5 typical cyber security gaps

Top 5 cybersecurity mistakes that companies should avoid

In today's digital world, cyber risks are omnipresent and pose a significant threat to companies of all sizes. Many of these risks can be significantly reduced by simple measures. In this article, we look at the five most common cybersecurity mistakes and give you practical tips on how to avoid them. In doing so, play regularly patches and backups a crucial role.

Read how you, as a broker, can get closer to your customers again with these security measures here, in an interview from our Head of Distribution, John Braun.

1. Inadequate employee training

One of the most serious cybersecurity mistakes is inadequate employee training. Often they are Employees the first line of defense versus Cyber risks, but many don't know how to recognize phishing emails or navigate the Internet securely. Regular training and awareness programs are essential to ensure that all employees are aware of the latest threats and best practices. Also the importance of regular patches and backups should be taught in the process.

2. Weak passwords

Weak passwords are another common vulnerability in many companies. Passwords such as “123456” or “password” are easy to crack and offer cybercriminals easy access to sensitive data. It's important that companies enforce policies for strong passwords that consist of a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. In addition, the use of two-factor authentication (2FA) should be promoted to further increase security. Employees should also be reminded regularly to update their passwords and not to use simple, reused passwords. Using a password manager such as 1Password is helpful here.

3. Outdated software

Using outdated software is another big mistake that makes companies vulnerable to cyber risks. Software manufacturers regularly publish patches and updates to fix security gaps. If they are not installed, known vulnerabilities remain that can be exploited by hackers. Make sure all systems and applications are always up to date by enabling automatic updates and running regular checks. patches should be installed immediately to keep your systems secure.

4. Missing backups

missing backups can be disastrous in the event of a cyber attack or data loss. Without current backups companies can irretrievably lose important data. It is important to regularly backups to create all critical data and store it in secure, segregated locations. Test recovery processes regularly to ensure that the backups actually work in an emergency. Regular backups are one of the most effective measures to protect yourself against data loss.

5. Ignore security warnings

Ignoring security alerts is another fatal mistake that many companies make. Security alerts and notifications are important clues about possible threats or vulnerabilities in the system. Companies should ensure that such alerts are taken seriously and investigated immediately. Implementing a robust security monitoring and response plan can help identify and fix threats early before they cause major damage. Regular review and installation of patches as well as ensuring current backups are essential in this regard.

Unser Baobab customer portal helps to track potential weaknesses and keep track of them.

conclusion

By avoiding these common cybersecurity mistakes, companies can significantly strengthen their defenses against cyber risks. Inadequate employee training, weak passwords, outdated software, missing backups and ignoring security alerts are all preventable mistakes that can be addressed through proactive measures and regular reviews. Stay alert, install regularly patches, create continuously backups and invest in your cyber security to protect your business from potential attacks.