Stress testing your cyber defenses can help you uncover real vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. By simulating real-world attacks, you can stay one step ahead, anticipating the tactics and techniques malicious actors might use.
Testing allows you to evaluate the effectiveness of your current defenses. This ensures your systems and protocols are strong enough to resist attacks and highlights where improvements are needed to stand firm against real attacks.
Penetration tests help your team improve incident response strategies and maintain organizational continuity. They also support the development of a comprehensive incident response plan, ensuring you're prepared to handle real attacks.
Penetration testing helps strengthen your defenses by identifying vulnerabilities and providing actionable insights, giving your organization a better chance to recover quickly and return to normal operations after a cyberattack.
Fast Facts About Annual Penetration Testing
Penetration tests vary, and choosing the right one depends on your needs, resources, and risk tolerance. Here are some common types to help you decide.
- Cloud Pen Testing: Ensures cloud platforms like AWS or Microsoft 365 are secure by identifying vulnerabilities like misconfigurations.
- External Testing: Simulates attacks on your external-facing systems (e.g., websites, APIs) to find security gaps hackers might exploit.
- Internal Testing: Assesses risks from insider threats by identifying vulnerabilities in internal systems and networks.
- Wireless Testing: Checks Wi-Fi networks for security issues, preventing attacks like "man-in-the-middle," which steal sensitive information.
- Application/Web App Testing: Identifies vulnerabilities in web apps to protect data and prevent unauthorized access.
According to Astra Security, 73% of successful corporate breaches happen by exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications. This highlights the critical need for regular penetration testing to identify and address weaknesses.
According to IBM’s 2025 Cost of a Data Breach, the global average cost to resolve a data breach is $4.44 million. This far exceeds the cost to conduct a penetration test, which can uncover weaknesses that could stop a breach before it happens.
Additional Resources
Learn more about penetration testing and vulnerability assessments by exploring our detailed guide. This checklist will guide you through the essential steps to ensure your organization’s IT systems and data are secure.
Use Microsoft Defender’s threat intelligence to stay updated on risks in your industry and regularly check your Microsoft 365 environment for vulnerabilities. These tools can ensure your Microsoft systems are set up properly to protect your organization.
Microsoft Defender’s advanced protection features can strengthen your defenses against potential attacks. Regularly monitor and test your Microsoft 365 environment to ensure it can withstand threats. These tools help fortify your systems and keep data secure.
Microsoft 365 empowers you to respond to threats effectively. With advanced response features built into the software, you can address potential attacks swiftly. Regular assessments within Microsoft 365 ensure you can respond to threats and keep data secure.
Microsoft 365 strengthens your cyber defenses, enabling faster recovery after a cyberattack. By keeping devices and software updated to the latest version, your organization is better prepared to quickly restore normal operations. Stay cyber-resilient with Microsoft 365.
Fast Facts About Microsoft 365’s Cybersecurity Capabilities
Microsoft employs a comprehensive security approach spanning identity protection, email filtering, threat intelligence, and cloud defense to protect Microsoft users from cyber threats. Below are some key highlights from their 2024 Digital Defense Report.
- Microsoft blocked a staggering 7,000 password-based attacks per second throughout 2024.
- In the second half of 2024, Microsoft successfully mitigated 1.25 million DDoS attacks, marking a 4× increase over the prior year.
- Microsoft Defender for Office 365’s image detection technology played a critical role in disrupting QR code phishing attacks, leading to a 94% drop in phishing emails using this method between October 2023 and March 2024.
Additional Resources
To learn how you can take full advantage of Microsoft 365’s security features, check out this free technology solutions resource.
To stay ahead of evolving cyber threats treat cybersecurity as a strategic priority, assess current vulnerabilities, understand AI-specific risks, and develop a clear, executive-backed roadmap to strengthen their security posture.
To withstand cyberattacks, it's critical to encrypt all data used by AI systems and closely review third-party integrations for potential vulnerabilities. These foundational steps help ensure your AI infrastructure remains secure and resilient.
An effective cyber-threat response starts with appointing a dedicated cybersecurity leader and implementing a clear incident response plan that outlines containment, communication, and recovery steps.
Recovering from a cyberattack means regularly testing and updating your defenses to keep up with evolving threats. Integrating AI into this process builds a stronger foundation for faster recovery and long-term resilience.
Fast Facts About Cybersecurity and AI Readiness
IBM’s Cost of a Data Breach Report 2025 offers a comprehensive look at the current cybersecurity landscape, highlighting key trends, risks, and the growing impact of breaches on organizations worldwide. Below are some AI-related facts that show the value of using AI in a responsible manner within your organization.
- Organizations using AI for cybersecurity report a 20%+ reduction in breach costs on average, amounting to $1.9 million in savings versus organizations who don’t rely on AI.
- Global average cost of a data breach fell to $4.44 million — a 9% decrease over last year — thanks in part to AI-powered defenses speeding up detection and containment.
While AI can be a tremendous tool that enhances your cybersecurity posture, implementing it without having proper policies in place can make you more vulnerable to cyber threats.
- 97% of organizations experiencing an AI-related security incident lacked proper AI-access controls.
- With this in mind, 63% of organizations have no AI governance policies to control the use of unregulated AI software in the workplace and on work computers.
Additional Resources
Fortunately for you, it is possible to use AI responsibly and in a way that can make you cyber-ready. In this article, James Carpp, a principal with Rehmann Technology Solutions, breaks down how AI and cybersecurity intersect to make your organization safer.
Use this checklist of essential steps to establish a strong cybersecurity foundation, ensuring your AI initiatives can scale securely and sustainably.
