Mistakes growing companies make - and how to avoid them
Did you know that, according to GOV UK, UK businesses have experienced approximately 7.78 million cyber crimes in the last 12 months? These figures underscore a stark reality: cyber threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and growing businesses are often prime targets.
As your company expands, so does its attack surface. But don’t worry — by understanding common cybersecurity mistakes, you can take proactive steps to safeguard your business. Let’s dive into the top 5 mistakes growing companies make and how to avoid them.
1. Neglecting Regular Software Updates
Outdated software is one of the most common entry points for cybercriminals. Unpatched systems and software vulnerabilities can expose your company to ransomware, data breaches, and other attacks.
How to Avoid It:
• Implement a system for automatic updates for all software and operating systems.
• Regularly audit your IT infrastructure to ensure nothing is overlooked.
2. Weak Password Practices
Using weak or reused passwords is like leaving your doors unlocked for cybercriminals. As companies grow, the number of users and accounts increases, magnifying the risks.
How to Avoid It:
• Enforce strong password policies (e.g., at least 12 characters with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols).
• Use a password manager to securely generate and store passwords.
• Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible.
3. Overlooking Employee Training
Your employees are your first line of defence — or your weakest link. Many cyberattacks, such as phishing, succeed because employees are unaware of what to look out for.
How to Avoid It:
• Conduct regular cybersecurity awareness training to educate your team about common threats and how to respond.
• Simulate phishing attacks to test and improve employee vigilance.
4. Insufficient Data Backup Practices
Data loss due to cyberattacks, accidental deletions, or system failures can be devastating. Without reliable backups, recovering from such incidents can be costly and time-consuming.
How to Avoid It:
• Implement a 3-2-1 backup strategy: three copies of your data, on two different media types, with one stored offsite.
• Test your backups regularly to ensure they can be restored quickly and effectively.
5. Ignoring Cybersecurity Planning and Monitoring
Many growing companies lack a formal cybersecurity strategy, leaving them reactive instead of proactive. Without constant monitoring, threats can go undetected until it’s too late.
How to Avoid It:
• Develop a comprehensive cybersecurity plan tailored to your business.
• Invest in real-time monitoring tools to detect and respond to threats quickly.
• Consider partnering with experts like Secure Chain Group to assess vulnerabilities and strengthen your defences.
Bottom Line:
Growing companies face unique cybersecurity challenges, but these mistakes are entirely avoidable with the right approach. By staying proactive, investing in employee training, and leveraging expert support, you can protect your business from costly cyber threats.
At Secure Chain Group, we specialise in providing robust cybersecurity solutions tailored to your business needs. Don’t wait for a breach to take action.
