Cyber ​​security risks become more and more complex every year, and businesses of all types are under attack. Despite their best efforts, many companies face significant cybersecurity challenges due to the sophisticated tactics of cybercriminals – and the tactics are getting more sophisticated. Attackers are evolving, and even well-prepared organizations can become targets. Rather than focusing on mistakes, it's important to recognize that businesses face capable adversaries. The key is to continue to adapt and strengthen defenses to stay ahead of the evolving threat landscape.

Nature is constantly evolving cyber threats it shows that it is essential to know where businesses should focus. With that in mind, I suggest we focus on three of the most common cybersecurity mistakes companies make with actionable tips to protect against them. These observations are meant to help you strengthen your defenses, which come from my own experience and emerging patterns I've observed over the course of my career.

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Mistake #1: Overcomplicating security protocols

In cybersecurity, strong security measures are essential, but overly complex protocols can paradoxically weaken an organization's security posture by pushing users toward risky solutions.

MEANING human behavior is essential to effective security design. Just as consumer products succeed through intuitive interfaces, security protocols must balance protection with usability. Evidence shows that when faced with heavy security measures, even well-intentioned employees will find shortcuts, potentially creating significant vulnerabilities.

The solution lies in human-centered security design. By implementing straightforward but effective measures that are natural to the user and implementing layered protections such as Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), organizations can achieve significant risk reduction while maintaining high user adoption rates. . This approach proves more effective than complex protocols that often fail in practical applications due to poor user compliance. Many businesses may be surprised to learn that multi-factor authentication (MFA) is very effective at preventing credential stuffing attacks that lead to account takeovers. MFA stops over 99.9% of these attacks when implemented properly.

Organizations must prioritize simplicity and user experience along with technical robustness to build resilient security systems. This means implementing security measures that work with human nature rather than against human nature – creating a framework that protects assets enabling productive work. The most effective security solutions are those that employees will use consistently, not necessarily the most technically sophisticated.

Mistake #2: Underestimating the impact of the insider threat

Focusing on external cyber threats such as ransomware or phishing seems essential. However, it's easy to miss the damage that can come from within your organization – whether intentional or accidental. In reality, human error is the root cause of most security breaches.

With attacks occurring on average every 39 seconds, cyber threats represent a serious and ongoing concern. Even with high-level training, team members are still prone to supervision, like how confused workers may accidentally share sensitive files or fall for social engineering schemes.

To mitigate insider threats, start by building trust but verifying the measures. Consider peer reviews for critical access actions, ensuring employees are not the sole gatekeepers of critical data. Another strategy is to apply behavior-based analytics to detect unusual actions. For example, if an employee who works 9 to 5 suddenly logs in at 2 a.m. from another location, that's a red flag worth investigating.

Additionally, consider deploying “spoofing scenarios”—a method known as honey potting—where you place vulnerable-looking systems or files to lure internal and external attackers. This gives you insight into how these attackers operate and where your vulnerabilities lie. Always be two steps ahead by expecting human error and intentional wrongdoing to ensure your business has the mechanisms to spot it early.

Related: Cyber ​​attacks are inevitable – Stop preparing if it happens and start preparing when it will

Mistake #3: Neglecting incident response planning

The main mistake that can make or break a company's future is failing to develop a comprehensive incident response strategy. Regardless of size or reputation, every business will eventually experience a breach. Your ability to respond effectively will determine whether you suffer long-term consequences or recover your reputation.

The preparatory phase of incident response is just as important as the actual response to a breach. I often describe it as having a digital disaster book. An attack can leave your company helpless for days or weeks without proper preparation. Effective response planning involves several essential steps:

• having accurate backups in place that are disconnected from day-to-day operations, which makes them disconnected from attackers
• making sure those backups are stored securely
• maintaining digital logs recording relevant details
• employee education on response protocols

Let's say there's a breach and you're not sure who's responsible, how they gained access, or if they're still inside your systems. You'll be left in the lurch without strong digital forensics measures. But with proper planning, you have instant backups to restore, proper logs to examine what happened, and employees who understand the proper chain of command. The attack does not go away, but its impact can be dramatically reduced.

Cybersecurity equates to a branding issue. Customers and clients have reservations about how you handle their data, and a poorly managed breach can quickly bring your company down. Conversely, companies can enhance their image by handling cybersecurity issues with competence and integrity. Your company's strategic decisions regarding cybersecurity should be informed and shaped by board-level discussion and initiative.

Anticipate the worst, but prepare for a worse situation. In this way, in the event of an incident, the response will be quick and well-organized. Treat incident response planning like a fire drill where everyone understands, practices and knows how to handle it without hesitation.

Related: 3 reasons to step up your cybersecurity protocols in 2024

Understanding the enemy

Cybersecurity is a moving target. The current risks we face will change over time and new ones will certainly emerge. Attacker tactics will become more complex in the coming years as technologies like blockchain and artificial intelligence become more common.

We must always be on the lookout, able to adapt and one step forward. Cybersecurity is about resilience. Mistakes, no matter how much you want to prevent them, will happen eventually. Disruptions can happen, but how you plan and respond to these challenges determines your success as a business leader.