As we know by now, cyber threats are evolving at a rapid pace, but the truth is, majority of the time, the most damaging breaches come down to simple, avoidable mistakes. From weak passwords to outdated security software, oversights in IT security can leave the door wide open for cybercriminals.
Throughout this blog, we’ll unpack the most common cyber security mistakes that small and medium businesses make and share practical steps to avoid them.
1. Weak or Recycled Passwords
If your staff are still relying on “Password123” or reusing the same login details across multiple accounts, you’ve got a problem. We all know the ‘never use the same password twice’ rule, but many people don’t follow it, which can be very risky within a company. Password breaches are one of the most common causes of data breaches.
How to avoid it – Use a password manager, enforce strong password policies, and encourage unique, complex passwords for every system.
2. Skipping Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
While we’re on the topic of passwords, even strong passwords can be stolen. Without MFA, attackers who compromise login details have a free pass into your systems. We understand some people may find it inconvenient to have MFA, but when it comes to the safety and protection of your data, it’s a vital component to have.
How to avoid it – Enable MFA on all your critical systems – email, accounting software, cloud apps, and especially Microsoft 365.
3. Delayed Software Updates or Patching Gaps
Unpatched/outdated software is like leaving your front door unlocked for cybercriminals to come on in. Hackers will exploit known vulnerabilities in outdated systems.
How to avoid it – Create a regular patch management process or work with your IT provider to ensure updates are applied quickly and consistently.
4. No Clear Onboarding or Offboarding Process
Former employees who haven’t been offboarded properly may have lingering access to company systems, which poses a major risk. Without structured processes in place, you risk unauthorised access from previous team members.
How to avoid it – Implement clear onboarding and offboarding checklists. Ensure user accounts are created securely and removed promptly when staff leave.
5. Overreliance on Outdated Antivirus Programs
Basic antivirus isn’t enough in today’s threat landscape. Modern attacks use phishing, ransomware, and identity compromise tactics that traditional tools may miss.
How to avoid it – Use next-generation security solutions that include threat detection, endpoint monitoring, and proactive response.
6. Lack of Staff Cyber Security Training
Your staff are the first line of defence. Without cyber security awareness training – phishing emails, malicious links, and social engineering attacks are far more likely to succeed.
How to avoid it – It’s important to invest in staff IT training to build awareness and practical skills. Regular, bite-sized sessions are more effective than a once-a-year workshop. (But even a once-a-year workshop is better than nothing!)
7. Not Testing Backup and Recovery Systems
Many businesses assume their backups are working – only to find out too late that files can’t be restored. If you’re reading this and are now silently panicking about whether yours are working, we suggest you check!
How to avoid it – Regularly test your backup and recovery process. Confirm that files, emails, and systems can be restored quickly in a real-world scenario.
Conclusion & Call to Action
Cyber security isn’t just about advanced tools – it’s about avoiding the simple mistakes that leave your business exposed. By strengthening your defences with the right policies, training, and IT support, you can dramatically reduce your risk.
If any of the points in this blog sound familiar, now is the time to do something about it; don’t wait for a breach to happen. Reach out to our team for a cyber security assessment, and let’s strengthen your defences together.
