As we pass the halfway mark of 2025, businesses must prioritize cybersecurity to protect sensitive data, maintain customer trust, and ensure operational continuity. Cyber threats evolve rapidly, with cybercriminals exploiting vulnerabilities in outdated systems, untrained employees, and lax security protocols. A mid-year cybersecurity check-in is a proactive step to assess and strengthen your defenses. KT Connections, your trusted IT solutions provider, presents this authoritative guide and checklist to help businesses stay secure. Below, we outline critical actions, explain their importance, and provide real-world examples to underscore the stakes.
Cyberattacks are increasing in frequency and sophistication. According to the 2025 IBM Cost of a Data Breach Report, the global average cost of a data breach reached $4.88 million, a 10% increase from 2024. Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are particularly vulnerable, with 63% of breaches targeting organizations with fewer than 1,000 employees, per Verizon’s 2024 Data Breach Investigations Report. A mid-year review ensures your business addresses vulnerabilities before they’re exploited, reduces the risk of costly incidents, and aligns with compliance requirements like HIPAA or PCI-DSS.
Use this checklist to evaluate and enhance your cybersecurity. Each item is critical to maintaining a secure environment, and we’ll explain why.
In 2021, Colonial Pipeline suffered a ransomware attack due to a single compromised password, disrupting fuel supplies across the U.S. East Coast. Strong passwords and MFA could have prevented this.
In 2020, Garmin paid a multi-million-dollar ransom after a ransomware attack because their backups were not adequately tested, delaying recovery.
In 2022, Uber suffered a breach when an employee fell for a social engineering attack, granting attackers access to internal systems. Regular training could have prevented this.
The 2021 Microsoft Exchange Server attack exploited unpatched vulnerabilities, affecting 250,000 servers globally. Timely patching could have mitigated the damage.
In 2019, Capital One suffered a breach due to a misconfigured access control, exposing 100 million customer records. Proper access controls could have prevented this.
In 2020, SolarWinds was compromised due to inadequate endpoint security, affecting 18,000 organizations. Robust endpoint protection could have detected the attack earlier.
The 2020 Target breach, which exposed 40 million credit card numbers, originated from a third-party HVAC vendor’s weak security.
In 2021, T-Mobile faced a data breach affecting 47 million customers due to a slow incident response, highlighting the need for preparedness.
In 2023, Anthem Inc., a major health insurance provider, was fined $16 million by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for a HIPAA violation after a data breach exposed the protected health information (PHI) of nearly 79 million individuals. Regular compliance checks and updated security measures could have mitigated this risk.
In 2024, MGM Resorts relied on cyber insurance to recover from a ransomware attack that disrupted operations, minimizing financial losses.
At KT Connections, we understand that cybersecurity is a business-critical priority. Our team of experts provides tailored solutions, including managed IT services, security audits, and employee training programs, to keep your business secure. We help you implement this checklist efficiently, ensuring compliance, reducing risks, and protecting your bottom line.
A mid-year cybersecurity check-in is not optional—it’s essential. By following this checklist, you can identify vulnerabilities, strengthen defenses, and prepare for evolving threats. Don’t wait for a breach to act. Contact KT Connections today to schedule a cybersecurity assessment and safeguard your business.