Common Cybersecurity Mistakes Made by Small Businesses

With the growing use of technology, the chances of getting harmed from cybersecurity threats have also increased. There are common IT security mistakes that are mostly seen in small-size and midsize businesses.

In this article, we will discuss the top cybersecurity issues that a majority of small businesses face and ways to fix them.

Reuse of old passwords

It is a bad practice to reuse the old passwords in different accounts. Such passwords are easy to get cracked. Hackers can easily steal login credentials from the website, and try the same credentials on other websites. If you use the same passwords on various websites, then there are greater chances of data breached and hacked accounts.

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Using simple passwords

A majority of people use passwords that are easy to learn and memorize. However, using the same password makes it easier for hackers to guess. Such passwords can easily be cracked via password cracker tools. It is beneficial to use password manager software. They have built-in password generators that ensure heightened security and saves time.

Three worried employees reading bad news on line in a laptop at office

Absence of control over shadow IT

Shadow IT are personal devices that employees bring to the workplace and connect to the IT network of the company. It is the responsibility of the company to inspect any device that enters into the company’s environment.

Lack of automated patching

The application of security updates and patches has become an essential security practice. Software updates help users to fix a security vulnerability that they have found in the software.

A majority of businesses do not install security updates when prompted by the operating system.  This prevents a system from protecting against the latest security threats. It is beneficial to set up the network to update workstations automatically by being far from the machines.

Inadequate layers of cybersecurity

An organization that has multiple defence layers is difficult to breach. A robust cybersecurity plan works on the basis of the same key principles. It should be based on multi-factor authentication, antivirus and wireless security protocols.

One-dimensional cybersecurity strategy is easier to bypass. An IT manager in the organization should seek the assistance of a local IT support firm that can help map out a cybersecurity strategy that is tailored to meet the varying requirements of the business.

Absence of Active Security Management

Another common cybersecurity mistake that is usually seen in businesses is the lack of active online security management. A business should have a dedicated team of security personnel to safeguard their networks from emerging threats.

Conclusion

If your company thinks that it is safe as it is not a large corporation, then it could get wrong. Regardless of the size, any company is susceptible to cyber risks and should perform due diligence. Updating your security systems to the latest version and following the above tips will help protect strongly against cyber risks.