5 Cybersecurity Mistakes Small Businesses Make (and How to Fix Them)

When you're running a small business, cybersecurity might not always be top of mind. But the truth is, small businesses are increasingly being targeted by cybercriminals — not because they're high-profile, but because they're often under-protected. Fortunately, improving your cybersecurity posture doesn’t have to be expensive or complex. It starts by avoiding these five common mistakes.

1. Thinking "We're Too Small to Be a Target"

The Mistake: Many small business owners believe cybercriminals and hackers only go after big companies. In reality, small businesses are often seen as easier targets with valuable data and weaker defenses. Cybercriminals know that small businesses have less technical defenses and their employees are often not trained well enough to recognize and respond to social engineering attempts and system breaches.

How to Fix It: Treat cybersecurity as a business essential. Just like locks on your doors and windows, your digital systems and your employees need protection too.

2. Not Training Employees on Cybersecurity Basics

The Mistake: Most breaches happen because of human error — like clicking on a phishing email, responding to a scam text, using weak passwords, or getting duped into disclosing sensitive info via the phone.

How to Fix It: Invest in regular, in-person training that teaches your team how to recognize threats, avoid mistakes, and respond confidently.

3. Relying Only on Antivirus Software

The Mistake: While antivirus software is helpful, it's not a full security strategy.

How to Fix It: Combine technical tools with employee awareness, secure configuration of your systems, and regular checkups. With the right kind of in-person training, these basic cybersecurity tasks can in fact be performed by employees. IT expertise is rarely needed when employees are trained.

4. Ignoring Device and Network Settings

The Mistake: Default settings on routers, firewalls, and Wi-Fi networks often leave doors open for attackers.

How to Fix It: Practically all security settings on routers, firewalls, and Wi-Fi networks can be managed and maintained by employees who are properly trained. No college degree is needed. It's a skill that can easily be taught.

5. Having No Cybersecurity Policy in Place

The Mistake: Without clear policies, employees are left to guess what's safe and what's not.

How to Fix It: Create simple, clear cybersecurity guidelines. Outline what to do (and not do) when handling email, passwords, data, and devices.

Our Final Thought:

Cybersecurity doesn't have to be overwhelming. With a few smart changes and a focus on training your people, you can build a culture of security that protects your business.

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