Cybersecurity has now become a cornerstone of business operations. As more and more businesses are relying more heavily on technology, the threat landscape continues to evolve. This evolution poses a significant risk to sensitive information and operational continuity.
Cyberattacks can lead to substantial financial losses, reputation damage, and legal repercussions. Because of this, prioritizing cybersecurity is NOT just a technical necessity. It’s now an imperative strategic business move, regardless of the size of the organization.
“Oops, that was a mistake”
Unfortunately, many businesses often make several common cybersecurity mistakes that can leave them vulnerable to attacks. Here are 10 cybersecurity mistakes that businesses often make:
- Assuming they are invincible: Many small to medium sized businesses believe the lie that they are “too small” or “too insignificant” to attract activity from cybercriminals. However, this incorrect mindset makes them a truly easy target.
- Out-of-date Software: Continuing to use software and systems without updates or security patches leaves your business vulnerable to attackers. They will exploit any weaknesses they can access.
- Using Whimpy Passwords: Relying on easy-to-remember passwords containing your dog’s name or birthday can lead to unauthorized access to your accounts and business systems. Passwords like “BarkTwain1234” or “Toto2024” shouldn’t be used, period.
- Lack of Employee Training: By not training your staff on recognizing phishing attempts, how to safely access the Internet and other cyber threats can compromise your digital security.
- Zero Back-ups: Failing to regularly back-up your business data can result in significant data loss if a cyberattack (or hardware failure) were to happen.
- Ignoring 2FA: Not having a two-level login (Two-Level Authentication or Multi-Factor Authentication) can make it easier for attackers to gain access to your systems with just a simple password.
- Not Having An Business Continuity Plan: Without a clear plan for responding and restoring a security incident, businesses struggle to contain and recover when an attack happens.
- Inadequate Network Security: Building a network without using firewalls, intrusion detection systems and encryption exposes it to be exploited by attackers — that’s just plain foolish.
- Having An Overconfidence in Security Measures: If you believe that your “small, but in place” security measures are sufficient without regularly reviewing or updating them is yet another “foolish” notch on the business belt.
- Zero Monitoring: If you (or your IT Services Provider) aren’t monitoring your network traffic and conducting security audits, how can you confidently believe that you are safe from potential threats.
Make Cybersecurity Important
Prioritizing cybersecurity is crucial for several reasons:
- It Protects Sensitive Data including financial, personal and intellectual property
- Gives You Security, both Financially and Legally
- Adds To A Solid Business Reputation
- Business Continuity in the face of cyber threats
- Ever-evolving Threat Landscape
Here are a few things that your business can — and SHOULD — do to keep cybersecurity a top priority. With the help of a managed services provider, like Atlantic Technology Services, your business can stay protected in the ever-evolving threat landscape.
- Develop a robust Cybersecurity Strategy with the help of an MSP like Atlantic Technology Services. We can develop a strong, easy-to-understand and implement cybersecurity strategy including policies, procedures and technologies to protect your data. This can include items such as password creation structure and multi-factor authentication requirements.
- Conduct frequent Security Awareness trainings and educate employees about cybersecurity risks and best practices such as recognizing phishing attempts and safe searching.
- Control access to sensitive information by only giving authorized personnel access to the information they need — and nothing else.
- Back-Up Data and Update/Patch Regularly — It’s important to keep your software and systems up-to-date with the latest patches to keep your protected against vulnerabilities. And keep a regular schedule of backing up your critical data — make sure it is working, is stored securely and is tested for integrity.
By following these best practices, businesses can significantly enhance their cybersecurity posture and protect their assets from cyber threats. How does your organization currently handle cybersecurity?
Schedule a consultation with Atlantic Technology Services, a Managed Services Provider (MSP), to see what your next steps could look like. To book a consultation, call us at 410-860-9899 or click here to schedule a meeting.
Fortifi Cyber Security, a sibling company to Atlantic Technology Services, can help your organization protect itself against cyber threats with world-class, highly-affordable security services. Call Fortifi today at 888-500-9111 or sign up for a free vulnerability test.