Even as quantum computing and AI-generated threats evolve at a breakneck pace, one truth has not changed: cybersecurity hygiene remains the first and most important line of defence. Despite advances in cybersecurity tools and strategies, it is often the basics – patching known vulnerabilities, securing configurations, and educating staff – that ultimately determine success or failure in security management.
“It’s tempting to chase shiny new solutions,” says Richard Ford, Chief Technology Officer at Integrity360, “but the organisations staying ahead are the ones that have mastered the fundamentals of good cyber hygiene.”
Mastering cyber hygiene over chasing new tools
Many businesses are drawn to cutting-edge security solutions that promise protection against tomorrow’s threats. However, real-world attack data shows that attackers often rely on known, well-documented vulnerabilities, many of which have existed for years. In 2024, 33% of exploit attempts targeted vulnerabilities that dated back as far as the 2010s, according to Integrity360 data.
“This highlights just how much risk remains in neglecting the basics,” says Ford. “We found that half of the vulnerabilities identified in client environments were of high severity. That’s a huge window of opportunity for attackers that could easily be closed with proper cyber hygiene practices.”
Human error continues to drive breaches
Technology alone is not enough to prevent breaches. The human factor remains a leading cause of successful attacks. In 2024, 68% of breaches involved some form of human interaction, whether through phishing, weak password security, or user error. A staggering 67% of successful cyberattacks were directly linked to user mistakes.
“Technology can only go so far if your people aren’t equipped to spot threats,” notes Ford. “Training, security awareness, and accountability are as vital as firewalls and antivirus tools.”
Cybersecurity hygiene at the human level means cultivating a culture where cybersecurity best practices are second nature, not an afterthought. Implementing a cyber hygiene checklist can help organisations ensure that all employees follow essential security protocols.
AI brings advantages—and dangers
AI and machine learning have made powerful contributions to threat analysis, real-time monitoring, and incident response. Yet they’ve also armed threat actors with new capabilities. In 2024, while 95% of organisations adopted AI in their cybersecurity programmes, 74% still experienced significant harm from AI-driven threats.
“AI gives us an edge, but it also raises the stakes,” says Ford. “If we don’t reinforce our foundations, even the best AI can be rendered ineffective. The basics—good hygiene—are what make our advanced tools work as they should.”
With 97% of cybersecurity professionals predicting an increase in AI-generated attacks, security hygiene is no longer optional—it’s critical.
Quantum computing threatens current defences
Quantum computing represents a major future disruptor, particularly in how it could break widely used encryption methods. While the full impact is likely still a few years away, the implications for data security are already being felt.
“Quantum threats aren’t science fiction anymore,” warns Ford. “We need to start planning for post-quantum cryptography now—but not at the expense of today’s hygiene.”
Organisations must prepare for future risks without losing sight of today’s urgent needs, and that begins with fortifying their current environment against preventable weaknesses through robust security measures.
The breaches of 2024: Lessons learned
The past year was filled with high-profile cyber incidents that demonstrated just how costly cyber neglect can be. In February, a ransomware attack on Change Healthcare, a critical player in the US health sector, led to weeks of operational shutdown and a $22 million ransom payment. In May, Dell revealed that 49 million customer records had been compromised. By June, Ticketmaster’s parent company, Live Nation, was hit with a breach that exposed the personal data of 560 million customers—traced back to a third-party cloud vendor.
Other major incidents included the Ascension Health ransomware attack, the leak of data from 270,000 UK military personnel, and the CDK breach in the automotive sector, which caused over $1 billion in losses despite a reported $25 million ransom. Even Transport for London experienced a breach that compromised sensitive information from 5,000 customers.
These incidents reflect a sobering truth: even large enterprises with robust IT budgets can fall victim to preventable breaches when cybersecurity hygiene is not prioritised.
Moving from reactive to proactive
The cybersecurity landscape of 2025 is more complex and fast-paced than ever before. But one thing is clear: a reactive approach will no longer suffice. Organisations must move toward an integrated, proactive security model that views good cyber hygiene as a strategic imperative.
“It’s no longer enough to plug holes as they appear,” says Ford. “Cyber hygiene must be systemic, embedded, and constantly evolving.”
Looking ahead to 2026, businesses that succeed will be those that embed resilience into their infrastructure, starting with the basics. As threats grow more sophisticated, the fundamentals of security hygiene will increasingly determine who withstands the storm and who falls victim to it. Implementing robust security management systems and maintaining a strong focus on cyber hygiene practices will be crucial for organisations to stay ahead of evolving threats and protect their digital assets effectively.
