#1 Mistake Businesses Make With IT Security and How to Avoid It 

Small businesses face a growing number of cyber threats that can have devastating consequences.

Unfortunately, many small businesses make a critical mistake when it comes to IT security, leaving themselves vulnerable to attacks. In this article, we will discuss the number one mistake small businesses make with their cybersecurity and provide actionable steps to avoid it. 

The Mistake: Underestimating the Importance of Employee Education 

The most common and detrimental mistake small businesses make with IT security is underestimating the importance of employee education.

Many businesses focus solely on implementing technical solutions like firewalls and antivirus software, neglecting to adequately train their employees on cybersecurity best practices. However, employees are often the weakest link in the cybersecurity chain, unintentionally introducing vulnerabilities that cybercriminals can exploit. 

Why is Security Awareness Training Crucial? 

Employees interact with technology daily and are the first line of defence against cyber threats. Without proper education, they may unknowingly click on malicious links, fall victim to phishing emails, or mishandle sensitive data.

Cybercriminals often exploit human error or ignorance to gain unauthorised access, steal data, or compromise systems.

Investing in employee education is vital for creating a strong cybersecurity culture and mitigating risks effectively. They are your human firewall. 

How to Avoid the Mistake: 

1. Develop a Comprehensive Security Awareness Training Program

• • Implement a comprehensive cybersecurity training program for all employees.
  • This program should cover essential topics such as password security, email phishing, safe browsing habits, social engineering, and best practices for handling sensitive data.
  • Regularly update the training program to address new threats and trends in cybersecurity. 

2. Raise Awareness of Common Threats

1. • Educate employees about the various types of cyber threats they may encounter, including phishing attempts, ransomware attacks, and social engineering scams.
   • Provide real-life examples and cautionary tales to help them recognize and respond appropriately to potential threats.
   • See our ‘Phishing’ video here.

3. Promote Strong Password Practices

1. • Emphasise the importance of creating strong, unique passwords for all accounts.
   • Encourage the use of password managers to securely store and manage passwords.
   • Implement policies that require regular password updates. 

4. Enforce Multifactor Authentication (MFA)

1. • This second step of login authentication (by text, app or hardware token) is 100% essential protection.
   • Without this, a bad guy will have very little hope of gaining access to your account: the password alone is not enough. 

5. Foster a Cybersecurity-Conscious Culture

1. • Create a culture of cybersecurity awareness and responsibility within your organisation.
   • Encourage employees to report suspicious emails, potential security breaches, or any unusual activities they observe.
   • Implement a clear incident reporting and response process, ensuring employees feel empowered to take action. 

6. Regularly Reinforce Best Practices

1. • Cybersecurity training should be an ongoing process, not a one-time event.
   • Regularly reinforce best practices through newsletters, reminders, and periodic refresher courses.
   • Stay up to date with the latest threats and trends in cybersecurity to ensure your training program remains relevant and effective. 

7. Lead by Example

• • Management should set a positive example by following cybersecurity best practices themselves.
  • When employees see that cybersecurity is a priority for leadership, they are more likely to take it seriously as well. 

Underestimating the importance of employee education is the number one mistake small businesses make with their cybersecurity.

By investing in comprehensive training programs, raising awareness of common threats, promoting strong password practices, fostering a cybersecurity-conscious culture, reinforcing best practices, and leading by example, small businesses can significantly enhance their cybersecurity defences. Remember, cybersecurity is a shared responsibility, and an educated and vigilant workforce is your first line of defence against cyber threats. 

ITGuys run cyber security training tailored to your business, get in touch to find out more.