5 cybersecurity mistakes startups should avoid
In today’s digital world, where all ongoing projects, records, and paperwork are on the cloud, nothing is more critical than cybersecurity to keep your business data safe. After all, hackers can steal your data at any time and from anywhere. They can misuse it as they see fit.
So, if you’re a startup owner who wants to keep their data confidential and away from prying eyes, here are five cybersecurity mistakes you must avoid.
Handing Over All IT-Related Tasks To One Person
One of the most common cybersecurity mistakes new businesses make is handing over the reins to a single IT professional. Now, you may be wondering, isn’t this the primary reason you engage an IT professional? You want them to be in charge of handling all technical matters within the company, right?. Nothing is wrong with it.
However, it might not be a good idea to give sole responsibility for security to one individual, especially if that person is unreliable and incompetent. Moreover, your competitors could also tempt your IT professional to help them find their way into your systems. Therefore, you must maintain some amount of control over security., regardless of how skilled your IT professional is.
Not Installing Firewalls
One of the most common cybersecurity mistakes startups make is not installing firewalls onto their networks, systems, and devices. After all, installing a firewall on all your business devices, including PCs, laptops, cellphones, and tablets, is the best way to guarantee that your data is secure online.
That said, your devices probably come with a built-in firewall. All you have to do is enable it, and you’re done! To know how to enable your particular operating system’s firewall, contact your IT support staff or your device manufacturer today!
Not Installing Anti-Malware Software
For personal computers, free antivirus software, such as the one included with your operating system, will be enough. Still, when trying to safeguard the data on your business PCs, it typically won’t cut it.
So, to safeguard your PCs and other devices against online data theft, think about downloading anti-malware software. However, you must download one that fulfills your cyber security needs and budget. Consider purchasing a paid anti-malware software with all the premium features needed to ensure excellent data protection.
Not Encrypting Data
Data encryption will allow you to decrease your data’s vulnerability to cybercriminals and hackers drastically. For example, data encryption combined with other cyber security measures will allow you to keep your data safe and secure even if it ends up in someone else’s hands.
In the end, it would be wise to encrypt every device that logs into the internet daily to reduce the chances of thefts and hacks.
Not Backing Up Data
This is one of those cybersecurity mistakes that companies make time and time again. When cybersecurity is compromised, having a backup of your data can save the day After all, if all of your files are backed up, you may quickly wipe your device, install a fresh copy of your operating system, and restore your files from the backups.
Wrapping Up
Although it might seem like extra effort, avoiding cybersecurity mistakes by spending time and money on the latest security measures can do wonders for your business. Doing so will allow your employees and customers to benefit from a workplace with high levels of security. Trust us. They will thank you for going the extra mile!
By Dr. Divine S. Anye PhD, DSc, CFIP Cybersecurity, AI, Digital Transformation Strategist
