Cybersecurity is a crucial aspect of business in today’s world. And while there are many things you can do to protect your business from being hacked, one of the most important is to understand how your employees might be inadvertently putting your data at risk.
Researchers have found as much as 88% of data breaches are caused by an employee error, and some studies put the number at a whopping 95%. Additionally, almost 50% of employees feel they are “very” or “pretty” certain they have committed an error at work that could have caused security issues for their company.
If you want to try to prevent some of the breaches caused by employee error, educating yourself and the people who work with you is a great first step. That’s why we put together a list of common cybersecurity mistakes we see employees make and what you can do to prevent them.
Neglecting software updates
Hardware and software updates can be pesky and annoying for busy employees who are trying to get their work done. But they are essential when it comes to cybersecurity. Make sure your employees complete all updates in a timely manner.
Weak passwords
While it seems like users are more aware than ever of the importance of a secure password, you would be amazed at how many people still have very weak ones. Encourage employees to use secure passwords by implementing password requirements that decrease your cybersecurity risk.
Clicking links
Links in a seemingly innocent email or on a website are one of the top security risks for business owners. Make sure your employees are up-to-date in their knowledge of when a link is safe and when it is not.
Mistakes handling data
Whether sending information to the wrong person, having access to data that isn’t necessary to their role, or accidentally deleting or downloading sensitive data, employees have made some mistakes in handling data that have cost their companies a lot of money. Always encourage employees to double-check everything they send out, and make sure they only have access to data they need to do their job.
Using shared wifi
Unsecured and open wifi networks at coffee shops, airports, and hotels are prime locations for hackers to find and access data that would otherwise be secure. Help employees with this by ensuring they use a company-authorized VPN when they are on an unsecured network.
At the end of the day, a lack of knowledge leads to most of the employee mistakes that are a cybersecurity risk for their companies. That’s why so many businesses turn to experts at a firm like FullScope IT to handle their cybersecurity needs.Make sure your business is protected from cybercrime. Contact us to schedule a free consultation today!
