Have you ever wondered why cybersecurity is such a big deal for small businesses? It’s because they can be a prime target for cybercriminals who see them as easy prey. With limited resources and expertise, small businesses may make common cybersecurity mistakes that leave them exposed to potential attacks. In fact, according to the 2020 Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report, small businesses accounted for 28% of all data breaches. But don’t worry, by understanding these mistakes and taking some simple steps, you can significantly reduce your risk of a successful cyberattack. 

In this article, we’ll cover the cybersecurity essentials, and common mistakes that small businesses make, and provide tips to help you keep your business secure. So, let’s dive in!

Common Cybersecurity Mistakes

Small businesses are often vulnerable to cyber threats due to their limited resources and expertise. As a result, they may inadvertently make common cybersecurity mistakes that leave them exposed to potential attacks.

1. Failing to keep software and operating systems up to date: Cybercriminals are constantly discovering new vulnerabilities in software, and failing to update can leave businesses open to attack. Small businesses should make sure to regularly update their software and operating systems to patch any known vulnerabilities.
2. Using weak passwords or using the same password for multiple accounts: Weak passwords are easily guessed or hacked, while using the same password for multiple accounts means that if one account is compromised, all accounts are at risk. Small businesses should encourage employees to use strong, unique passwords for each account and implement multifactor authentication wherever possible.
3. Not training employees in cybersecurity best practices: Employees can be a weak link in the cybersecurity chain, and not providing adequate training leaves businesses vulnerable to human error or social engineering attacks. Small businesses should make sure that all employees receive regular training on how to identify and respond to cyber threats.
4. Not backing up data regularly: Data backups are essential for recovering from a cyber incident or other types of disasters such as fire, flood, or hardware failure. Without backups, businesses risk losing critical data and disrupting operations. Small businesses should establish a regular backup schedule and store backups securely offsite or in the cloud.
5. Failing to take cybersecurity threats seriously: Some small businesses may fail to take cybersecurity threats seriously, thinking that they are too small to be targeted or that cybersecurity is too expensive. However, cybercriminals do not discriminate based on the size of the target, and the costs of a successful cyberattack can far outweigh the cost of implementing cybersecurity measures. Small businesses should prioritise cybersecurity as a key component of their overall business strategy.
6. Not securing mobile devices and remote workers: With the rise of remote work, small businesses should ensure that mobile devices and remote workers are secured against cyber threats. This includes implementing mobile device management solutions, providing secure remote access, and requiring strong authentication for remote workers.
7. Not monitoring network activity: Small businesses should monitor their network activity to detect and respond to potential cyber threats. This includes implementing network monitoring tools, establishing incident response procedures, and regularly reviewing logs and alerts.

By taking steps to address these common cybersecurity mistakes, small businesses can significantly reduce their risk of a successful cyberattack.

By taking these steps, you can help protect your business from cyber threats and keep your sensitive information safe.