Bottom Line
No single measure can eliminate cyber risk, but taken together, these strategies create a stronger, more resilient security posture. In today’s environment, where threats evolve daily, preparation is no longer optional — it’s a business imperative.
For deeper insights and data on emerging risks, access The Hartford’s full 2025 Risk Monitor report. &