2025 IT Roadmap Workshop

In November, the 2025 IT Roadmap Workshop brought together industry leaders to provide actionable insights into optimizing cybersecurity, IT services, and strategic planning. The expert presenters offered a comprehensive guide for businesses at every stage of growth. Sarah Johnson, Co-Owner of JamboJon, opened the workshop with a powerful reminder that your website is one of the most vulnerable entry points for cyber attacks. She suggested implementing proper website security measures to protect your business, reputation, and customers. 

 

1. Keep Software Updated

The Problem: Most vulnerabilities come from outdated plugins or versions of WordPress.

What You Can Do: 

• Enable auto-updates for your core theme and plugins
• Schedule monthly manual updates
• Use third-party software to automate update scheduling

 

2. Secure Your Website With HTTPS

The Problem: Data transmission without encryption exposes sensitive information to hackers.

What You Can Do:

• Ensure your website uses HTTPS with a valid SSL or TLS certificate
• Check your url for “https://” in the browser
• Contact your hosting company to install an SSL certificate

 

3. Implement Access Controls

The Problem: Overly permissive access can lead to security breaches.

What You Can Do:

• Assign roles (ex: administrator, editor, author) with specific permissions
• Restrict sensitive areas of your website to authorized users only.
• Use tools like WordFence Security for access management.

 

4. Utilize Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

The Problem: Weak or leaked passwords are a common security scenario.

What You Can Do:

• Implement MFA for all admin and sensitive accounts
• Add tools like Google Authentication or WorkFence Security to your website.

 

5. Encrypt Data

The Problem: Data left unencrypted poses a risk for unauthorized access.

What You Can Do:

• Encrypt sensitive data both at rest and in transit
• Consult an IT expert for guidance on encryption strategies

 

6. Regular Backups and Disaster Recovery Plans

The Problem: Don’t wait until it’s too late! Once data is gone, there’s no going back.

What You Can Do:

• Understand your hosting provider’s backup capabilities.
• Install a WordPress plugin like UpdraftPlus to automate backups to an off-site location like Google Drive
• Establish a clear restoration process for emergencies.

 

7. Use a Web Application Firewall (WAF)

The Problem: You are constantly bombarded with attacks from malicious software, unauthorized access, unwanted content and threats to your privacy.

What You Can Do:

• Partner with a provider like Cloudflare to implement a robust WAF.
• Use Cloudflare’s services for enhanced network protection and content delivery.

 

8. Educate Your Team

The Problem: Human error accounts for a huge percentage of cybersecurity breaches. 

What You Can Do:

• Train employees on topics like role management, secure login processes and best practices for WordPress security.
• Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability scans
• Develop a response and recovery plan to handle potential threats