Your Business Has Hidden Cybersecurity Flaws
When it comes to business IT, your company can harbor some cybersecurity issues that you wouldn’t think to check on.
These vulnerabilities lurk in the shadows and are ready to cause havoc at any time.
But fear not; we’re here to shed light on these hidden dangers.
Let’s delve into some of the most common cybersecurity challenges faced by small and medium-sized businesses.
Outdated Software – A Neglected Vulnerability
Neglecting software updates is basically an open invitation to hackers. Outdated software is a serious issue, as it lacks essential security patches.
Keeping your software up-to-date ensures your digital fortress remains impervious to threats.
Weak Passwords – Welcome Mat for Cybercriminals
Using easily guessed passwords such as ‘123456’ or ‘password’ is the fastest way to get hacked – but other bad password hygiene also poses a significant security risk.
Employ strong, unique passwords for each of your online accounts.
A good rule of thumb is to make sure each password is at least 12 characters long and features at least one capital letter, a lowercase letter, a number, and a symbol.
To make this process of creating and memorizing complex passwords easier, consider using a password manager like Keeper.
Unsecured Wi-Fi – The Gateway for Intruders
Having an unsecured Wi-Fi network is basically like holding up a sign saying “Cybercriminals enter here!”
It becomes a vulnerable entry point for hackers looking to intercept sensitive data.
Protect your Wi-Fi with a strong password and encryption, or consider implementing a VPN for enhanced security… which we highly recommend.
As a side note – never access company accounts on a free Wi-Fi network. Cybercriminals wait around in places like coffee shops and airports to infiltrate your network with malicious software.
Lack of Employee Training – A Business’ Achilles Heel
Your employees can either be your strongest defense or your weakest link.
To prevent the latter, provide them with the knowledge and training to recognize and avoid common cybersecurity pitfalls, including phishing scams.
Most IT services will offer security training as a service, which will act as a huge asset against future threats.
No Data Backups – A Catastrophic Oversight
Imagine waking up to discover that your business’s data has vanished into thin air.
Data loss can happen like that and is the result of hardware failures, ransomware attacks, and other unforeseen disasters.
Embrace the 3-2-1 backup rule and ensure data safety.
So you remember, the rule is to have 3 copies of your data, stored in 2 different locations, like on a disk or tape, with 1 copy offsite for disaster recovery.
No Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Relying solely on a password for account protection is risky.
Implementing multi-factor authentication or MFA adds an extra layer of security, making it significantly more difficult for cyber attackers to breach your accounts.
Consider making this a requirement among your employees and company accounts.
Disregarding Mobile Security – A Glanced Over Aspect
Mobile devices have become indispensable for business, but they can also harbor security risks.
Ensure that company-issued devices have passcodes or biometric locks enabled and consider implementing mobile device management solutions.
Shadow IT – An Unacknowledged Challenge
Shadow IT refers to the use of unauthorized applications within your business, and it can pose serious security risks.
Examples of shadow IT are sharing from your own personal Dropbox instead of one on a company account, using Skype when the company uses Zoom, or even starting a new Slack group without approval.
Not all of these efforts have malicious intent, but they still pose as a risk and need to be avoided.
Implement clear policies for software usage and conduct regular audits to unveil any hidden shadow IT.
Incident Response Plan – A Necessary Safeguard
Despite the best precautions, security incidents can still happen.
Develop a comprehensive incident response plan that clearly outlines how your team will detect, respond to, and recover from security incidents.
Regularly test and update this plan to ensure its effectiveness.
After exposing these hidden cybersecurity flaws, you might be wondering how to safeguard your business.
This is where we come in.
Collaborating with an IT service provider like us at STG IT Consulting Group can help address these issues and prevent future threats.
Don’t let these hidden cybersecurity flaws jeopardize your business.
Reach out to us today to schedule a cybersecurity assessment and fortify your digital defenses.
Check out our last video! ➡️ Protect Your Business with Cybersecurity Training
If it’s time to assess your business’s IT infrastructure and implement robust security awareness training, feel free to set up a call with one of our expert technicians via the Calendly link below. We’d be happy to discuss solutions with you.
Click here to schedule a free 15-minute meeting with Stan Kats, our Founder and Chief Technologist.
STG IT Consulting Group proudly provides IT Services for Small to Medium Businesses in Greater Los Angeles. We’d love to see if we can help you too!
