In today’s race to adopt advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI)-powered threat detection and zero-trust architectures, many U.S. businesses risk overlooking the foundational cybersecurity practices that can truly safeguard their operations. While nearly two-thirds of C-suite leaders believe their data is “completely protected,” the reality is that many organizations still lack the basic controls to withstand modern threats.
Skipping the basics in favor of shiny new tools is like building a skyscraper on sand. It may look impressive, but it won’t stand up to pressure. This article outlines the non-negotiable cybersecurity fundamentals every U.S. organization should implement before scaling up to more complex solutions.
The Must-Have Cybersecurity Basics
1. Patch Management
Unpatched systems remain one of the top entry points for cyberattacks. U.S. businesses must make sure there are timely updates across legacy systems, third-party applications, and cloud platforms. Automate where possible and conduct quarterly patch audits to close vulnerabilities.
2. Access Control & Least Privilege
Limit access based on role, not rank. A marketing intern doesn’t need access to financial systems, and even the CEO shouldn’t have unrestricted access to all environments. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) should be mandatory across all accounts, blocking up to 99% of automated attacks.
3. Risk Assessment
Use frameworks like NIST CSF or ISO 27001 to help identify critical assets and assess threats. For example, a healthcare provider may prioritize ransomware protection for patient records, while a retailer focuses on securing payment systems. Forvis Mazars’ U.S. cyber report outlines how you can align risk-based strategies with business goals.
4. Asset Inventory
Maintain a real-time inventory of all digital and physical assets, including Internet of Things (IoT) and operational technology. These often-overlooked components can be exploited if not properly tracked and secured.
5. Basic Monitoring
Start with tools like Microsoft Defender or open-source Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) platforms to monitor network activity. Watch for anomalies such as unexpected logins, data spikes, or unknown devices.
6. Employee Training
Human error is a leading cause of breaches. Regular phishing simulations and security workshops can reduce risk. Encourage reporting of suspicious activity through positive reinforcement, not punishment.
7. Incident Response Plans
Define clear protocols for breach containment, legal notification, and system isolation. Conduct quarterly tabletop exercises to help ensure cross-functional readiness.
Common Missteps That Undermine Cyber Resilience
Overreliance on Outsourcing
Third-party vendors often manage patches and monitoring, but responsibility still lies with the business. Include audit rights in contracts and regularly assess vendor protocols. U.S. companies relying on external tools should be aware of the potential for data breaches.
Compliance ≠ Security
Passing a payment card industry (PCI) audit doesn’t guarantee protection. The fact that major companies can still be breached is a stark reminder that compliance is a baseline, not a safeguard.
Skipping Basics for “Advanced” Solutions
Zero-trust frameworks and AI tools are ineffective without foundational controls like MFA and patching. Build from the ground up.
Cost-Driven Decisions
Cutting corners on firewalls or skipping penetration tests may save money in the short term, but the average ransomware payout in the U.S. reached $2 million as noted in 2024.1 Prevention is far more cost-effective than recovery.
Strength Starts at the Foundation
Cybersecurity isn’t about chasing trends. It’s about consistency, visibility, and accountability. U.S. organizations must embed security into every layer of their operations, starting with the basics. Only then can they confidently scale their defenses to help meet the evolving threat landscape.
How We Can Assist
Professionals at Forvis Mazars can help you build a resilient strategy tailored to your U.S. operations. Connect with our cybersecurity consulting team to go over your current posture and help identify gaps and implement controls that scale with your business. Reach out to schedule a risk-based readiness review today.
For additional insights, join Forvis Mazars at the 2025 Cybersecurity Virtual Symposium from October 14 to 15 for a look at cybersecurity challenges and trends.
- 1“Ransom payments surge to staggering $2M on average, a 500% jump from last year,” cybernews.com. April 30, 2024.