Treating information security like a checklist leaves your business exposed to fast-moving threats and growing financial risk.
Go beyond the basics by choosing ReachOut as your cybersecurity-first managed IT provider.
Everyone knows how important it is to have an information security strategy plan in place. The bigger challenge is knowing what you need to incorporate into that plan. 44% of businesses in one global survey reported that they only had one or two security measures in place. This gap is largely the result of a lack of awareness of what else is needed.
| “The trouble with cyber threats is how quickly they can adapt and evolve. Your best strategy is one that can adapt and evolve faster.” – Rick Jordan, Founder, ReachOut Digital Intelligence |
It’s also important to remember that there is no one 110% hack-proof information security strategy in existence. Security risks will always exist, but you can take proactive steps to reduce them. In fact, this is exactly why incident response plans must be part of your security program.
So, the rest of this article will go over what you can do to reduce your risks. We will also show you how ReachOut can help you mitigate the potential damage and prevent future incidents.
Protecting data starts with your people. Your information security strategy must reflect that.
Your first priority when it comes to securing data should always be cybersecurity awareness training. Regular training is the best way to keep up with evolving threats. Besides, more than 68% of data breaches involve some element of human error, so reducing that risk means reducing a wealth of other potential problems.
Not sure what to include in your training program? Train on what matters most—here’s what we recommend.
| Training topic | Why it matters | What to cover |
| Phishing and social engineering | Reduce risky clicks and wire fraud attempts | Spot urgent tone, fake addresses, odd links, unexpected attachments, verify in a separate channel you start |
| Passwords and sign-in | Cut account takeovers | Passphrases, unique per site, multi-factor authentication, password manager basics |
| Data handling and sharing | Keep client and company data where it belongs | Simple data labels, sharing rules, storage do’s and don’ts, secure disposal |
| Device and workspace hygiene | Fewer infections and lost data | Updates, screen lock, removable media risks, clean desk habits, home office setup |
| Email and messaging safety | Safer approvals and payments | Vendor change requests, payment verification by phone, fake domain look-alikes, and safe link settings |
| Safe browsing and downloads | Block malware and fake updates | Browser warnings, risky extensions, trusted software sources, dangers of enabling macros |
| Incident reporting and escalation | Faster response, smaller impact | What to report, how to report, after-hours steps, do-not-unplug guidance |
| Remote and travel security | Safer work on the go | Public wireless risks, personal hotspot use, screen privacy, hotel and conference tips |
| Privileged access responsibilities | Limits the impact if a high-access account is hit | Least privilege, approvals, emergency access, audit trails |
| Artificial intelligence and data use | Prevent accidental data leaks | What is safe to paste, prompts that avoid sharing sensitive data, and approved platforms |
| Compliance basics by role | Fewer audit surprises | Role duties, evidence storage, retention rules, and simple access reviews |
| Simulated attacks and coaching | Build instincts through practice | Email drills, voice fraud calls, text message scams |
Read more about 4 ways you can prevent your employees from leaking confidential information.
What other information security strategies do you need?
Map Your Assets
Start with a single list of every laptop, phone, server, app, and account. Use a simple tracker, not a spreadsheet that could get overwhelming. Add an owner for each item and set a monthly review so the list stays up-to-date. You need this because you can’t protect what you don’t know exists. It’s really that simple.
Classify Your Data
Sort information into a few clear labels like public, internal, and sensitive. Tie each label to simple rules for where it lives, who can see it, and when it should be deleted. This keeps your strongest controls focused on the data that matters most, which reduces risk and saves effort.
Separate Key Systems
Put critical systems, such as payroll and finance, onto their own networks. Limit which systems can talk to each other and who can reach them. This way, if trouble hits one network, it stays there. Operations keep moving elsewhere while you clean it up.
| Look For More Cybersecurity Tips on Our Blog |
Standardize Settings
Agree on standardized settings for devices, servers, and cloud accounts. Turn off features you don’t use. Keep permissions tight and simple. Clear, consistent settings reduce easy mistakes and make problems faster to spot.
Encryption By Default
Turn on encryption for every file and all data in transit. It should never be optional.. Security Magazine found that 33% of data loss incidents involved missing or weak encryption. That means stolen data wasn’t protected at all. When encryption is in place, even if attackers gain access, the data stays unreadable. What could have been a full-scale breach becomes a failed attempt.
Limit Admin Access
Only give admin rights to people who truly need them. For rare tasks, use temporary access and track what’s done during that time. The fewer admin accounts you have, the less damage someone can do if one gets hacked.
Know Who Has Access Before Hackers Do
Set a cadence to check who has access to what. Remove unused accounts and extra permissions. Record approvals so audits are simple. Right-sized access limits what an intruder can reach.
Update Everything Regularly
Set a clear schedule for updates and follow it. Start with a small test group, then roll it out to the rest of your team. Have a fast-track plan for urgent fixes. Regular updates close known security gaps before attackers can use them. The faster your cycle, the safer your systems stay.
Threat Remediation and Data Protection?
Reachout Can Do it AllHow ReachOut will help you enhance your information security strategy plan
We’ll Perform Security Risk Assessments
We always start with a guided review of your risks, systems, and gaps. You get a clear picture of what is protected, what is exposed, and what to fix first. This aligns your systems with our security-first model, so the plan defends what your business cannot afford to lose.
We Can Help You Design Your Training Program
We’ll help you design an awareness program that matches your people and their roles. That includes short sessions, simple job aids, and practice drills. Your team learns what to do in real situations, which reduces everyday risks.
We’ll Write Practical Policies
We can replace thick binders with short, usable rules. Each policy links to clear actions for where data lives, who can see it, and how long to keep it. Managers get templates and coaching so the policies stick.
We Check In Regularly
We’ll meet each quarter to measure results and adjust the plan as your business changes. Your strategy stays active and current, not frozen in last quarter’s assumptions.
We Always Provide Built-In Protection
Security comes standard with every plan from day one. There’s nothing to add later and nothing extra to buy. You start protected and stay protected as your business grows.
| Trusted Managed IT Services Near You Mokena Chicago Naperville |
Talk to us about your information security strategy today
Tightening your security controls is a smart move. The problem is that what seemed air-tight today could be a vulnerability tomorrow as hackers adapt their tactics to your controls. That’s why regular reviews matter, and working with a cybersecurity-first partner is a great idea.
Request a consultation with ReachOut Digital Intelligence. Our team of cyber experts keeps up with the latest threat trends and can help you adapt your security strategies to the most current risks. Your data security is invaluable; don’t treat it as an afterthought.
