How secure is your business against cyberattacks? Alarmingly, around 50% of small businesses have no cybersecurity defenses in place to protect the company and its data, meaning they can be hacked and exploited in mere seconds if they fall under cybercriminals’ radar.
However, the reasoning behind a lack of cybersecurity is more nuanced than simply not understanding what they need. They might not be aware of the scope of threats against them, the legalities required to protect data, or they might not have the funds for effective cybersecurity measures. It’s not always a lack of action or desire to implement security options; more factors are likely at play.
But with the risks from cyber attacks so extreme that even large companies fall victim to attacks and find themselves on the wrong side of the fight, is it really worth overlooking cybersecurity as part and parcel of daily operations? The answer is no unless you have unlimited funds to pay the fine and the ability to claw back your once-good reputation following a breach.
So, when it comes to cybersecurity, what mistakes should you be looking to avoid to help you stay as secure as possible?
Using The Same Password Everywhere
It’s a common trap to fall into, and you’re not alone. Many still use the same password for multiple accounts. However each program or account within your organization needs a unique password. Regardless of whether or not you can remember them, you need to ensure you are using unique passwords and use tools like secure password managers to help you access each password as required.
Remember, you need to use a unique 16-character or longer password that features numbers, symbols, and both uppercase and lowercase letters. When used correctly, these complex passwords can significantly enhance your cybersecurity. They only need to be changed annually or if a new compromise has occurred (as suggested by NIST).
Neglecting Software Updates
Sure, there are multiple reasons why you shouldn’t be neglecting software updates, but the task of backing everything up and running the update, not to mention knowing if things will run the same post-update, is considerable with new updates. But updates happen for a reason, and despite your reservations, are generally essential to help protect your business and what you do. Updates address things from mistakes in the software, vulnerabilities identified that could be exploited, enhancements to features, or the addition of new features.
And when the developer releases updates, the idea is that it’s best to update sooner rather than later. If you are unsure of updating or need extra reassurance, patch management solutions can help identify issues with new updates, run them automatically when set to do so per entered parameters, and flag any software that hasn’t been updated where updates are available.
Not Having Password Recovery Plans
Why are password recovery plans so important? Anyone can easily target a password, and it’s a pretty common problem for individuals as well as companies. However, not having a recovery plan means you cannot regain access to your passwords or accounts, and this can be a great way for criminals to gain entry to your systems by changing passwords without you knowing. The consequences of not having a recovery plan can be severe, potentially leading to data breaches and financial loss.
Setting a recovery plan means having a number or an email to which recovery steps can be sent. It is essentially a spare key to your house and allows you access if you lose your original. It’s like MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication) authentication, where you have additional steps to log in, such as a code sent to your phone, but in the event you don’t know the password, you can set a recovery account to allow you access and update the password if required.
Clicking Links
Sadly, even in this day and age, people need to be reminded not to click links in emails. You can engage software on business devices that blocks or filters certain types of links and websites from being opened or accessed, providing more security options, but reinforcing the seriousness of clicking links without verifying them is vital to help you ward off common phishing scams. While these scams have been around for many years, they are becoming increasingly more sophisticated, and it’s easier than ever to be tricked, despite how savvy someone might be.
Sadly, cybercriminals are targeting more and more small businesses, meaning the importance of robust cybersecurity measures is vital. These mistakes are pretty common ones made by businesses and should be avoided at all costs to protect them.
