You probably don’t think your company is at risk for a cyberattack. After all, you’re a smaller operation, and bad actors usually target big companies, right? Unfortunately, that’s a potentially disastrous assumption.
A single data point could cost you money, customers, and reputation. But here’s the good news: most of these issues can be avoided with a few simple changes. Ensuring you avoid these common pitfalls could be enough to keep your business safe.
Assuming you’re safe
It’s a common mistake to think your business is too modest to attract hackers. But cybercriminals don’t care how big you are. They’ll target any operation that looks easy to break into.
Small enterprises often don’t have the same strong security measures in place as larger companies, which makes them a prime target. In fact, cybercriminals are three times more likely to target SMEs than larger companies.
Using weak or reused passwords
If your team is using easy-to-guess credentials or the same ones across multiple accounts, you’re asking for trouble. Weak or reused passwords make it way too easy for cybercriminals to get in.
To fix this, ensure everyone uses strong, unique passwords. It’s a pain to remember them all, but that’s where the latest technology comes in. Using a business password manager lets you generate and store complex credentials, keeping everything safe and easy to access.
Single-factor authentication
A lot of SMEs rely on just a password to protect their accounts. But that’s risky. If someone gets hold of it, they’ve got full access.
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) gives you an additional layer of protection. Instead of just asking for a single form of authentication, MFA also requires more than one, like a code sent to your phone.
Insufficient employee training
Your employees can be your biggest asset when it comes to cybersecurity—or your biggest weakness. Without proper training, they may unintentionally give cybercriminals access to your systems. For example, phishing scams, where hackers send fake emails to trick people into clicking harmful links, are a major threat.
Ensure your team knows the basics: how to spot suspicious emails, the importance of strong passwords, and why public Wi-Fi can be risky. It doesn’t have to be a full-on course—just some regular reminders can go a long way in protecting your company.
Proactivity is the best defence
Cybersecurity doesn’t need to be overwhelming or out of reach for SMEs. By following the suggestions above, you can keep your business protected. Don’t wait until a data breach takes place. Act now to ensure your company is safe from cyber threats.