Here are some common mistakes that small businesses make when it comes to cybersecurity and how to avoid them.

1. Underestimating the threat. Some small business owners think that cyberattacks only happen to large corporations or government agencies, but this is not true. According to a report by Verizon, 43% of cyberattacks in 2019 involved small businesses. Small businesses should not assume that they are too small or insignificant to be targeted by hackers. They should take proactive steps to protect their data and systems from potential threats.

2. Neglecting employee training. Employees are often the weakest link in the security chain, as they may fall for phishing emails, click on malicious links, or download infected attachments. Small businesses should invest in regular employee training on cybersecurity best practices, such as how to spot and report suspicious emails, how to create and use strong passwords, and how to avoid public Wi-Fi networks.

3. Using weak passwords. Passwords are the first line of defense against unauthorized access to your accounts and devices, but many people use weak or reused passwords that are easy to guess or crack. Small businesses should enforce a password policy that requires employees to use complex and unique passwords for each account and device, and to change them frequently. They should also use multi-factor authentication (MFA) whenever possible, which adds an extra layer of security by requiring a code or a biometric verification in addition to a password.

4. Ignoring software updates. Software updates are not just annoying pop-ups that interrupt your work; they are essential for fixing bugs and vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit. Small businesses should not delay or ignore software updates for their operating systems, applications, and antivirus programs. They should also enable automatic updates or set reminders to check for updates regularly.

5. Lacking a data backup plan. Data is one of the most valuable assets of any business, but it can be lost or corrupted due to human error, hardware failure, natural disaster, or cyberattack. Small businesses should have a data backup plan that ensures that their critical data is copied and stored in a secure location, such as an external hard drive or a cloud service. They should also test their backups periodically to make sure they can be restored in case of an emergency.

6. No formal security policies. Small businesses may not have the time or resources to develop formal security policies, but this can lead to confusion and inconsistency among employees and managers. Small businesses should have clear and written security policies that outline the roles and responsibilities of each staff member, the acceptable use of company devices and networks, the procedures for reporting and responding to security incidents, and the consequences for violating the policies.

7. Ignoring mobile security. Mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, are increasingly used for work purposes, but they also pose significant security risks if they are lost, stolen, or compromised. Small businesses should implement mobile security measures, such as encrypting data on mobile devices, locking them with passwords or biometrics, installing security apps, and wiping them remotely if they are missing or stolen.

8. Failing to regularly monitor networks. Small businesses may not have the tools or expertise to monitor their networks for suspicious activity or anomalies, but this can leave them vulnerable to cyberattacks that can go undetected for a long time. Small businesses should use network monitoring software or hire a managed IT service provider that can monitor their networks 24/7 and alert them of any potential issues or breaches.

9. No incident response plan. Even with the best security practices in place, small businesses may still face a cyberattack at some point. The way they handle the incident can make a big difference in minimizing the damage and recovering from the attack. Small businesses should have an incident response plan that outlines the steps they will take in the event of a cyberattack, such as who will be in charge of the response team, how they will communicate with stakeholders, what actions they will take to contain and eradicate the threat, and how they will restore normal operations.

10. Thinking you don’t need managed IT services. Some small business owners may think that managed IT services are too expensive or unnecessary for their needs, but this is a mistake. Managed IT services can provide small businesses with many benefits, such as improved security, reduced costs, increased efficiency, and peace of mind. Managed IT services can help small businesses with tasks such as network monitoring, data backup, software updates, cybersecurity training, incident response, and more.

In summary, small businesses should not underestimate the importance of cybersecurity and the risks of cyberattacks. They should avoid making common mistakes that can compromise their data and systems, such as neglecting employee training, using weak passwords, ignoring software updates, lacking a data backup plan, having no formal security policies, ignoring mobile security, failing to monitor networks, having no incident response plan, and thinking they don’t need managed IT services. By following these tips, small businesses can improve their security posture and protect their valuable assets from cyber threats.