In a rapidly evolving business environment, as companies expand, their cybersecurity risks increase as well. For busy and emerging businesses, digital security might not always be a top priority, but protecting sensitive data, securing systems, and preventing disruptions, data breaches, and incidents is crucial. In this blog, we will explore the most common mistakes made by growing businesses and how to avoid them.
A frequent error observed in expanding companies is the underestimation of insider threats. While trust within your team is valuable, it's crucial to recognize the various insider threats, including accidental ones. Malicious threats involve deliberate harm from dissatisfied employees or contractors. Accidental threats occur through errors like sending information to the wrong person. Negligent threats arise from inadequate security practices that facilitate unauthorized access by malicious entities.
MSSPs such as 4D utilise continuous monitoring and detection to proactively counter insider threats and enhance security measures like enterprise password management. This means one less concern for you!
Busy growing companies often overlook the importance of conducting vulnerability scans, which can identify potential weaknesses that attackers might exploit as entry points. These scans assess vulnerabilities in servers, workstations, software flaws, and system configurations. They are also valuable for examining wireless networks to detect rogue access points, weak authentication protocols, and encryption protocol issues.
MSSPs like 4D utilise tools such as vPenTest and Advanced Vulnerability scanning to deliver continuous automated scans and assessments.
We often observe expanding companies depending on conventional tools like firewalls and antivirus software. The problem is that these tools are unable to keep pace with modern threats and are generally outdated. It's essential to utilise the latest next-generation cybersecurity defences that continuously evolve, outsmarting attackers' strategies and techniques.
MSSPs outpace attackers' tools by employing advanced solutions such as AI-powered defences and cloud security.
Leaders of expanding companies often struggle to monitor staff activities and ensure that security protocols are consistently updated to protect the business and its assets. It's common to find businesses allowing employees to create their own passwords, which are typically easy to guess and lack strong combinations of mixed cases, random symbols, and numbers. Inadequate access controls also provide attackers with a potential entry point into the business.
Enterprise password vault solutions like Keeper and Bitwarden assist your business in managing application credentials across all platforms, storing credentials, and offering two-factor authentication with hardware-based security keys and password generators. Keeper is ideal for smaller organisations, while Bitwarden suits mid-sized businesses and teams that prefer to self-host a password manager.
Growing businesses often face numerous tasks, smaller teams, and rapid hiring, which can result in neglecting training on phishing and social engineering. This oversight can have serious consequences. Employees unfamiliar with social engineering tactics may unknowingly click on harmful links, disclose sensitive information to individuals with email addresses resembling those of colleagues, and fall for scams that jeopardise the security of your business and systems. Such incidents have occurred even in large organisations like the NHS, where phishing attacks have granted unauthorised access to private data and, in some instances, disrupted systems and records. The global impact of such vulnerabilities is evident in cases like Edward Snowden, who exposed classified NSA surveillance information to the media in 2013.
MSSPs offer not only training but also simulations to enhance staff knowledge and confidence, fostering a security-conscious culture among all employees.
Looking to ease your concerns? Here's how to bolster your cyber defences right now.
4Defence Ultimate by 4D delivers a sophisticated cybersecurity package aimed at proactive threat prevention and resilience. It features ongoing automated penetration testing, advanced vulnerability scanning, and a full suite of managed services, including endpoint protection, cloud management, and password management. Additionally, it offers email spoofing protection, human risk management, and optional 24/7 Security Operations Centre (SOC) monitoring. This solution enables businesses to remain secure, flexible, and prepared to adapt as cybersecurity threats evolve, ensuring long-term growth with strong defences.
Looking for guidance on choosing an MSSP that offers scalable and tailored security solutions as your business expands? We're here to assist you in finding the perfect fit. For more information, visit our website.