Small Business Cyber Security: 10 Common Cyber Mistakes

Running a small business is tough, and it's easy to push cybersecurity down the to-do list. 

But here's the thing: a little investment now can save you a ton of headaches (and money!) later. Think of it like insurance for your business. Cyberattacks can be super costly, from fixing hacked systems to dealing with lost customer trust.

We're going to look at ten common cybersecurity mistakes that small businesses make, and how to avoid them. 

1. Lack of Employee Training

Not training your staff will cost you further down the line. Your employees are the first line of defence against cyber threats, but if they don't know what to look out for, they could accidentally open the door to trouble.

Regular training sessions are vital. Teach your staff about phishing emails, strong passwords, and safe browsing habits. Make sure they know who to contact if they spot something suspicious.

2. Weak Passwords

It might seem obvious, but many small businesses still use passwords that are easy to guess. Using "password123" or your company name is just asking for trouble.

Strong passwords should be long and complex, using a mix of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and symbols. Consider using a password manager to help your staff generate and store strong passwords.

3. Ignoring Software Updates

Software updates often include security patches that fix known vulnerabilities. Ignoring them leaves your systems open to attack. It's like leaving a window open when you go out; it's an invitation for trouble.

Make sure your operating systems, applications, and antivirus software are set to update automatically. And don't forget your mobile devices; they need updating too.

4. Lack of Data Backups

Data backups are essential for any business. If you suffer a cyber attack or a hardware failure, backups allow you to restore your data and get back up and running quickly.

Regularly back up your data to an external hard drive or cloud storage. Test your backups regularly to make sure they work. And keep at least one backup offsite, just in case.

5. Poor Firewall Configuration

A firewall is like a security guard for your network. It controls what traffic is allowed in and out. If it's not configured correctly, it won't do its job properly.

Make sure your firewall is properly configured to block unauthorised access. And consider using a hardware firewall, rather than just relying on software firewalls.

6. Ignoring Mobile Security

Mobile devices are just as vulnerable to cyber threats as computers. Many businesses allow employees to use their personal devices for work, but they don't always consider the security implications.

Make sure your employees use strong passwords on their mobile devices. Install antivirus software on mobile devices. Consider using mobile device management, or MDM, software to manage and secure mobile devices.

7. Lack of Incident Response Plan

An incident response plan outlines the steps you'll take in the event of a cyber attack. It's like a fire drill; it prepares you for the worst.

Develop a plan that covers things like who to contact, how to contain the damage, and how to recover your data. Test your plan regularly to make sure everyone knows what to do.

8. Overlooking Physical Security

Cybersecurity isn't just about protecting your digital assets; it's also about protecting your physical assets. Think about things like locking your doors, securing your servers, and controlling access to your premises.

Consider installing security cameras and access control systems. And make sure your employees know how to report suspicious activity.

9. Not Conducting Regular Security Audits

Regular security audits help you identify vulnerabilities in your systems and processes. They're like a health check for your business.

Conduct regular security audits and penetration tests. Use the results to improve your security posture.

10. Thinking "It Won't Happen to Me"

Finally, a common mistake is thinking that your business is too small to be a target. Cybercriminals don't discriminate; they'll target any business that they think they can exploit.

Don't wait until it's too late. Take proactive steps to protect your business from cyber threats.

Steps to Improve Your Cybersecurity

Now that we've looked at some common mistakes, let's look at some steps you can take to improve your cybersecurity.

Conduct a Risk Assessment

Start by conducting a risk assessment. This will help you identify the threats that your business faces and the vulnerabilities in your systems.

Develop a Security Policy

Develop a security policy that outlines your organisation's approach to cybersecurity. This should cover things like password policy, data handling, and incident response.

Implement Security Controls

Implement security controls to address the risks that you've identified. This might include things like firewalls, antivirus software, and access controls.

Train Your Employees

Provide regular training to your employees on cybersecurity best practices. This should include things like how to spot phishing emails and how to create strong passwords.

Monitor and Review

Regularly monitor your systems for signs of suspicious activity. Review your security policies and procedures to make sure they remain effective.

Stay Up to Date

Keep up to date with the latest cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities. This might involve reading cybersecurity blogs and articles and following cybersecurity experts on social media.

Seek Expert Help

Don't be afraid to seek expert help. Cybersecurity can be complex, and there are plenty of professionals who can help you improve your security posture.

Remember, protecting your business from cyber threats is an ongoing process. It requires constant vigilance and a proactive approach. And remember, if you need a hand, organisations like Digital Oversight are there to guide you.