It’s hard to imagine what one million dollars looks like – let alone six trillion… But six trillion dollars is the estimated cost to businesses each year worldwide due to cybercrime. If you’d prefer your business didn’t become a part of this staggering statistic, read on…

Mistake 1: Assuming you’re not a target

Whether small or large, businesses in virtually every industry are vulnerable to cyber-attacks and data breaches. Just because you’re a little fish in a big pond doesn’t mean you can’t get hooked. Indeed, smaller organisations are more likely to have gaps in their security protocols. And that’s what cybercriminals are looking for – easy access points to valuable data. As Sophos noted in their 2021 Threat Report: ‘A lack of attention to one or more aspects of basic security hygiene has been found to be at the root cause of many of the most damaging attacks we’ve investigated.’ Again: don’t become a statistic – make security a top priority. 

Mistake 2: Not providing sufficient training

Ah, humans…we’re prone to making mistakes. In fact, more than 90% of cybersecurity breaches are caused by human error. Training is required to develop a company culture of good cybersecurity, and that training should be implemented throughout the year, not just as a one-off event that’s quickly forgotten. A data breach can happen due to a huge range of user actions; from using weak passwords to downloading infected email attachments. The more you provide your staff members with key IT security know-how, the less likely it is that ‘simple’ breaches like these will happen.

Mistake 3: Not employing multi-factor authorisation (MFA) 

Strong passwords are great, but if your password is phished or smished or detected through a ‘password spraying’ attack, your account or business is immediately vulnerable. According to recent research, 99.9% of automated malware attacks against Windows systems can be prevented through MFA implementation. The good news is that multi-factor authentication solutions are relatively inexpensive and often easy to deploy, providing quick and effective protection to individual users and your wider company network.

Mistake 4: Failing to update software

So, you’ve done your research, you’ve paid your money and you’ve equipped your business with a ‘fool-proof’ firewall and some high-end security software. And then you’ve…assumed you’re covered forever. Updates may seem tedious, but they can do a lot towards keeping your devices, software and data secure. As well as removing or fixing bugs and patching holes or security flaws, updates do what they say on the box – they update your software to add new features, replace outdated technology and help keep hackers out.

Mistake 5: Failing to back up regularly

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: catastrophes do happen. Even with understanding, education and an oft-updated web of security solutions, there are still instances of cybercriminal breaches and data loss. Backing up your data regularly (preferably daily!) provides peace of mind; and the ability to quickly fix, restore and restart your business should the worst occur.  

Take cybersecurity seriously – give Geelong’s IT security experts a call

SMBs beware – the leading threats to the cybersecurity of your business are the mistakes you’re liable to make. When did you last review the strength of your defences? Provide training to your staff? Back up your data? If ‘some time ago’ is the answer to any of these questions, now is the time to patch those defence holes! Our team at Geelong Technology Group can walk you through your options and tailor a multifaceted solution that uniquely meets your security needs. Don’t delay – contact our experienced IT professionals today.

📞 1300 GET GTG (1300 438 484)

📧 support@geelongtechnology.com.au

📍 166 Francis St, Belmont.