10 Biggest Cybersecurity Mistakes Organizations Make... How about you?
Cybercriminals can launch very sophisticated attacks. But it’s often lax cybersecurity practices that enable most breaches. This is especially true for schools and small to mid-sized businesses (SMBs). But don't despair -- The TechSperts at STCNtech can help!
Small business owners often don’t prioritize cybersecurity measures. They may be just fully focused on growing the company. They think they have a lower data breach risk. Or they may think it’s an expense they can’t bear.
But cybersecurity is not only a concern for large corporations. It's a critical issue for small businesses as well. Small businesses are often seen as attractive targets for cybercriminals. This is due to many perceived vulnerabilities.
Fifty percent of SMBs have been victims of cyberattacks. More than 60% of them go out of business afterward. Cybersecurity doesn’t need to be expensive. Most data breaches are the result of human error. But that is actually good news. It means that improving cyber hygiene and education, you can reduce the risk of falling victim to an attack.
Are You Making Any of These Cybersecurity Mistakes?
To address any issue, you need first to identify the problem. Often, the teams at SMBs are making mistakes they don’t even realize. Below are some of the biggest reasons small businesses fall victim to cyberattacks. Read on to see if any of this sounds familiar around your organization.
1. Underestimating the Threat
One of the biggest cybersecurity mistakes of SMBs is underestimating the threat landscape. Many business owners assume that their company is too small to be a target. But this is a dangerous misconception.
Cybercriminals often see small businesses as easy targets. They believe the company lacks the resources or expertise to defend against attacks. It's essential to understand that no business is too small for cybercriminals to target. Being proactive in cybersecurity is crucial. STCNtech can help illuminate spots where cybercriminals might be able to get in!
2. Neglecting Employee Training When was the last time you trained your employees on cybersecurity? Small businesses often neglect cybersecurity training for their employees. Owners assume that they will naturally be cautious online.
But the human factor is a significant source of security vulnerabilities. Employees may inadvertently click on malicious links or download infected files. Staff cybersecurity training helps them:
Recognize phishing attempts
Understand the importance of strong passwords
Be aware of social engineering tactics used by cybercriminals
STCNtech provides training to several organizations that helps increase security at the heart of the issue.
3. Using Weak Passwords Weak passwords are a common security vulnerability in small companies. Many employees use easily guessable passwords. They also reuse the same password for several accounts. This can leave your company's sensitive information exposed to hackers.
People reuse passwords 64% of the time.
Encourage the use of strong, unique passwords through thoughtful infrastructure security policies. Consider implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible. This adds an extra layer of security. STCNtech can help define and implement solid password -- or passphrase -- policies, including a conversation about MFA to help your insurance bottom line.
4. Ignoring Software Updates
Failing to keep software and operating systems up to date is another mistake. Cybercriminals often exploit known vulnerabilities in outdated software to gain access to systems. Small businesses should regularly update their software to patch known security flaws. This includes operating systems, web browsers, and antivirus programs. Through our comprehensive Security-as-a-Service offering, STCNtech can ensure timely updates to all your platforms.
5. Lacking a Data Backup Plan Small companies may not have formal data backup and recovery plans. They might mistakenly assume that data loss won't happen to them. But data loss can occur due to various reasons. This includes cyberattacks, hardware failures, or human errors. Regularly back up your company's critical data. Test the backups to ensure they can be successfully restored in case of a data loss incident. Our time-tested Security-as-a-Service offering includes an evaluation and set of recommendations regarding how to backup and stage your data so you never lose your data and your organization is never shut down.
6. No Formal Security Policies Small businesses often operate without clear policies and procedures. With no clear and enforceable security policies, employees may not know critical information. Such as how to handle sensitive data. Or how to use company devices securely or respond to security incidents. Small businesses should establish formal security policies and procedures. As well as communicate them to all employees. These policies should cover things such as:
Password management
Data handling
Incident reporting ·
Remote work security
And other security topics
STCNtech's Security-as-a-Service offering includes an evaluation of policies that can result in actionable intelligence on how and where to improve security policies to protect data, and still keep your people working.
7. Ignoring Mobile Security
As more employees use mobile devices for work, mobile security is increasingly important. Small companies often overlook this aspect of cybersecurity. Put in place mobile device management (MDM) solutions. These enforce security policies on company- and employee-owned devices used for work-related activities.
8. Failing to Regularly Watch Networks
SMBs may not have IT staff to watch their networks for suspicious activities. This can result in delayed detection of security breaches. Install network monitoring tools. Or consider outsourcing network monitoring services. This can help your business promptly identify and respond to potential threats. STCNtech's Network-as-a-Service compliments our Security-as-a-Service by combining elite-level monitoring and maintenance to your network, while locking down your systems simultaneously to keep the bad actors out and let your people in securly.
9. No Incident Response Plan
In the face of a cybersecurity incident, SMBs without an incident response plan may panic. They can also respond ineffectively. Develop a comprehensive incident response plan. One that outlines the steps to take when a security incident occurs. This should include communication plans, isolation procedures, and a clear chain of command.
10. Thinking They Don’t Need Managed IT Services
Cyber threats are continually evolving. New attack techniques emerge regularly. Small businesses often have a hard time keeping up. Yet, they believe they are “too small” to pay for managed IT services. Managed services come in all package sizes. This includes those designed for SMB budgets. A managed service provider (MSP) can keep your business safe from cyberattacks. It will also save you money by optimizing your IT through the expertise brought in by our TechSperts.
Learn more about the TechSperts at STCNtech's Security as a Service Don’t risk losing your business because of a cyberattack. Managed IT services can be more affordable for your small business than you think. Give us a call at 610-910-9347, click here to fill out our form, or email us at online@stcntech.com, and let's schedule some time to talk!
Do you think your organization needs a hand with security or operational technology? Contact the experts at STCNtech -- we can check out your ship from stem to stern and let you know where you are doing great and where you might have to reinforce the bulkheads!
Contact us at online@stcntech.com, click here to fill out our form, or 610-910-9347 today!
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