Common Cybersecurity Mistakes Orange, CA Small Businesses Should Avoid

In the modern world, cybersecurity threats are an ever-present concern, and the organizations that experience data breaches can suffer hefty damages to their finances and reputation. As a small business, you need a proactive approach to cybersecurity to protect your operations and data. This is important as you need to avoid mistakes when trying to protect your data.

Sometimes, you could use defective methods while trying to protect data, something that could leave it at more risk. However, there are several options to avoid common cybersecurity mistakes. Today, the Orange Chamber of Commerce shares some examples of mistakes most small businesses make when dealing with cybersecurity. 

Not Being Up to Date 

Failure to stay up to date means various things in cybersecurity, from failing to update your software to ignoring current trends and threats. Regardless of the things that are out of date in the security system, you can put your system at risk for a cyberattack. 

As a business, it’s not easy to prevent cyberattacks, but by being updated, you can minimize threats or resolve them quickly. As the security team, it’s important to prioritize protocols for patching your operating systems and updating the software. Good network hygiene ensures your systems offer the highest level of data protection and security. Obviously, it’s also important that you maintain precise records, which is easier to do if you use an invoice maker, after which you can mail physical print-outs of the invoices or better yet, send them digitally (and you can remove sensitive account numbers for added security).

Not Preparing for Cyberattacks 

Many businesses don’t want to believe a hacker can penetrate their security system, but the reality is that many businesses fall victim to cyberattacks. It’s important to be prepared to counter cyberattacks. Lack of preparation will have costly consequences to the reputation and revenue of your company. To prevent attacks, you should first prepare to handle the threat when it happens. With the right resources, you can create a strong cybersecurity policy.

While there are larger systemic measures you should take, you can also help your employees to be more vigilant about cybersecurity practices. Teach them how to identify fraudulent emails and phishing attempts, and how to set up a more secure password. In addition, if they are sending files through digital channels or even saving important documents on their computer, teach them to save as PDFs and password protect them. Look for a free PDF to Word converter that makes it easy to switch between file types as your employees will likely prefer editing in Word and converting back to PDF. Then, show them to find Protect in the Tools menu, and then enable Encrypt and then Encrypt with Password.

Failure to have a recovery plan is another mistake you need to avoid. A good data recovery plan helps you to resume operations quickly, so it should identify the applications you want to recover first and determine who will be involved in dealing with the cyber security threats.  

Using Software That Does Not Prioritize Security 

Any software you install on a work device is vulnerable to cyberattacks, especially if the software is not regularly audited or updated. Not all software is secure, and this could put your organization at risk. Without protocols, you could download an insecure software suite unknowingly, which could contain vulnerabilities. To protect yourself, only deploy sophisticated solutions that offer a high standard of security. Also, it’s a best practice to only use software that is approved by an IT team.

Not Collecting Data Securely 

When collecting any type of information about your customers, you cannot compromise on compliance or security of the process. Losing the data in a breach comes with serious consequences, not only for your company but could also affect customers. If you lack administrative controls, compliance standards, and secure connections, you cannot complete data collection securely. It’s critical for all companies collecting user data to know about security risks. 

Along with complying with laws and regulations, it’s vital to complete routine compliance assessments to ensure any sensitive data is secured adequately. If you’re collecting data through an online form, it’s important to follow the concept of least privilege, which includes using admin controls to limit access to only people who are authorized or require the information. 

Put Cybersecurity into Practice

To run your business effectively using modern technology, you also need to keep in mind security threats that can impair your operations. Avoid common security mistakes like not collecting your data securely, or not preparing for cyberattacks. Teach your employees best practices, too, including how to detect fraudulent email and password protecting files. These efforts will make a big difference in the cyber safety of your business.

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