The Top Cybersecurity Mistakes a Small Business Makes and How to Avoid Them
Small businesses often underestimate the importance cybersecurity solutions can have on their business. However, cybersecurity is extremely important for SMBs so that they can protect their data and guard against cyberattacks. Unfortunately, making mistakes when it comes to cybersecurity could expose small businesses to a range of problems.
In this article, we will discuss the top SMB cybersecurity mistakes—from weak passwords to inadequate security protocols—as well as provide tips on how you can prevent them from happening in your organization.
Cybersecurity Is Not to Be Taken Lightly in this Digital Age
As the world becomes increasingly digitized and interconnected, cyber threats also become more prevalent. According to Security Magazine, a cyber attack occurs every 39 seconds. Due to the alarming frequency of cyber attacks, cybersecurity can no longer be taken lightly by businesses of any size, especially small businesses.
Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are particularly vulnerable to cyber threats due to a lack of cybersecurity expertise, outdated systems, and a lack of resources for cybersecurity solutions. Without the proper security solutions in place, a business’s private information and data could become compromised, leading to costly financial damages, legal consequences, and reputational damage.
Cybersecurity Mistakes Small Businesses Make
For small businesses, cybersecurity can become increasingly complex; taking the wrong actions could spell disaster for your organization. But by understanding the cybersecurity mistakes often made by SMBs, you can better protect your business and its data.
1. Not Having Adequate Cybersecurity Solutions in Place
The biggest mistake small businesses make is failing to have any sort of cybersecurity. In fact, around 51% of SMBs don’t have cybersecurity solutions in place. No security plan makes SMBs the perfect target for cybercriminals to steal their data and exploit their systems.
By investing in security solutions businesses can better prevent data breaches and other malicious activities. These solutions include, but are not limited to the following:
- Antivirus software
- Firewalls
- Secure passwords
- Multi-factor authentication
And, if a breach does occur, cybersecurity solutions can help detect and mitigate the attack quickly so that SMBs face minimal damage to their operations.
2. Not Training Employees in Cybersecurity Protocols
Another cybersecurity mistake is failing to train employees in cybersecurity protocols. Cybercriminals are becoming better and more elusive at bypassing cybersecurity solutions, so your business and its employees must understand how to recognize and protect against cyber threats.
However, without proper training, most employees lack the knowledge necessary to protect themselves and your business from cyber threats. This includes information about phishing scams, malware infections, and other cybersecurity risks that can cost the company money and time. Employees should also be familiar with SMB cybersecurity policies and understand how to recognize warning signs of cybersecurity threats and attacks.
Provide cybersecurity training sessions to your employees on an ongoing basis to help ensure everyone is up-to-date on the latest SMB cybersecurity protocols, software updates, and potential risks to avoid.
3. Not Regularly Backing Up Data
One of the most devastating cybersecurity threats a small business can face is data loss due to a ransomware attack or other forms of cybercrime. A data loss could lead to serious downtime and a significant financial loss.
To avoid data loss, SMBs should regularly back up their systems and data. This ensures that, if the worst happens, your business can continue working with minimal disruption. Additionally, consider investing in high-quality cybersecurity such as cloud-based backup systems that can ensure your data is secure even if a data breach occurs.
How You Can Avoid These Mistakes
You can avoid cybersecurity mistakes and protect your business from cyber threats by taking initiative to get your SMB cybersecurity started. If you’re not sure where to start, consider following these steps:
1. Conduct a Risk Assessment
Conduct an SMB cybersecurity risk assessment to identify any vulnerabilities in your business.
2. Invest in Cybersecurity Solutions
Invest in security solutions that meet industry standards, such as malware protection and firewalls.
3. Keep Software Updated
Keep all software updated to stay ahead of the latest cybersecurity threats.
4. Educate Employees on Cybersecurity
Educate employees on cybersecurity protocols and train them in identifying potential cyber threats.
5. Implement Multi-Factor Authentication
Implement multi-factor authentication to secure accounts and prevent unauthorized access.
6. Regularly Back Up Data
Regularly back up data using cloud-based backup systems to ensure minimal downtime in case a cybersecurity breach occurs
7. Develop a Cybersecurity Policy
Develop SMB cybersecurity policies for your business and train employees on how to recognize cyber threats.
8. Hire Cybersecurity Professionals
Hire cybersecurity professionals to audit your system and provide guidance on cybersecurity solutions.
IT Solutions from TrinWare to Boost Your SMB Cybersecurity
Don’t delay in protecting your SMB from cybersecurity threats and attacks. At TrinWare, we offer IT solutions specifically tailored to small businesses that can help protect your data and keep you safe from cybercriminals.
Our IT solutions include affordable managed IT services, business continuity, cybersecurity solutions, and more to help you protect your company in this digital age. Schedule a free consultation with one of our experts to learn how we can help keep your cybersecurity up-to-date.