Data breaches and security vulnerabilities are rising, and not everyone is safe from emerging threats. The NSA and CISA report that many businesses need to follow the best practices. Discover some of the most common business security mistakes and how to stay safe in this helpful guide.
Default Login Credentials Pose the Biggest Threat
Nearly every application or business program executives use has standard default login credentials. Experts recommend only using these factory settings when you first set everything up. As soon as the programs are ready for use, it's best to change the account's credentials. This way, hackers have a lower chance of infiltrating your account. Creating strong passwords for all your accounts is essential to boosting network security, yet reports find that many IT professionals continue to use factory settings.
Harmful Business Security Mistakes
While using default credentials on applications and software is the most prevalent issue, CISA and the NSA note a few other security mistakes businesses regularly make. Experts recommend business owners make correcting these issues a top priority.
Separating User and Admin Privileges
Does your IT department grant anyone access to programs as an admin? Doing so can create big problems if they uncover malicious activity. It's hard to pinpoint where the problem originates if every user has advanced privileges.
Hackers can infiltrate the account and have unauthorized access to important data and information. Therefore, it's critical to only give admin privileges when necessary and give all other users limited access to accounts.
Poor Network Monitoring
Experts point to a few ways companies need to monitor their networks sufficiently. These include failing to properly set up sensors to collect traffic and end-host logs. Stepping up in this area is essential to improve your business infrastructure and keep your network secure from threats.
Importance of Cybersecurity Measures
Some business leaders don't realize they're dropping the ball on security measures until too late. Falling victim to any cyber attack comes with significant problems, including:
- Loss of integrity and customer trust
- Data breaches
- Financial loss
- Business interruptions
To avoid these costly consequences, technology professionals urge every business owner to emphasize the importance of cybersecurity in their workplace. Making IT staff regularly educate employees on the best practices sets up the entire organization for success.
In addition, it's vital to keep an eye out for emerging threats and take proactive measures. This may include downloading software updates after vulnerability exposure or adjusting security practices at the recommendation of agencies like CISA and the NSA.
