Information Security Check-in for 2025

Can you believe it’s already 2025? Now that the new year is here, it’s time to make sure that your business is starting off on the right foot—especially when it comes to information security. Risks like data breaches and compliance fines are only growing, which makes reviewing your practices more important than ever.

Whether you’re looking to strengthen your records management, assess risks, or boost your team’s security knowledge, now’s the time to act. Don’t worry if you’re unsure where to begin—we’ve put together practical tips to help you secure your business’s information in 2025.

Key Security Trends to Watch in 2025 

Cyber threats aren’t taking a break in 2025, and that means you need to be proactive. Keeping pace with information security means staying informed on emerging trends. Here are some key risks and strategies to watch for this year:

• AI-Driven Cyber Threats: Hackers are leveraging AI to create more sophisticated phishing scams and social engineering attacks. Businesses need advanced tools to keep up.
• Multivector and Multistage Attacks: Cybercriminals are combining multiple methods in coordinated attacks, making layered defenses essential.
• Cloud Service Attacks: As reliance on the cloud grows, so do security threats. Strengthen encryption, monitor access, and stay vigilant in 2025.
• IoT Devices and Security Risks: – With smart devices showing up everywhere—from wearables to appliances—the Internet of Things (IoT) is making it easier than ever for cyber threats to find a way in. Businesses need to secure these devices with strong authentication and network segmentation.
• Cybersecurity Mesh Architecture: With security threats getting more sophisticated, many businesses are turning to a mesh architecture approach to connect their security tools and boost visibility and control.

Tip: Check out our tips for combating information security risks to learn more about how to protect your business from evolving cyber threats.

Start Off 2025 Right with File Organization

If you wrapped up last year feeling like your filing system is more chaos than order, you’re not alone. A new year is the perfect excuse to roll up your sleeves and get organized. Beyond just clearing clutter, having a smart system in place saves time, reduces risks, and keeps you ahead of compliance audits. And one key element of effective file management? A solid records retention policy.

Need help building or revising your retention policy? Here’s a simple plan to get you started:

1. Understand your industry’s regulations. Research the document retention requirements for your specific field—things like tax forms, contracts, and employee records often have set timelines.
2. Categorize your records. Group files by type, such as financial, legal, or operational documents, to make it easy to apply retention rules.
3. Set clear retention periods. Assign a time frame to each category based on legal requirements and business needs. For example, financial records might need to be kept for seven years, while client files may only require three.
4. Plan for secure disposal. After a document’s retention period ends, be sure to get rid of it securely. For paper records, shredding is ideal. Digital files should be permanently deleted using secure destruction methods.
5. Review and update regularly. Regulations and business needs are always evolving, so revisit your policy at least once a year to keep it current.

More Steps to a Strong 2025

Once your retention policy is in place, you’ll be able to confidently tackle file organization with a clear purpose. And don’t forget these additional steps to start strong in 2025:

• Out with the old. Take some time to review your records and get rid of any outdated documents you don’t need anymore. Just remember to double-check your retention policy.
• Create a logical structure. Organize documents by category, year, or department—whatever system makes it simple for your team to find what they need.
• Secure your archives. For files you don’t need regularly, consider moving them to encrypted storage systems or secure offsite facilities. This will keep them safe from potential data breaches or disasters.

Tip: Need a little extra help with this? Take a look at our Tips for Tackling Your Year-End File Organization for some practical advice you can use right away.

Make Risk Assessments a Regular Habit

The start of a new year is also the time to get ahead of potential risks. If you haven’t performed a risk assessment in a while, consider it priority number one. Taking stock of your current processes and pinpointing vulnerabilities can save you trouble later.

Here’s how to perform a quick but thorough risk assessment in 2025:

1. Identify where your data lives. From cloud storage platforms to physical filing cabinets, know all the places your sensitive information is stored.
2. Spot vulnerabilities. Are your systems using outdated software? Do employees have access to more data than they need? Note any possible weak spots.
3. Get serious about passwords. Weak passwords are an open door for hackers. Encourage employees to use unique, strong passwords and implement multi-factor authentication whenever possible.
4. Review access permissions. Check who’s accessing critical data. Overly broad permissions can lead to unnecessary exposure.
5. Back everything up. Regular backups mean even if a disaster strikes—be it a cyberattack or accidental deletion—you’ll have your essential files ready to go. Store back-ups on secure, separate systems. We recommend the 3-2-1 backup method: create 3 copies of your data, with 2 on different media, and 1 stored offsite.
6. Prioritize issues. Focus on high-risk areas first. For instance, weak network security or outdated storage methods might need immediate attention.

Tip: Risk assessments don’t have to be a hassle. Check out our guide to performing risk assessments for a deeper dive.

Train and Empower Your Team

Your employees play a huge role in information security. Even the best systems can fall apart if your team isn’t properly trained. IBM cites human error as the main factor leading to 95% of data breaches, and that includes employee mistakes.

The best way to set up your business for security success? Make sure your team knows the ins and outs of staying secure. Here’s how to empower your employees in 2025:

• Train them to spot scams. Phishing emails are still one of the most common ways hackers gain access to systems. Arm your team with the knowledge to recognize suspicious communications.
• Teach cybersecurity basics. Simple practices, like not sharing passwords or avoiding unsecured Wi-Fi, can significantly boost overall security.
• Set up ongoing training. A one-time seminar isn’t enough to cover evolving threats. Make security education part of your regular routine.
• Make it personal. Show your team why security matters—not just to the company, but to them individually. When they understand the risks, they’ll take it more seriously.

Tip: Check out our blog on information security education to learn how to set up an effective employee education plan.

Start the New Year Confidently with Augusta Data Storage

The start of the year is a great time to make sure your information management plan is up-to-date and ready for whatever comes your way. From creating a retention policy to performing risk assessments and training your team, these steps will help you kick off 2025 with confidence.

Don’t have the resources or expertise to handle it all yourself? Augusta Data Storage offers comprehensive records management services to help businesses just like yours stay secure and organized. Reach out for a free quote and get a jumpstart on 2025 today.