Top IT Security Mistakes Small Businesses Make (and How to Fix Them)

Cyber threats are a top risk management concern for small businesses. Cybercriminals continue to improve their tactics with new technologies, and cybercrime is expected to only increase in the coming years. 

Yet many businesses lack the basic security measures they need to protect themselves and prevent these attacks. One of the most common reasons this happens is a lack of resources — small businesses often don’t have the budget or the staff size to implement the right IT measures.

Even without these resources, you can still prioritize small-business IT security by knowing the common mistakes and how to avoid them, which this guide will cover. Remember that working with a qualified managed service provider (MSP) is one of the best ways to protect your business. 

1. Implementing a Weak Password Policy, or None at All

Often, your first line of defense is your password policy. Unfortunately, many small businesses and their employees use the default password provided, weak passwords, or recycled passwords that they use for many other platforms and websites. These mistakes make it much easier for bad actors to gain access to the business's critical systems.

Here are a few ways to avoid this mistake:

• Don’t use obvious passwords like “123456” or “password.”
• Use multifactor authentication (MFA) so the password is just one of two or more access barriers.
• Always change default passwords, and regularly trigger automatic password change requirements for employees.

When passwords are weak, you have a higher chance of giving hackers access to your business's systems and sensitive customer information. An MSP can help you implement MFA along with a stronger password policy.

2. Not Prioritizing Software Updates

Your business's software must be updated regularly. If you’re using an outdated system, hackers can more easily exploit its vulnerabilities. For instance, if your software is unpatched, a hacker may attack with ransomware.

These steps will help your business stay proactive:

• Regularly update your operating systems and software according to best practices.
• Never ignore security patches when using any kind of application outside the organization.
• Don’t use outdated software that is no longer supported.

When you work with an MSP for cybersecurity, you’ll get services like automated patch management and software updates to protect against outdated and vulnerable systems.

3. Failing to Address Phishing Threats

Another top cyber threat is phishing. With this tactic, attackers send out emails to try to get employees to provide sensitive information or click on malicious links. 

What can you do to prevent phishing attacks from exposing your business's data? Try these tactics:

• Educate employees about how to spot a malicious email.
• Advise them to never open a link that seems suspicious and never provide sensitive customer or business data to an unverified source via email.
• Tell them to watch for fake log-in pages that ask for their credentials — a common way attackers get access to businesses' systems.

You never want your business’s bank details, customer information, or employee credentials to get into the wrong hands. MSPs can help with continuous monitoring services that watch for anything suspicious, including phishing emails.

4. Ignoring Employee Training

Unfortunately, many cybersecurity problems originate with employees. An IBM study found that human error plays a major role in 95% of all cybersecurity breaches. Employees often don’t know IT or cybersecurity best practices, yet they’re usually the first line of defense for the business and its systems.

Prioritize employee training by taking these steps:

• Recognize that employees won’t know how to watch for certain risks without proper education.
• Implement a regular security awareness program and provide the latest updates in IT security.
• Address specific threats that remote workers face since they’re not in the office and may be using their own devices.

Lower the risk of data breaches and other negative outcomes by prioritizing cyber-threat awareness and training. Fortunately, MSPs can help your business start and maintain an education program. 

Benefits of Outsourcing IT Security

Consider just how costly a cyberattack can be — to your bottom line, to your reputation, and to your business's operations. This means it's worth it to invest in an MSP so you always have experts behind your cybersecurity policies.

When you work with an MSP to handle your cybersecurity needs, some of the top benefits include:

• Continuous and real-time system monitoring
• Regular software updates and and patches
• Expert knowledge on IT compliance requirements
• Access to resources small businesses don’t otherwise have
• Proactive detection of threats and attacks
• Help with employee security education programs

Remember that cybercriminals thrive when they sense vulnerabilities. This is why strong security is a must for your business, which involves the right training, monitoring, and updating. All of these tasks may seem time-consuming, especially when you’re running a small business, but a managed service provider can ensure you’re covered while helping you manage your budget.

Work with Standley Systems for comprehensive IT security solutions in Oklahoma and North Texas.