The 5 Biggest Cybersecurity Mistakes Small Businesses Make
I get it. Right now your to-do list is probably full to the brim with the many tasks it takes to run a business effectively. The juggle of keeping up with content, communicating with clients and creating new products is a lot, so it’s easy to let cybersecurity slip down the list of priorities. Annoyingly, it’s one of those you have to give a bit of time to, like ensuring your GDPR compliance is in shape and your taxes are filed. Cybersecurity might sound just as dry, but the sad fact is 41% of small businesses fell victim to a cyber attack in 2023, and a staggering 60% of those that do reportedly go out of business within six months.
Let’s not be on the wrong side of the stats. Here are the most common mistakes so you can ensure you don’t make them.
Neglecting to Update Software Regularly: Failing to install regular software updates leaves systems vulnerable to cyberattacks. Updates often include patches for security flaws that could otherwise be exploited by cybercriminals.
Using Weak or Duplicate Passwords: Using the same password across multiple accounts or choosing easy-to-guess passwords increases the risk of a successful cyberattack. Strong, unique passwords are essential for robust cybersecurity. Here’s a quick guide on how to create and manage them effectively.
Falling for Phishing Scams: The ever prevalent phishing scams trick you into revealing sensitive information, such as passwords or credit card numbers. Being unaware of how these scams operate (and just how crazy convincing they can be) can lead to devastating data breaches.
Failing to Back Up Data: Regular backups are crucial for quick recovery in the event of a cyberattack. Failure to back up data could result in permanent loss of our client lists, intellectual property and more.
Lack of Employee Training: Cybersecurity failures are more often the result of human error. Employees can be a weak link if they're not properly educated about potential threats and best practices. Neglecting to provide comprehensive cybersecurity training can leave your business vulnerable to attacks.
Strive to take one small step today to get on the right path. Whether it’s putting a meeting in the diary to discuss security with the team, introducing a password manager to tighten the locks or prioritising a software update.
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