29 Jun Don’t Commit These Fatal Cybersecurity Mistakes

Cybersecurity is viewed as a complex subject requiring deep mastery of technical topics to truly master. But the reality is, good cybersecurity is a measure of safe habits, scrutiny, and extra caution in the face of uncertainty. Therefore, simple but fatal cybersecurity mistakes can undo even the best security measures. They put businesses, agencies, and people’s data at risk. So common are simple mistakes, you could be making them right now without realizing it.

First, let’s cover some basic cybersecurity mistakes, that put your critical information at risk.

Clicking On Unknown Links

Ever encountered a hyperlink or link to an unknown domain? Whether that’s in an email, text, or website, if you don’t know what it is, don’t click it. Malicious actors can create dummy websites or compromised domains to siphon your valuable information. Example: a fake webpage for banking that aims to steal your login information.

Re-Using Passwords

Data breaches have a common factor: the same password used across multiple websites and domains. If a malicious actor compromises a single login, they have access to any other website surface with the same credentials (including material with administrator privileges). Using multiple logins and complex passwords across different websites improves your security. It’s also worth combining it with multi-factor authentication.

Downloading Unsafe Software

Software that is from untrusted or non-verified vendors runs a serious security risk. While homebrew and custom software can be safe to download, it varies on its source. But in most cases, downloading random, unknown software creates severe risk as it is an executable that can have disastrous effects on your system(s).

Fraudulent anti-virus software is another culprit of dangerous unsafe programs. Intended to deceive the user(s) with “safe” software, these malicious programs instead load malware or spyware into a target. There are already free versions of trusted anti-virus software available with pay options for better security. In other words, don’t download random, unknown programs.

Never Updating

While most software and apps will automatically update, it’s important to ensure you’re running the latest version of software. Older versions of software can contain exploits or programming weaknesses that hackers use to bypass, steal information, or otherwise compromise the software in question. In the case of anti-virus software, older versions are not protecting you from the daily evolving threats that exist.

Always update critical software, if not already.

Better Security Habits

It’s one thing to know what mistakes to avoid, but what are some good security habits to remember?

Always Backup

While cloud computing and profile syncing prove useful when connecting accounts across multiple devices, it’s an automated function. Automated functions make us easily forget good habits, as they put us in the mindset that “something/someone else will take care of it.”

Good cybersecurity is all about mindset, therefore, get into the habit of backing up critical files, data, and media. Modern options allow for cloud syncing, but remember, without network access, you can’t get to these files. Backup your data on external media like SSD drives and flash drives. In case of critical system failure, have a backup recovery plan in place (this is especially important for SMBs). Unexpected disasters can happen, intentional or not, so don’t make the mistake of never having data backups.

Learn About Phishing

Social engineering and phishing are the preferred methods hackers use to circumvent security. It makes sense, as stealing administrator credentials or passwords is easier than attempting to bypass complex defense mechanisms.

With the involvement of generative AI, phishing is more dangerous than ever. Therefore, learning about the latest techniques malicious third parties use to achieve success will heighten your awareness and leave you better prepared for new methods of attack.

Train Yourself (And Your Staff)

Remember, good cybersecurity and security policies are all about knowledge, training, and teaching. A little know-how goes a long way. Therefore, you’ll want to keep updated on the latest threats and dangers facing your data most relevant to you.

That goes the same for any organization of any size. Cybersecurity threats evolve on a constant basis, and without the basic recognition tools for even the simplest intrusion techniques, you’re left with serious blind spots. However, utilizing this article as a foundation (what to do and what not to do) can get your infrastructure secure, and fast.

Getting Help When You Need It

With all that said, cybersecurity mistakes still happen, intended or not. Therefore, it’s never a bad thing to get help where you need it, especially for your SMB interests.

If you’d like to boost your cybersecurity infrastructure and strengthen security habits, you can contact Bytagig today for more information.