In today’s digital age, small businesses are increasingly reliant on technology to operate effectively. However, with this comes the risk of cyber threats that can compromise data, disrupt business operations, and tarnish a company’s reputation. While large corporations often have dedicated IT security teams, small businesses may lack the necessary resources to prioritise cybersecurity measures. As a result, they often make common IT security mistakes that make them vulnerable to cyber-attacks.
In this blog post we will explore these common IT security mistakes and provide valuable insights on how small businesses can enhance their IT security practices.
What makes small businesses vulnerable to cyber-attacks?
Small businesses are easy targets for cyber criminals and online hackers due to the lack of cyber security measures they have in place. This means that the risk of data breaches, reputation damage, and financial loss are all increased significantly. This problem is so severe that 60% of SME’s that experience a cyber-attack go out of business within six months.
Because of this, it is more important than ever that small businesses are knowledgeable about cyber security best practices and are proactive when implementing these security measures.
5 IT security mistakes made by SME’s
1. Weak Passwords and Lack of Multi-factor Authentication
One predominant reason small businesses encounter cyber-attacks, which is also easily avoidable, is the use of weak passwords. Many small businesses overlook the importance of having strong, unique passwords and instead opt for easily guessable combinations. As a result, hackers require minimal effort to gain unauthorised access to your business information.
Often, small businesses also fail to implement multifactor authentication (MFA), which provides an extra layer of security by requiring users to verify their identity. This is done using multiple factors such as a password and a unique code sent to their mobile device. By neglecting these basic security measures, businesses leave themselves susceptible to password attacks and unauthorised access to their systems and data.
To avoid this, SMEs should enforce strong password policies that include a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. You could also consider using password managers such as LastPass, as these are also useful tools for securely managing credentials amongst employees. Additionally, implementing MFA wherever possible significantly reduces the risk of unauthorised access.
Our IT security partners at ESET have created a double encryption feature within their software which helps to prevent unauthorised access to data in the event of unapproved access on to a device. This double encryption will provide your small business with a second line of security, and ensures your data is always protected.
2. Lack of Regular Software Updates
Frequently, small businesses overlook the importance of keeping their software, applications, and operating systems up to date. They may postpone updates due to concerns about compatibility issues or downtime.
However, these updates often contain critical security patches that address vulnerabilities discovered by software developers and security researchers. Ignoring these updates provide cyber hackers with an open invitation to exploit your software vulnerabilities and gain illicit access to your systems and sensitive information.
To prevent this from happening, it is crucial for small businesses to establish a patch management process that ensures all software and systems are regularly updated.
3. Employee Training and Awareness
Human error remains one of the leading causes of security breaches. So much so, that 42% of workers in 2022 reported clicking on an unknown link whilst online.
This is because small businesses can often neglect to provide proper training and awareness programs to their employees, to focus on more high priority activities in the business.
Although this is understandable, leaving employees unaware of potential threats and security best practices can put them at risk. Employees may fall victim to phishing attacks, unknowingly download malware, or mishandle sensitive data, which can lead to significant security breaches.
It is vital that small businesses invest in regular cybersecurity training and awareness programs for their employees. These initiatives should cover topics such as identifying phishing emails, how to safely browse the internet, password hygiene, and data handling protocols. By fostering a culture of security awareness, businesses can significantly reduce the risk of cyber-attacks.
4. Inconsistent Data Backup and Recovery Solutions
Data loss can occur due to reasons such as, hardware failure, malware infections, or natural disasters, and small businesses can often underestimate the importance of regular data backups and effective data recovery solutions.
Without proper backup solutions in place, businesses can suffer severe consequences, such as loss of sensitive information, extended downtime, and legal and financial liabilities. All of this can further have a knock-on effect when it comes to the reputation of the business and customer perception.
A simple way to avoid this is by ensuring your small business implements a comprehensive data backup solution that includes both onsite and offsite backups. Further, regularly testing your back up solution’s restoration process is essential to ensure all of your data is being recovered, which will help to limit your downtime in the event of a disaster.
5. Neglecting Security Software and Firewall Protection
Finally, many small businesses often lack comprehensive security software and firewall protection, and rely on free or outdated antivirus programs to save costs. However, the cost of having poor cyber security protection can be much greater. Using outdated software can leave your systems vulnerable to potential cyber threats, and allow unauthorised access to your business network.
It is essential that your small business invests in robust IT security software that can provide real-time threat detection and malware protection. To create an even greater security barrier, your business should also look to implement a firewall solution that is able to create a barrier between the internal network and any external threats, which can significantly enhance your overall security.
Our partners at ESET can provide your business with a comprehensive anti-virus software that will provide maximum protection. With ESET’s anti-virus software your data will be protected against any malware, viruses, and unwanted applications.
Get in touch
IT security is a critical aspect of any small business’s operations, and neglecting it can have dire consequences. By recognising and resolving these common IT security mistakes, small businesses can significantly improve their cyber security.
By implementing solutions to resolve these vulnerabilities, your small business can take valuable steps toward protecting your sensitive data.
If you would like to talk to a member of our team about ESET anti-virus software, you can contact us at [email protected] or ring us on 01937 541411.