The Only Cybersecurity Checklist Your Network Needs

Cyberattacks aren’t slowing down; they’re speeding up. And the data proves it. According to the recent Verizon 2025 Data Breach Investigations Report:

• Ransomware is involved in 44% of breaches, up 37% from 2024
• The median ransom payment reached $115,000
• 60% of breaches are caused by human error
• Exploitation of vulnerabilities, as the first step in a breach, grew by 34%, now accounting for one in five incidents

The takeaway? Cybercriminals are getting faster, bolder, and more sophisticated.

Your network might be the next target, so don’t wait. Start with these eight essential steps to lock it down now.

Step 1: Understand the Most Common Cyber Threats

Ransomware attacks occur when:

• Criminals infiltrate your network, encrypt critical data, and demand payment.
• Unfamiliar login alerts pop up.

The attacks usually begin slowly, then escalate quickly, causing major operational damage. 

How Data Theft Works:

• In many attacks, criminals steal sensitive customer or business data and threaten to leak or sell it.
• Paying the ransom only fuels more attacks and doesn’t guarantee data recovery.
• Many times this is paired with ransomware attacks.

Phishing and Social Engineering

• Attackers use fake emails, texts or calls to steal login credentials or plant malware.
• One wrong click can grant full access to your network.

Step 2: Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

• Require multiple forms of identity verification to access your systems.
• These block attackers—even if they’ve stolen login credentials.
   

Step 3: Use Advanced Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)

• Use AI-powered tools to monitor and analyze activity across your network.
• Detect and report unusual behavior; take action before damage is done.
• Go beyond basic antivirus protection with intelligent, adaptive security.
  
  

Step 4: Establish a Security Operations Center (SOC)

• Monitor your network 24/7 to detect unauthorized access or suspicious behavior.
• Track high-level account changes and login anomalies.
• A U.S.-based SOC ensures compliance and rapid local response.
  
  

Step 5: Human Error

• Train employees to recognize phishing and follow security protocols.
• Conduct phishing simulations to test and improve readiness.
• Reduce risk—especially since human error contributes to 60% of breaches.
  
  

Step 6: Develop an Incident Response Plan

• Define clear steps for handling cyberattacks—from shutdown to recovery.
• Include protocols for reporting suspicious activity early.
• Conduct drills periodically.
• Engage experts like CHR Solutions to build a response plan that works in real-world scenarios.
• Focus on early containment to prevent minor issues from becoming major incidents.
  
  

Step 7: Use Advanced Network Security Tools

• Leverage AI and machine learning to detect and mitigate advanced threats.
• Monitor all traffic and identify unusual patterns.
• Conduct regular security assessments to stay ahead of evolving risks.
• Remain vigilant. Cybersecurity is not a one-time effort—it’s ongoing.
  
  

Step 8: Enforce Secure Access Controls

• Apply strict role-based access controls to sensitive areas of your network.
• Regularly audit access logs and update permissions.
• Segment your network to isolate high-risk zones from critical systems.
• Prevent lateral movement if a breach does occur.
  
  

The best advice we can give you:

Don’t leave your network exposed. You can’t afford not to be protected.

CHR Solutions provides full-spectrum cybersecurity protection—built for ISPs and SMBs and backed by real-world results.