As a business owner, you know that cybersecurity is important. You’ve probably heard about some high-profile cyberattacks that have taken place in recent years, and you don’t want your business to be the next victim. However, even if you take basic precautions to secure your website and your clients’ data, you may still be making mistakes that make you vulnerable to a cybersecurity attack. Here are five of the most common mistakes made by businesses… and how to avoid them.
Cybersecurity mistake No. 1: Not keeping software up-to-date
One of the simplest and most effective ways to improve your cybersecurity is also one of the most often overlooked: update your software! Whether it’s your operating system, your web browser, your antivirus software, or any other type of software, it is essential to ensure that you are using the latest version to protect your computer against attacks. Hackers are constantly finding new ways to exploit security flaws, and software developers are always working to fix these flaws. By keeping your software updated, you ensure that you have the latest security patches and are less likely to be targeted by hackers.
Cybersecurity mistake No. 2: Reusing passwords
If you’re like most people, you probably have a handful of passwords that you use for everything from online banking to social media sites. While it may be convenient to only have a few passwords that you can easily remember, it’s also a major security risk. If a hacker manages to obtain one of your passwords, they will then have access to all your accounts. That’s why it’s important to use different passwords for each of your online accounts. If you struggle to remember multiple passwords, consider using a password manager like LastPass or Dashlane. These tools can help you generate strong passwords and securely store them so you don’t have to remember them yourself.
Cybersecurity mistake No. 3: Ignoring your firewall
The firewall is an essential security software that helps to protect your computer from malware and other attacks. However, many people do not have a firewall activated on their computer or do not bother to update it when new versions are released. While firewalls do not completely protect your computer against all threats, they can help to block many types of attacks and should not be ignored. If you are not sure whether a firewall is active on your computer, consult your operating system’s documentation or contact your IT department.
Cybersecurity mistake No. 4: Clicking on suspicious links
Phishing scams are one of the most common ways for hackers to gain access to people’s computers and sensitive information. This typically involves an email that appears to come from a reliable source (like a bank or government organization) but actually contains a link to a malicious website designed to infect your computer with malware or steal your login credentials. Be very careful when clicking on links contained in emails, even if they appear to come from a reliable source. If you’re not sure whether an email is legitimate, contact the supposed sender directly (using contact information found on their official website) before clicking on any links.
Cybersecurity mistake No. 5: Not regularly backing up data
Finally, one of the worst things you can do when it comes to cybersecurity is not to regularly back up your data. If your computer is infected by ransomware or suffers any other type of data loss, having up-to-date backups will ensure you don’t lose any important files. There are many ways to back up data, but choosing an automated solution (like Carbonite) is usually the best option because it ensures that your backups will always be up-to-date without requiring any action on your part.
Cybersecurity is vital for all businesses in today’s digital age – but unfortunately, many businesses are still making basic mistakes that make them vulnerable to attacks. By taking simple steps like updating all software and regularly backing up data, you can help reduce the risk of falling victim to a cyberattack. And if you ever do become a victim of an attack, don’t panic! There are many resources (like our blog!) that can guide you through the process of recovering from a cybersecurity incident.