Big or small, nearly every business can fall prey to cybersecurity mistakes.
A local retail chain hears about a phishing scam, but the executive team forgoes future preventative measures, telling themselves, “That won’t happen to us.” Or a regional accounting firm is swayed by an ad campaign to invest in flashy software that will do little to protect its systems.
These kinds of well-intentioned missteps can lull companies into a false sense of security. Without adequate safeguards, they’re left vulnerable to attacks — and the subsequent financial losses, operational disruptions or reputational damage. And no company wants that.
To better protect their systems, businesses should avoid these common cybersecurity mistakes:
- Ignoring the problem (and the risks). Contrary to popular opinion, hackers don’t generally seek out individuals. They cast wide nets for an initial dupe and zero in, whether with phishing or direct attacks on network infrastructure. All organizations have sensitive information that can be stolen and sold for profit. Larger organizations are much better at protecting against these attacks, leaving hackers hammering at smaller ones.
- Believing firewalls and antivirus are the be-all and end-all of cybersecurity. Many attacks can zip right past these tools with ease. Firewalls and malware are like front doors. Cybercriminals can pick the locks, kick them down or bypass them for a window. While foundational, businesses can’t rely on this software in isolation. Instead, they should view it as part of their overall cybersecurity strategy.
- Buying cybersecurity tools and services without pre-planning. Before purchasing or procuring new solutions, companies should assess existing threats, vulnerabilities, operational needs and budgets. This will help identify potential gaps and what tools may be needed to address them. In most cases, businesses need to invest in cyber hygiene practices, not new products.
- Thinking that cybersecurity is only an IT function. The technological aspects of cyber hygiene are essential, but companies should remember that protecting their systems requires people, processes, and physical security. Cyber risk management should be viewed as a business function. To be successful, executive leadership needs to have buy-in and be involved in implementation and maintenance.
It’s a fact — online attacks and breaches happen, and no business or industry is immune. But they can reduce their susceptibility, strengthen their systems and minimize the potential impacts by avoiding these common cybersecurity mistakes.
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