- Headquarters in Saratoga Springs, New York
- [email protected]
- (518) 866-6985
Cybersecurity isn’t just a concern for Fortune 500 companies—43% of cyberattacks target small businesses. Unfortunately, many business owners don’t realize their biggest risks often come from simple mistakes that hackers love to exploit.
If you’re running a business, avoiding these common cybersecurity pitfalls could save you thousands of dollars and protect your reputation. Here are the top 10 cybersecurity mistakes small businesses make—and how to avoid them.
One of the easiest ways hackers break into accounts is by guessing weak passwords or using stolen ones from past breaches.
How to avoid it:
Use a password manager.
Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible.
Outdated software leaves doors wide open for hackers. Cybercriminals often exploit unpatched vulnerabilities in operating systems, browsers, or apps.
How to avoid it:
Enable automatic updates on all devices.
Regularly update routers, firewalls, and other hardware.
Patch critical systems as soon as updates are released.
Your employees are your biggest asset—but also your biggest risk. Phishing emails trick even the smartest team members into clicking dangerous links.
How to avoid it:
Run cybersecurity awareness training at least twice a year.
Teach staff how to spot suspicious emails.
Encourage a “pause before you click” culture.
Ransomware attacks can lock your business out of vital files. Without backups, recovery can be impossible—or very expensive.
How to avoid it:
Follow the 3-2-1 rule: 3 backups, on 2 types of media, with 1 off-site or cloud backup.
Test your backups regularly to ensure they work.
Remote work has exploded, and so have the risks of unsecured Wi-Fi. Hackers can easily intercept sensitive data on public networks.
How to avoid it:
Require VPN use on public Wi-Fi.
Discourage employees from logging into sensitive accounts on open networks.
Phones and tablets are just as vulnerable as computers—but many businesses don’t protect them properly.
How to avoid it:
Require device passcodes and encryption.
Enable remote wipe capabilities.
Keep mobile operating systems up to date.
Not every employee needs access to every system. Over-permissioned accounts increase the damage if one is compromised.
How to avoid it:
Apply the principle of least privilege (employees only access what they need).
Remove old accounts immediately after offboarding.
Review permissions quarterly.
Many businesses panic when an attack happens because they don’t have a plan. Every minute wasted can increase damages.
How to avoid it:
Develop an incident response plan.
Define roles and responsibilities.
Run tabletop exercises to practice responses.
Too many small businesses think hackers only target big corporations. The truth? Hackers often target small businesses because they’re easier to break into.
How to avoid it:
Take cybersecurity as seriously as physical security.
Regularly assess risks and update defenses.
Cybersecurity can feel overwhelming if you’re not an IT professional. Many businesses make mistakes simply because they don’t have expert guidance.
How to avoid it:
Work with a managed cybersecurity provider (like Interactive Cyber Control).
Get regular vulnerability assessments.
Invest in ongoing protection instead of waiting for a breach.
Cybersecurity doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require attention. By avoiding these 10 common mistakes, your business will be far less vulnerable to attacks.
👉 Want to protect your business from cyber threats without the stress? [Schedule a free cybersecurity consultation with Interactive Cyber Control today.]
Partner with industry-leading experts to protect your data, reputation, and future. Get proactive, enterprise-grade cybersecurity tailored to your business.
