In an era where cyber threats loom, small businesses are often the most vulnerable. Despite having fewer resources than large corporations, the rise of digital interconnectivity means small ventures are at significant risk. Many small business owners don’t fully grasp common security pitfalls, and cybercriminals can exploit this lack of awareness. Here are some crucial security risks you might need to know before you start addressing them in your business.

Phishing and Social Engineering

Phishing attacks are deceptive practices in which cybercriminals impersonate legitimate organizations to steal sensitive data. Social engineering, a related technique, manipulates individuals into divulging confidential information. These traps often start with seemingly harmless emails or messages, which can be the gateway for malicious software or hackers to gain compromising information.

Protect your business by implementing strict email filtering, encouraging a culture of verification for unexpected communications, and training employees to recognize and report suspicious activity. Awareness is the most effective line of defense against these tactics.

Weak Passwords and Authentication

Weak passwords are an open invitation to hackers. Using overly simple or easily guessable passwords gives unauthorized users a direct route to your business’s internal platforms and customer data. Lacking multifactor authentication (MFA) further compounds this vulnerability.

To mitigate this risk, enforce a password policy that requires complexity and regular updates. Managing MFA as a mandatory step in accessing company resources adds an extra layer of security that significantly bolsters your defense against unauthorized access.

Unsecured Networks and Devices

A non-secured network provides an opportunity for hackers. Unencrypted data transmissions and open wireless networks can be easily intercepted. Similarly, devices you haven’t properly secured can become entry points for malware and other forms of attack. This is why managing your business’s mobile devices and other equipment is essential.

I would like to remind you that securing your network with encryption is essential, especially for Wi-Fi that your employees and customers use. Regular updates and patches on devices can close security holes that cybercriminals often exploit. Investing in a virtual private network (VPN) can also add a layer of security when employees access company resources from remote locations.

Lack of Employee Training

Your employees can unknowingly be the most significant security risk within your organization. Whether opening a malicious email attachment or using weak passwords, unwitting actions can have dire consequences for your business’s security.

Regular training sessions should be mandatory for all employees, informing them of cybercriminals’ latest techniques. This would foster a more alert and security-conscious work environment and empower employees to be effective gatekeepers against threats.

Cybersecurity is not a one-size-fits-all concept. Each business, regardless of its size, must assess its unique vulnerabilities and respond appropriately to protect itself. By staying informed of the security risks you might not know, you can mitigate risks and keep your business and its assets safe from the growing array of digital threats.

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Originally Published on https://www.breakfastleadership.com/

Michael Levitt Chief Burnout Officer

Michael D. Levitt is the founder & Chief Burnout Officer of The Breakfast Leadership Network, a San Diego and Toronto-based burnout consulting firm. He is a Keynote speaker on The Great Resignation, Quiet Quitting and Burnout. He is the host of the Breakfast Leadership show, a Certified NLP and CBT Therapist, a Fortune 500 consultant, and author of his latest book BURNOUT PROOF.