How to Fix Common Data Security Mistakes

How to Fix Common Data Security Mistakes

Your favorite bagel shop may have an amazing selection of sesame, garlic, parmesan, and blueberry bagels, friendly customer service, and that quirky vibe that you love. But it may not have the much-needed security in place to protect them and you against cybercrime. The damaging effects of cyber threats like malware, phishing, and ransomware on a small business can put sensitive and personal data of employees and customers at risk — not to mention vendors and everyone in the supply chain.

In fact, 60% of small companies go out of business within six months of falling victim to a data breach or cyberattack. Small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) face the same type of cyberattacks as their larger counterparts but are more vulnerable because they often lack a robust cybersecurity infrastructure, internal security support, and technology know-how. The evolution of the digital landscape and the effects of the pandemic have unfortunately made smaller organizations the perfect target for cyber criminals. And it’s a big problem — according to the Small Business Administration, there are 32.5 million small businesses with less than 500 employees in the U.S.

A hole in a bagel is acceptable, but a security hole could be a recipe for disaster. Considering how much data a small business has that could potentially be compromised — financial information, customers’ credit or debit card numbers, personal identification numbers, passwords, or customers’ personal information (name, address) from loyalty programs — it might be time to shore up security efforts.

Eight Common Data Security Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Fortunately, common data security mistakes are easily remedied without adding headcount or much cost:

1. Treating all data equally. Often, businesses don’t know what to protect. Understanding the value of different types of data will help with a corresponding data security strategy. Once you determine your most sensitive data, encrypt it — this makes it unreadable if compromised. Many small businesses look to full-disk encryption obtained through built-in programs or third parties.

2. Setting up Wi-Fi yourself. Offering secure, reliable Wi-FI for customers can help you with repeat customers and Yelp reviews. But a poorly configured Wi-FI could provide an opening for cyber thieves. Look to experts to help you strategically plan, configure, and install the right equipment.

3. Misconfiguring a Virtual Private Network (VPN). Similarly, consult experts to help with your VPN. Traditional VPNs do not have adequate control over who or what device can connect to the network. It is often exploited because there is no standard way to set it up, operate, or distribute access. Organizations may want to look to an expert to ensure the access channel is secured to protect data and confidentiality.

4. Trying to handle security yourself. With limited people and budget, consider outsourcing security to service providers with the specialized knowledge to properly configure and keep your systems and applications safe. A trusted and experienced third party can manage this for you so that you won’t overlook some of the key security features.

5. Not prioritizing employee security training. Humans are the weakest link in cybersecurity. Most compromises are caused by a simple error such as an employee clicking on a harmful link. Training employees on good security practices, such as two-factor authentication, will go a long way to greatly reduce cyber threat risks.

6. Relying on old technology. Many companies rely on outdated, legacy systems to save costs. Legacy applications rely on older, more limited frameworks, software libraries, and operating systems, presenting more security issues. Modern applications are better integrated with newer frameworks and platforms and have built-in security features to reduce the chance of data compromise.

7. Skipping data backup. Many businesses, large and small, often overlook this critical step. A frequent backup strategy is essential, especially to protect financial data, intellectual property, source code, and email. A good plan is to start backing up your mission critical data first.

8. Forgetting software patches. Don’t leave your organization and employees vulnerable when security updates and patches are readily available for everything from operating systems to applications to devices.

Most companies don’t need a complete security overhaul. A few measured, practical steps can make a big difference in helping small businesses protect their data, systems, reputations, and livelihoods. While your favorite bagel shop may have already perfected the chewy bagel, a few adjustments to security practices may be on the menu.

Featured

  • New Report Reveals Top Trends Transforming Access Controller Technology

    Mercury Security, a provider in access control hardware and open platform solutions, has published its Trends in Access Controllers Report, based on a survey of over 450 security professionals across North America and Europe. The findings highlight the controller’s vital role in a physical access control system (PACS), where the device not only enforces access policies but also connects with readers to verify user credentials—ranging from ID badges to biometrics and mobile identities. With 72% of respondents identifying the controller as a critical or important factor in PACS design, the report underscores how the choice of controller platform has become a strategic decision for today’s security leaders. Read Now

  • Overwhelming Majority of CISOs Anticipate Surge in Cyber Attacks Over the Next Three Years

    An overwhelming 98% of chief information security officers (CISOs) expect a surge in cyber attacks over the next three years as organizations face an increasingly complex and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven digital threat landscape. This is according to new research conducted among 300 CISOs, chief information officers (CIOs), and senior IT professionals by CSC1, the leading provider of enterprise-class domain and domain name system (DNS) security. Read Now

  • ASIS International Introduces New ANSI-Approved Investigations Standard

    • Guard Services
  • Cloud Security Alliance Brings AI-Assisted Auditing to Cloud Computing

    The Cloud Security Alliance (CSA), the world’s leading organization dedicated to defining standards, certifications, and best practices to help ensure a secure cloud computing environment, today introduced an innovative addition to its suite of Security, Trust, Assurance and Risk (STAR) Registry assessments with the launch of Valid-AI-ted, an AI-powered, automated validation system. The new tool provides an automated quality check of assurance information of STAR Level 1 self-assessments using state-of-the-art LLM technology. Read Now

  • Report: Nearly 1 in 5 Healthcare Leaders Say Cyberattacks Have Impacted Patient Care

    Omega Systems, a provider of managed IT and security services, today released new research that reveals the growing impact of cybersecurity challenges on leading healthcare organizations and patient safety. According to the 2025 Healthcare IT Landscape Report, 19% of healthcare leaders say a cyberattack has already disrupted patient care, and more than half (52%) believe a fatal cyber-related incident is inevitable within the next five years. Read Now

New Products

  • FEP GameChanger

    FEP GameChanger

    Paige Datacom Solutions Introduces Important and Innovative Cabling Products GameChanger Cable, a proven and patented solution that significantly exceeds the reach of traditional category cable will now have a FEP/FEP construction.

  • Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden Door Controls has relaunched its CV-7600 card readers in response to growing market demand for a more secure alternative to standard proximity credentials that can be easily cloned. CV-7600 readers support MIFARE DESFire EV1 & EV2 encryption technology credentials, making them virtually clone-proof and highly secure.

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.