Cybersecurity readiness refers to the measures an organization takes to identify and defend against potential online threats. According to the 2025 Cisco Cybersecurity Readiness Index, a staggering 70% of companies in 2024 were ranked as either “formative” or “beginner” level in their cybersecurity readiness. Only four percent of organizations were categorized as “mature,” meaning they were fully prepared to prevent or withstand advanced cyber threats.
While these statistics may seem shocking, they reflect a widespread struggle—many companies struggle to keep up with an ever-changing landscape of increasingly costly cybercrimes. Nearly half of the respondents in the Cisco survey experienced at least one cyberattack in the last year, and Cybercrime Magazine estimates that global cybercrime damages will reach $10.5 trillion this year. Add to that the growing risks brought on by widespread AI usage across various enterprises, and it becomes clear that organizations of all sizes must do more to protect themselves against cyberattacks.
While comprehensive solutions—like those provided by LCS IT Services—offer the most effective protection, your organization can take several practical steps today to improve cybersecurity readiness.
1. Identify Vulnerabilities
The first step to improving cybersecurity readiness is understanding where your organization is most at risk. By identifying vulnerabilities, you can proactively strengthen weak points. Here are a few common areas to examine:
Cybercriminals target weak points in organizations in search of valuable information, such as bank accounts, credit card numbers, or personally identifiable information (PII) such as Social Security numbers and email addresses. If your organization regularly stores or processes sensitive data, whether it’s internally or for customers, it’s critical to secure that information against cyber threats.
Vendors and Third-Party Risk
Even if you take all the right steps to protect your organization’s information, your data could still be compromised if your vendors and other third parties can be easily breached. Review who has access to your systems and consider including cybersecurity requirements in vendor contracts to ensure all third parties follow best practices. These steps could make the difference between business as usual and falling victim to a devastating supply chain attack.
AI Weaknesses
With the rise in the use of Generative AI in the workplace, there’s been an increase in security risks associated with the new technology. The 2025 Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report found that 14% of employees were routinely accessing GenAI systems on their corporate devices. Furthermore, many common uses of GenAI involve uploading private information to public third-party databases, potentially leaving organizations open to data breaches. Examine how your employees use GenAI tools in the workplace and implement policies to limit the exposure of private or client-related data.
2. Invest in Training
Human error is responsible for about 95% of cybersecurity, including falling victim to social engineering schemes or poor password practices. Close the gaps in your organization’s cybersecurity readiness by investing in comprehensive cybersecurity training for your employees.
Effective cybersecurity training should:
Educate staff on phishing and social engineering tactics
Include simulated phishing tests to build awareness
Reinforce best practices for handing sensitive data
Train employees on secure remote access and device protection
More informed employees means that your enterprise has a stronger first line of defense against cyberattacks.
Encryption & Antivirus Protection – Email encryption software and advanced antivirus systems can prevent hackers from accessing sensitive data or installing malware on your devices.
Routine Software Updates –Out-of-date software and systems can leave you vulnerable to attacks. Stay current on all updates to stay protected.
4. Create an Incident Response Plan
Regardless of how well you prepare your employees or how many safeguards you have in place, cyberattacks can still occur. When disaster strikes, having an Incident Response Plan (IRP) is crucial to minimizing damage and preventing downtime. An IRP is a formal written document approved by leadership that outlines a set of procedures to follow before, during, and after a suspected security incident. The document also assigns key staff and their responsibilities, so there is no question about who is needed in the event of a breach and what actions must be taken. Take the time to create an IRP with your leadership team. If you’re unsure where to start, LCS IT Services can help guide you through the process.
Boost Cybersecurity Readiness with LCS IT Services
LCS IT Services can protect your business by identifying risks and stopping threats before they start. Whether you need employee training, a comprehensive security package, or support with VPN and authentication tools, we’re here to help.
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