Top 17 Cybersecurity Best Practices for 2025 to Protect Your Business
Cybersecurity isn’t just an IT issue anymore — it’s a business-critical function. Whether you’re running a law firm in Brisbane or a tradie business in regional Queensland, keeping your systems secure is key to staying operational and trustworthy. At Gray Area Consulting, we’ve worked with businesses of all shapes and sizes, and the one thing we know for sure is that good security doesn’t happen by accident.
Here are 17 practical, proven cybersecurity best practices for 2025 that can help keep your business safe, even as threats evolve.
1. Keep Software Up to Date
Patching your systems regularly is one of the simplest ways to avoid being an easy target. Outdated software is like leaving your front door unlocked. We’ve got a whole article on why software updates matter — it’s worth a read.
2. Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
MFA adds an extra layer of security, even if a password gets compromised. Think of it like locking your front door and then needing a fingerprint to get in.
3. Regularly Back Up Your Data
Daily backups are essential, especially with ransomware still on the rise. If you’re not backing up, you’re risking everything. See our guide on daily backups and the Essential Eight.
4. Use Strong, Unique Passwords
No more ‘Password123’. Strong passwords and a password manager can make a big difference. Read more in our post on password security tips.
5. Educate Your Team
People are the first line of defence. Regular training and awareness sessions can stop a phishing attack in its tracks. We wrote about this in turning cybersecurity awareness into action.
6. Use a Zero Trust Security Model
Zero Trust means never assuming anything is safe — even inside your network. It’s a smarter way to think about security in 2025. Learn more about it here.
7. Apply the Essential Eight Framework
Developed by the ACSC, the Essential Eight is like the Aussie playbook for cybersecurity. It’s brilliant and practical. If you’re not sure where to start, check out our breakdown of Essential Eight implementation.
8. Conduct Regular Risk Assessments
Cyber risk isn’t set-and-forget. We recommend reviewing your risks at least twice a year. Here’s why risk assessments matter.
9. Monitor Network Traffic
Keeping an eye on your network traffic helps detect unusual activity early. We covered the basics in our guide on network monitoring.
10. Secure Remote Work Environments
With hybrid work becoming the norm, securing remote endpoints is crucial. VPNs, endpoint protection, and strong policies all help.
11. Implement Application Control
Don’t let unauthorised apps run wild. Control what runs on your systems. We shared a practical guide on application control here.
12. Review Access Controls
Make sure staff only have access to what they need. This simple step limits damage if credentials are compromised.
13. Use Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR)
EDR tools help detect and respond to threats on individual devices. They’re a great upgrade from traditional antivirus software.
14. Have a Business Continuity Plan
Being prepared can mean the difference between a quick recovery and a total disaster. Learn why it’s more than just a backup plan here.
15. Encrypt Sensitive Data
Encryption scrambles your data so only the right people can read it. It’s especially important for financial or health-related info.
16. Limit Use of External Devices
USBs and personal devices can be risky. Set policies to control what gets plugged in and how data is transferred.
17. Partner with a Trusted Managed IT Provider
Let’s be honest — managing all of this can be a lot. Having a partner like Gray Area Consulting means you’ve got experts in your corner. If you’re considering a managed approach, check out our post on what managed IT services include.
Need Help Putting These Into Practice?
No two businesses are exactly alike, and your cybersecurity strategy should reflect that. Whether you’re just starting or looking to strengthen what you’ve already got, we’re here to help. Reach out to the team at Gray Area Consulting to chat about your cybersecurity needs.
Or, if you’re keen to learn more, browse through our Cybersecurity resources to keep your knowledge sharp.
