Countless companies have been targets of thousands of cyberattacks. They have seen it all, from attempts to push websites offline with DDoS to phishing emails. Sadly, cybersecurity mistakes can bring a swift end to the most promising of startups. Customers nowadays demand data security.
While many successful attacks happen due to vulnerabilities that might be difficult to control, hackers continue to cash in on human errors. Thus, while technical mishaps are common, people remain the biggest cybersecurity threat.
After all, many techniques rely on someone following a malicious link or downloading a malware-ridden file. Therefore, it becomes crucial to establish ground rules and recommendations for teams. The list below will explain some of the biggest mistakes teams make.
1. Neglecting the importance of cybersecurity training.
Companies across verticals are taking every possible measure to implement robust network security practices and implement a wide range of security solutions to ward off hackers. They’re even allocating a higher budget for cybersecurity. This is excellent news as only the best practices won’t on their own always suffice.
The companies that value company, employees, and customer data take fighting off hackers more seriously. However, the errors committed by employees are the biggest security loophole that can’t be fixed immediately.
Human error is the biggest risk to cybersecurity in organizations. Even the slightest mistake by the employees can result in a data breach.
Thus, companies must realize that until and unless their employees are trained in identifying their errors and rectifying them on time, they can’t establish a robust cybersecurity framework.
2. Using weak passwords.
Employees often end up using weak passwords that hackers can crack. Thus, companies must raise awareness to help their employees create and use strong passwords.
A standard operating procedure must be in place while creating passwords for various accounts. If the company uses online tools and services, the IT department must guide the employees in choosing stronger passwords.
To protect sensitive and critical business data, companies need to implement systems such as periodic expiration of passwords and multi-factor authentication to add multiple security layers. There are many options for authenticator apps, depending on your specific preferences and requirements.
3. Not using a VPN.
Post-Covid office workers across the world have undergone a tectonic shift. Companies have moved their workforce to remote work and have migrated essential business applications to the cloud.
Thus, the use of virtual private network (VPN) solutions continues to increase. VPN services help create an encrypted network for all intra-office and inter-office communications.
It’s imperative to recommend VPN usage, which helps secure all communications across the office network.
Companies must choose a reputed and reliable VPN provider and encourage all their employees to download VPN apps on all devices, including tablets, smartphones, and laptops. VPN service helps create an encrypted tunnel for all forms of digital communication.
Restricting network access is a vital step toward safeguarding the network against hacking attempts. A VPN solution helps in offering a manageable, customized, and secure network access.
4. Using unauthenticated devices.
Employees tend to use USB devices or other unauthorized hardware that can be plugged into a PC or laptop. This is one of the most common cybersecurity mistakes.
Plugging unauthorized USB drives into laptops is a huge risk to devices. The USB devices can contain viruses or malware that can infect the other computers on the network.
Employees should be warned against using unauthorized storage devices in-office devices, and every employee must get the USB devices authorized by IT administrators before using them.
Companies must frame policies prohibiting employees from using personal devices that might be vulnerable to hacking attempts.
5. Using public Wi-Fi for work.
Whether you’re on vacation or out for a coffee, you must avoid using public Wi-Fi for work. Remote workers who have to travel frequently often use public Wi-Fi for office work. As a result, this can pose a considerable security risk.
Accessing your company’s network using public Wi-Fi makes it super-easy for hackers to access the same network for all kinds of nefarious things. Hackers can easily access your office network and access sensitive business data and files.
Additionally, hackers often use the public Wi-Fi hotspots for installing malware on mobile devices of users who have file-sharing enabled on their devices. Likewise, companies must carry out training sessions and make employees aware of the risks of using public Wi-Fi networks.
Concluding Thought
Corporate systems can experience complete security only when they can manage the human factor properly.
Hackers usually try to gain access to corporate networks by exploiting the employees instead of directly hacking the company network. Thus, companies need to prevent their teams from committing these common cybersecurity mistakes.
