As the year winds down, most businesses are busy closing projects, finalizing budgets, and planning for the next quarter. But there’s one more thing you don’t want to forget before flipping the calendar: cyber hygiene. Just like routine health check-ups keep you healthy, good cyber hygiene keeps your digital environment resilient, protected, and ready for whatever the new year brings.Â
Below are the essential cyber hygiene tasks and security best practices every organization (and its employees) should complete before year-end.Â
1. Refresh Your Password Hygiene
Weak or reused passwords are still one of the biggest reasons attackers get into accounts. Before year-end, make it a habit — or even a company-wide mandate — to tighten up password hygiene.Â
Here’s your quick account security checklist:Â
- Update passwords for all critical business accountsÂ
- Ensure each password is unique, long, and complexÂ
- Turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA) everywhere possibleÂ
- Review administrator accounts and remove unnecessary privilegesÂ
Why it matters:Â Strong password practices drastically reduce the chances of credential-stuffing attacks, account takeover, and unauthorized access.Â
 2. Secure Every Device You Use
If your team uses company laptops, personal phones, or a mix of both, this step is non-negotiable. Endpoints are one of the easiest entry points for attackers.Â
Year-end device security tips:Â
- Update operating systems and software to the latest versionsÂ
- Remove old or unused appsÂ
- Enable automatic updates wherever possibleÂ
- Scan devices with reputable anti-malware toolsÂ
- Ensure full-disk encryption is turned onÂ
Why it matters:Â Outdated devices and unpatched software create vulnerabilities that attackers love to exploit.Â
3. Audit Your Accounts, Access, and Data
Over the year, teams grow, roles change, and tools get added — but access permissions often stay the same. That’s risky.Â
Key year-end security tasks for account and data review:Â
- Disable old employee accounts you no longer needÂ
- Review third-party tools, integrations, and API connectionsÂ
- Recheck file-sharing settings and access controlsÂ
- Archive or delete unnecessary old dataÂ
Why it matters:Â Fewer access points mean fewer opportunities for attackers to break in.Â
4. Backup and Test Your Recovery Plan 
Backups are great. Restored backups are even better. Many organizations set up backups but fail to test them — and only discover problems during an actual attack.Â
Your year-end data protection checklist:Â
- Verify that backups are running successfullyÂ
- Store at least one backup offlineÂ
- Test restoring critical systemsÂ
- Update your disaster recovery documentationÂ
Why it matters:Â Ransomware attacks spike every year. A solid, tested backup plan ensures your business can recover quickly.Â
5. Train Employees with Updated Cyber Hygiene TipsÂ
Often, businesses focus on tools and forget the most important layer of cybersecurity: people.Â
End-of-year cyber hygiene tips for employees:Â
- Train staff on identifying phishing emailsÂ
- Remind employees to avoid public Wi-Fi without a VPNÂ
- Share updated cybersecurity policiesÂ
- Conduct short refresher sessions or micro-trainingsÂ
Why it matters: Human error remains one of the top causes of breaches. Regular training reduces risk across the entire organization.Â
Final Thoughts: Make Cyber Hygiene a Year-Round HabitÂ
Completing these security tasks before year-end doesn’t just clean up your digital environment — it sets your business up for a safer, stronger, and more productive year ahead. Cyber hygiene isn’t a one-time checklist; it’s an ongoing discipline.Â
Start now, stay consistent, and keep your systems healthy. Your future self — and your company — will thank you. Consult with our team and gain actionable insights tailored to your organization’s unique needs. If you haven’t by now, click the button below to schedule your 15-minute call. 
