Cybersecurity seems synonymous with technology. After all, cyber issues relate directly to the digital world, right? It’s not always easy, and things are a bit more complex. There is a greater threat landscape in play that goes far beyond the many connected devices, cloud servers, and electronic communications that businesses use daily.
These many threats are constantly evolving, and this isn’t only about technology. It’s about building a robust defensive system and strategy that encompasses human behavior, strategic investments, and proactive leadership. For this all to be cohesive and ultimately effective, it’s essential to identify some common cybersecurity mistakes made by businesses unrelated to tech while highlighting critical insights on how to rectify them.
Mistake 1: Neglecting Employee Training
One of the most significant vulnerabilities of any organization lies within its workforce. Employees who are unaware of cybersecurity best practices can inadvertently compromise the company’s data and security. Many common cybersecurity mistakes occur when employees use public Wi-Fi connections, click on phishing links, and fail to monitor their own behaviors in the workplace. These workers can be the weakest link but also the first line of defense against cyber threats.
How to Avoid:
To address this issue, businesses must prioritize employee training in cybersecurity basics. This includes educating them on the risks associated with public Wi-Fi, recognizing phishing attempts, and understanding the importance of their actions concerning overall organizational security. Employees should be made aware of the critical assets of the business they are handling. For example, if they are dealing with sensitive personal information, they need to be well-informed about the relevant regulations and avoid common cybersecurity errors that could lead to data breaches.
Mistake 2: Not Seeing Cybersecurity as an Investment
Many business owners view cybersecurity expenditures as financial burdens rather than investments. This perspective is extremely shortsighted and can create significant gaps in organizational security. A robust cybersecurity system is an investment in the business’s future. Companies that fail to recognize this may face substantial fines for data breaches and suffer severe public relations damage.
How to Avoid:
Businesses of all sizes should realize that the benefits of a strong cybersecurity strategy far outweigh the costs. A well-implemented plan can help them not only protect their sensitive data but also gain a competitive edge in the market. Customers are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of cybersecurity, and they are more likely to trust companies that prioritize data security.
Mistake 3: Assuming You’re Not a Target
Another widespread mistake is assuming your business is not a desirable target for cybercriminals or hackers. This misconception often stems from the belief that only companies handling credit card data or personally identifiable information are at risk. Small and medium-sized businesses often think they aren’t large enough to be a considerable mark for criminals. In reality, these bad actors conduct extensive campaigns across all sectors, targeting any network or valuable asset they can access.
How to Avoid:
Every organization must acknowledge that they are potential targets. Cyberattacks have devastating consequences, irrespective of the type of data or assets a business handles. Companies must work diligently to detect and prevent these threats, as they can occur in any industry.
Mistake 4: Having a Poor Leadership Approach
Leaders within organizations often adopt two types of approaches when it comes to cybersecurity: compliance-focused or security-focused. If leaders prioritize compliance over security, it can lead to vulnerabilities and increased risks. Compliance is essential, but it should not overshadow the importance of a robust security posture. This starts at the top, and leadership needs to recognize both aspects for it to spread throughout the company.
How to Avoid:
Organizations need to find the right balance between compliance and security. Security teams should be equipped with the resources and tools to address emerging threats effectively. Investing in third-party intelligence tools can help, but it’s equally important to avoid overloading security teams with out-of-date tools and potential false-positive alerts. Leaders must understand that the majority of cyberattacks and breaches result from human-related errors. Business owners and executives should invest in educating and reminding employees about cybersecurity best practices, creating a security-focused culture.
Mistake 5: Not Having a Response Plan
Taking a wait-and-see approach is another common mistake that is dangerous for businesses without the resources to handle a significant security incident. An effective response plan provides action items, best practices, and other critical protocols for how an organization responds to any data breach and what steps and preparations are in place pre-breach. An effective response plan provides action items, best practices, and other critical protocols for how an organization responds to any data breach and what steps and preparations are in place pre-breach.
How to Avoid:
Developing a cybersecurity and data breach response plan is essential for virtually every business. Utilizing a service specializing in this can help an organization implement all the necessary steps to avoid hefty fines and legal action related to customer response when an incident occurs. A good incident response plan also accounts for the need to patch up exposed vulnerabilities and ensure that similar situations do not arise again. These steps increase the business’s cybersecurity resilience and better protect it from future attacks.
Final Thoughts
Some common cybersecurity mistakes can have severe consequences. By recognizing these errors and taking corrective actions, companies can strengthen their defenses and better protect their assets, reputation, and customers. No organization is immune to cyber threats, and identifying often overlooked issues will help businesses navigate a complex cybersecurity landscape more effectively.
LibertyID Business Solutions provides Business fraud remediation, full pre-breach preparation with custom WISP protocols, post-breach regulatory response, customer and employee identity fraud restoration management, advanced employee training, and third-party vendor management tools.