In Part 2 of our “25 IT Struggles for 2025” series, we’re focusing on the increasingly complex landscape of cybersecurity and compliance. With threats evolving and data privacy regulations tightening, businesses need to stay agile to protect sensitive data and maintain regulatory compliance. From mitigating the risks of remote work to managing shadow IT, these security and compliance challenges highlight the need for proactive strategies and robust tools as we approach 2025.
Data privacy laws like HIPAA, CCPA and CMMC require businesses to maintain strict controls over customer data. Non-compliance can result in hefty fines and damaged trust. As we approach 2025, keeping up with evolving regulations will become even more challenging, especially for businesses without the right compliance monitoring tools.
Regular security audits and automated reporting systems will be essential to stay compliant in this increasingly regulated environment.
More broadly, managing the entirety of the IT compliance process is also proving to be a vast undertaking. IT and security teams with little to no bandwidth will continue to struggle managing compliance demands in 2025 and should look to leverage experienced vCISOs who can assist with compliance benchmarking, audits and assessments, and strategic advisory.
“Smart Comply makes it easy for us to gather the information we need for compliance, allowing us to focus on larger goals while feeling confident in both our cybersecurity posture and reporting capabilities.” – Hector Lopez, VP of IT, AAA Central Penn
As hybrid work becomes the norm, managing remote access, collaboration tools, and the security risks associated with distributed teams can be a challenge without the right strategy in place.
With increased reliance on tools like VPNs, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and real-time collaboration platforms, companies will need managed security support that can maintain seamless connectivity and security across a dispersed workforce.
Data breaches are becoming increasingly common, and the cost of recovering from them is rising. By 2025, companies will need to focus not only on external threats but also on internal risks like employee error or insider attacks. A comprehensive cybersecurity strategy, including encryption, endpoint protection, and threat monitoring, will be vital to avoiding costly data breaches.
“From round-the-clock monitoring to proactive guidance, Omega makes us feel more secure knowing their watchful eyes are protecting our environment.” – Kara Lennon, Cat Rock Capital
Many security breaches occur due to human error, highlighting the importance of ongoing security training for employees. Regular phishing simulations, password management training, and cybersecurity awareness programs are essential in 2025 to keep employees vigilant against existing and emerging threats.
Managing multiple IT service providers can be a headache, especially when something goes wrong and the finger-pointing begins. Coordinating across several vendors for software, hardware, and cloud services often leads to delays in resolution and lack of accountability. In 2025, businesses will look to consolidate IT management with MSPs that can handle everything in one place.
Outdated software is a significant security vulnerability. In 2025, businesses must ensure that all systems and applications are updated regularly with the latest patches. Common operating systems like Windows 10 will reach end-of-life in 2025 and will shine a critical light on the importance of upgrading legacy systems and infrastructure.
Employees using unauthorized software or cloud services, known as shadow IT, creates significant security risks. In 2025, controlling shadow IT will be more important as employees have access to a wider range of tools. Businesses need to ensure their IT teams and MSPs have visibility into all the technology used across the organization and implement stricter security protocols to mitigate this risk.
New ransomware variants, phishing schemes, and zero-day exploits are targeting ALL businesses, no matter their size and industry. Protecting sensitive data requires a combination of proactive defense strategies and real-time monitoring, or companies risk facing financial losses, reputational damage, and legal penalties.
“We never want to be surprised by an unexpected cyber-attack or an auditor’s question, and that’s part of the reason we adopted Smart Guard. With MDR, we have 360-degree visibility of our security environment and a clear picture of everything that’s happening between the lines.” – Hector Lopez, VP of IT, AAA Central Penn
Cybersecurity and compliance are now top-line priorities for organizations of all sizes. In 2025, the stakes will be even higher, with the financial and reputational impact of breaches or regulatory penalties climbing each year. Managing this threat landscape demands expertise and dedicated resources, often requiring specialized support from trusted partners. If your organization is ready to tackle these challenges with greater resilience, Omega’s award-winning solutions are here to strengthen your security posture and streamline compliance.
Look out for Part 3, where we dive into the final piece of our series: the critical role of MSP support in building a future-proof IT environment.
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