As a Managed Service Provider, we’re very much aware that cyber threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated and pose a significant risk to sensitive data and critical infrastructure. Despite this, many businesses still fail to take the necessary steps to protect themselves. You’d be surprised to know how many businesses we see still operating with outdated software versions and no antivirus software installed on their computers.
If you are a business owner or manager, it's essential to understand the risks that your business faces and take steps to protect yourself and your employees. In this article, we will discuss three of the biggest cybersecurity mistakes that businesses often make and provide actionable steps to avoid them.
Believing you’re too small to be a target
Large corporations are not the only ones at risk anymore. Smaller businesses can be a very attractive target for hackers as they have limited resources and budgets to invest in cybersecurity measures. This lack of investment means that they may not have the latest and most robust security tools and systems to protect their data. According to Verizon’s 2021 Data Breach Investigations report, 46 percent of all data breaches occur at companies with less than 1,000 employees!
In the unfortunate event of a data breach, small companies are especially vulnerable to the negative consequences. If you have a small business, you may not have the financial resources to pay large fines or deal with the damage to your reputation with customers.
The good news is that if a smaller company partners up with a Managed Service Provider like BCA, they can obtain enterprise-grade cybersecurity tools that are scalable to their business at an affordable price. For example, BCA can identify the vulnerabilities of their cybersecurity, create a strategy to address them, and then continuously maintain, patch, and mitigate those gaps. With the right cybersecurity tools and resources, a small business can be just as protected as a larger corporation.
Failing to Train Employees on Cybersecurity
Failing to provide adequate cybersecurity training to employees is a critical mistake that you cannot afford to make. The truth is that cybersecurity is not just the responsibility of IT professionals. It is a collective effort that requires everyone's involvement. Your business needs to have a company-wide strategy for addressing cybersecurity risks.
Unfortunately, it only takes one person to undermine these efforts. For example, an employee may attend a conference in another state and decide to work outside the protected channels, thus opening the company systems to cyber threats. Without a company-wide commitment to cybersecurity, employees can create security holes that can be exploited by cybercriminals - all because they just don’t know any better. Therefore, it's important to have a culture of cybersecurity where every employee understands the importance of following security protocols and is committed to protecting sensitive information.
Additionally, comprehensive training programs will help your business stay compliant with industry regulations, avoiding penalties for non-compliance and protecting which will earn you the reputation of being a responsible and trustworthy business.
No Effective Testing Process for Detecting Breaches and Incidents
Implementing a testing process to detect breaches and incidents is vital for any business that wants to safeguard itself against cyber threats. The potential risks associated with not having a monitoring mechanism in place can lead to disastrous consequences. Attackers may enter your network undetected, explore and find vulnerable points, and then execute their plan. Once attackers gain access, they certainly don’t plan on doing you any favors. They will steal your sensitive data, damaging your reputation and impacting your bottom line.
The earlier you identify a breach or incident, the better you can minimize the damage, and recover from it quickly. By creating a list of events to monitor, you can stay alert and proactively prevent or mitigate potential threats. Regular vulnerability scans and penetration testing can also help identify weaknesses in your security measures and highlight areas that need improvement.
Ultimately, cybersecurity is an ongoing process that requires constant attention, monitoring, and improvement. Therefore, being proactive about detection is crucial to maintaining your business's security and protecting your valuable assets.
Avoid Cyber Security Mistakes with Managed IT Services
Addressing these mistakes will ensure that your business is better prepared to face security threats and prevent potential financial losses. BCA can help your business avoid these cybersecurity mistakes and set you up for success. Contact us today!
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