You may not have old skeletons hidden away in the basement. But there's a good chance of cybersecurity vulnerabilities lurking in the shadows, just waiting to wreak havoc. Cyberattacks can cost businesses profits and damage their reputations.
You can't fix what you can't see. By shining a light on potential hidden risks, you can take action to protect your business from potential cyber threats.
For over 25 years, WEBIT Services has built effective cybersecurity procedures for hundreds of clients. It is passionate about using strategy and education to protect its clients.
By reading this article, you will learn about potential IT security threats that could leave your business in danger.
9 Hidden IT Security Dangers
1. Outdated Software
Running outdated software is like inviting hackers to your virtual Halloween party.
When software vendors release updates, they often include crucial security patches. These patches fix vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit.
Keep software up to date to ensure your digital fortress is secure.
2. Weak Passwords
If your passwords are weak, you might as well be handing out your office keys to cybercriminals.
Instead, create strong and unique passwords for all accounts and devices. Consider using a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
Password managers are valuable tools for generating and storing complex passwords securely.
Users may not naturally create complex, secure passwords. Provide them with requirements for creating passwords. You can also set up software to force strong password creation.
3. Unsecured WiFi
Unsecured WiFi can be a gateway for hackers to intercept sensitive data. Cybercriminals don't have to be in the building to access WiFi networks; they just have to be close enough to access it.
To combat unauthorized access, ensure your WiFi is password-protected.
Your router should use WPA2 or WPA3 encryption for an added layer of security.
For critical business tasks, consider a virtual private network (VPN). It can shield your data from prying eyes.
4. Lack of Employee Training
Your employees can be your business's most potent line of defense or its weakest link. Employee error is the cause of approximately 88% of all data breaches.
Without proper cybersecurity training, your staff might unknowingly fall victim to phishing scams or inadvertently expose sensitive information.
Regularly educate your team about cybersecurity best practices. These should include but are not limited to:
- Recognizing phishing emails
- Avoiding suspicious websites
- Using secure file-sharing methods
5. No Data Backups
Imagine waking up to find your business's data gone, vanished into the digital abyss. Without backups, this nightmare can become a reality.
Data loss can be due to hardware failures, ransomware attacks, human error, or other IT disasters.
Data backups can protect you against data loss. Regularly test your backups to ensure they are functional and reliable.
6. No Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Using only a password to protect your accounts is asking for trouble. It's like having nothing but a screen door at the entrance of your business.
Adding MFA provides an extra layer of protection.
When using MFA, Users must provide additional authentication factors to log in, such as a one-time code or passkey. This extra step makes it much harder for cyber attackers to breach your accounts.
7. Disregarding Mobile Security
Mobile devices have become common in the workplace but may also carry preventable risks.
Ensure all company-issued devices have passcodes or biometric locks enabled to protect company data.
Consider implementing mobile device management (MDM) solutions. These allow you to enforce security policies, remotely wipe data, and ensure devices stay up to date.
8. Shadow IT
Shadow IT refers to the use of unauthorized applications within your business. It might seem harmless when employees use convenient tools they find online, but these unvetted applications can pose serious security risks.
Create a clear policy for using software and services within your business. Regularly audit your systems to uncover any shadow IT lurking under cover.
9. Lacking an Incident Response Plan
Even with all precautions in place, security incidents can still happen. Without an incident response plan, an attack can leave your business scrambling.
Develop a comprehensive incident response plan. It should outline essential items like how your team will detect, respond to, and recover from security incidents.
Regularly test and update the plan to ensure its effectiveness.
Next Steps to Address Hidden IT Security Risks
IT security risks are not always apparent issues or blaring alarms. Sometimes, they are seemingly small habits, settings, or updates. Common missed risks include:
- Outdated software
- Weak passwords
- Unsecured WiFi networks
- Lack of employee cybersecurity training
- No data backups
- Not using multi-factor authentication
- Disregarding mobile security
- The presence of Shadow IT
- Lacking an incident response plan
Regularly performing risk assessments is the best way to identify hidden or potential risks. Your IT provider or internal IT team should perform these assessments quarterly or following a significant change in your business (i.e., moving office locations or a major IT project).
After the assessment, your IT provider or IT team should present the results, the potential risks, and solutions for addressing them. Your provider or team should be able to communicate the results and possible action plans clearly.
The following assessments should show overall improvement.
In addition, your IT provider or team should follow a cybersecurity framework like CIS or NIST. If they are not, your system is experiencing unnecessary and preventable risks, which may indicate that your IT partnership is not working as well as it should.
WEBIT Services believes knowledge is power, so it is passionate about cybersecurity education and IT strategy.
If you're ready to discuss security frameworks and risk assessments for your business, schedule a free 30-minute consultation with WEBIT.
If you're not ready to talk to our team of experts, we recommend the following articles on cybersecurity:
- Cybersecurity Risk Levels: Where do you draw the line?
- CIS and NIST | How frameworks affect cybersecurity
- Can IT Providers Create Zero IT Risks?
