Let’s discuss a topic that can make you feel uneasy: the skeletons in the closet of cybersecurity. You might not have old bones stashed away in the cellar. However, there’s a good probability that cybersecurity flaws are hiding in plain sight. Waiting to cause mayhem.
What you can’t see can’t be fixed. It’s time to bring these unseen risks to light. Therefore, you can take action to defend your company from any cyber threats.
Let’s start looking for threats that could endanger your company. Here are a few of the SMBs’ most prevalent cybersecurity problems.
Outdated Software: The Cobweb-Covered Nightmare
We recognize that updating software might be inconvenient. However, using out-of-date software is equivalent to inviting hackers to your online Halloween celebration.
Vendors of software frequently incorporate important security patches in updates. These updates close holes that hackers could use. Therefore, avoid letting out-of-date software ruin your company. To preserve the security of your digital fortress, keep everything up to date.
Weak Passwords: The Skeleton Key for Cybercriminals
You might as well be giving cybercriminals your office keys if your passwords are weak. It’s strongly advised against using the login credentials “123456” or “password”.
Instead, for all accounts and devices, generate secure, one-of-a-kind passwords. A combination of capital and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters might be appropriate. When it comes to creating and securely storing complex passwords, password managers can be a lifesaver.
You cannot expect your employees to do this naturally as a business owner. Give them the specifications for creating passwords. Software can be configured to require the development of strong passwords.
Unsecured Wi-Fi: The Ghostly Gateway
Imagine a cyber thief relaxing in a parked automobile. He is watching the unprotected Wi-Fi network at your company. Scary, huh? Unprotected Wi-Fi might act as a phantom doorway for hackers to snoop on confidential information.
Be sure to password-protect your Wi-Fi. As an extra security measure, make sure your router uses WPA2 or WPA3 encryption. Think about using a virtual private network (VPN) for important business functions. Your data can be protected from prying eyes.
Lack of Employee Training: The Haunting Ignorance
Your company’s employees could either be its best or worst line of defense. In about 88% of cases, human error is to blame for data breaches.
Your personnel may unwittingly fall prey to phishing scams if they haven’t received the required cybersecurity training. could accidentally reveal private information. Inform your workforce about cybersecurity best practices on a regular basis.
Such as:
- Recognizing phishing emails
- Avoiding suspicious websites
- Using secure file-sharing methods
No Data Backups: The Cryptic Catastrophe
Imagine waking up to discover that the data for your company has disappeared into the digital abyss. Without backups, this fear can actually come true. Hardware malfunctions or ransomware attacks both potentially result in data loss. Along with numerous other unforeseeable catastrophes.
Get used to the 3-2-1 rule. Have two separate types of media with at least three copies of your data. with one copy safely offsite stored. Test your backups frequently to make sure they are dependable and functional.
No Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): The Ghoulish Gamble
You are asking for trouble if you merely use a password to safeguard your accounts. It is comparable to having a screen door as the only entrance to your business.
MFA adds an additional degree of security. Users are required to submit additional authentication factors. such as a passkey or one-time code. This makes it far more difficult for online criminals to access your accounts.
Disregarding Mobile Security: The Haunted Phones
Mobile devices are becoming the workhorses of the office. But security threats also have a chance to haunt them. Ensure that passcodes or biometric locks are enabled on any equipment provided by the company. Solution for mobile device management (MDM) should be implemented. You can use these to implement security policies. In addition, data can be remotely erased, and devices can be updated.
Shadow IT: The Spooky Surprise
The term “shadow IT” describes the utilization of unapproved software within your company. When staff members use practical resources they find online, it could appear innocent. These untested applications, however, can provide significant security threats.
Establish a clear policy for your company’s use of software and services. Audit your systems on a regular basis to find any shadow IT that may be hiding.
Incident Response Plan: The Horror Unleashed
Security problems can still occur despite all precautions being taken. Without a plan for handling incidents, an assault could leave your company in a bind.
Create a thorough incident response plan. It should list the main points. For instance, how your team will identify, address, and resolve security incidents. To make sure the plan is effective, test and update it frequently.
Need Some “Threat Busters” to Improve Your Cybersecurity?
Keep your company’s cybersecurity skeletons out of the closet. We can assist you in identifying and repairing any weaknesses. As well, as develop a strong security posture to safeguard your company.
Give us a call today to schedule a cybersecurity assessment.