Just like Information Technology, cybersecurity threats are evolving every day. No matter how much changes, the most common cybersecurity gaps in your company’s security are often the most exploited by hackers.
To help circumvent these issues we have compiled the Top 4 Cybersecurity Gaps of 2020. Knowledge is power and strong security awareness policies will not only reduce the risk of cyber threats at your organization but prevent major headaches for you and your staff later down the road.
1. Weak Password Requirements
Many companies have some sort of password policy in place, but for some, it can be weak. A perfect example of this would be following the standard of a capital letter, number, and special character with a password like Hello1!.
The password Hello1! fits all the requirements of the policy but is still considered a very weak password. This lack of password complexity not only leaves your network vulnerable but can lead to major financial issues and headaches down the road when your network is compromised.
To learn more about password management check out our guide that explains the Top 7 Best Practices for Password Management and implement each of these best practices in your organization.
2. Lack of a Well-Defined Incident Response Plan
If you were hit by a natural disaster right now would you and your staff know what to do? What if your office lost its power? What if your network is compromised? What happens if your computers are damaged? If your answer is, no idea to these questions then your organization is not only vulnerable to having your data breached but having your data lost as well.
To avoid this issue, you need to come up with and implement a well thought out and regularly practiced incident response plan. In this plan you need to define and document the responsibilities and roles, have a continuity plan, and communicate with your entire organization the recovery and response processes.
3. Poor Security Awareness In Your Organization
Security awareness must be adopted by your entire organization. Not doing so will not only contribute to poor or nearly nonexistent practices amongst your staff but can also guarantee disaster when any issues arise.
The solution to this is to create a security awareness program. In order to accomplish this, you need to engage your entire organization early on, to ensure they understand what is at stake. Equally important is to define and assign roles to ensure that your security awareness program is an integral part of your organization.
4. Uneducated or Careless Employees
Verizon’s 2020 Data Breach Investigation report shows that up to 17% of information security breaches are caused by human error. These common errors include:
- Easy-to-guess passwords
- Reusing passwords
- Lost or stolen devices
- Accidental disclosure of information over email
- Clicking phishing links
- Leaving computers unattended and/or unlocked
Educating your staff is critical in keeping your company’s data safe. Additionally, utilizing automated safety precautions such as network access rules, access and identity management, and password management.
How We Can Help
Staying ahead of the curve when it comes to the cybersecurity gaps in your company is never easy. With Information Technology and Cybersecurity changing every second of each day it can feel overwhelming. Where do you even start? Fortunately, the Spry Squared team has the knowledge and experience to help. We are on the front-line of innovations and trends that are essential to the security and success of your business.
No question is too small, so we invite you to schedule a quick call with us to learn how we can help your organization stay ahead of the curve when it comes to cybersecurity.
