Don’t Be the Easy Target: Top Cybersecurity Mistakes Companies Make (and How to Avoid Them)

The key to staying ahead of cyber threats is a proactive approach. This means going beyond basic security measures and implementing strategies that actively hunt for and neutralize threats before they can cause damage. 

But before we dive into advanced threat-hunting tactics, let’s address some fundamental cybersecurity mistakes that can leave your organization vulnerable.

 

Many businesses mistakenly assume they’re not a target for cyberattacks. This false sense of security can be dangerous. Every organization, regardless of size or industry, possesses valuable data that attackers seek. It could be customer information, intellectual property, or financial records. An attacker might not target your company specifically, but they may deploy broad phishing campaigns or exploit known vulnerabilities in widely used software, hoping to snag unsuspecting victims.

How to Avoid It: Adopt a “security-first” mentality. Assume you are a target and take steps to harden your defenses. Conduct regular security assessments, either internally or with the help of qualified security professionals. These assessments will identify and address any vulnerabilities in your systems before they can be exploited by attackers.

 

Cybersecurity is not just an IT issue; it’s a company-wide concern that requires collaboration between IT, management, and employees. When security is seen as solely an IT responsibility, it creates blind spots and leaves the organization exposed. IT may not be aware of all the data that must be protected, and employees may not understand the security implications of their everyday actions.

How to Avoid It: Foster a culture of cybersecurity awareness within your organization. Provide regular security training for all employees, educating them on common threats and best practices for protecting sensitive information. Training should be engaging and relevant to employee roles. For instance, marketing teams might need training on identifying phishing emails, whereas finance teams might need training on data security best practices. Empower employees to report suspicious activity—they are often the first line of defense against cyberattacks. Make it easy for them to report suspicious emails, phone calls, or website activity, and investigate all reported incidents.

 

Many companies fail to properly understand and maintain their network infrastructure, leading to weaknesses such as outdated software, unpatched vulnerabilities, and a lack of visibility into network activity. Outdated software often contains known security vulnerabilities that can easily be exploited. Unpatched vulnerabilities act as holes in your defenses, allowing attackers easy access to your network. A lack of visibility into network activity makes it difficult to detect suspicious activity and identify potential threats.

How to Avoid It: Develop a comprehensive network security strategy that regularly scans for vulnerabilities, patches outdated software, and implements network segmentation to limit the spread of an attack. Vulnerability scans should be conducted frequently to identify weaknesses in your systems. Patching outdated software should be a priority, and automated patching solutions can help ensure that software is always up to date. Network segmentation divides your network into smaller zones, which can help contain an attack if it does occur. Utilize security information and event management (SIEM) tools to gain real-time visibility into network activity and identify potential threats. SIEM tools collect data from various security devices and applications, allowing for a holistic view of your network activity and identifying any anomalies that might indicate an attack.

 

Although antivirus software is an essential component of any cybersecurity strategy, it’s not enough on its own. Modern attackers employ sophisticated techniques that can bypass traditional antivirus defenses. Antivirus software primarily focuses on identifying and blocking known malware threats. However, attackers are constantly developing new malware, and antivirus software may not be able to detect these zero-day threats.

How to Avoid It: Implement a layered security approach that includes firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS), and endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions. These tools work together to provide a more comprehensive defense against cyber threats. Firewalls act as a barrier between your network and the internet, blocking unauthorized traffic. IDS/IPS systems monitor network traffic for suspicious activity and can take action to block potential attacks. EDR solutions provide visibility into activity on your endpoints (e.g., laptops, desktops, and mobile devices) and can detect and respond to malware and other threats.

 

By addressing these common cybersecurity mistakes, you can significantly improve your organization’s security posture. However, it’s important to remember that these are just the first steps. In today’s threat landscape, a truly effective security strategy requires an approach that includes threat hunting.

 

Endpoint devices such as laptops, desktops, and mobile phones are essential tools, but they also represent significant security risks. The growing number of devices and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies expand the attack surface. Human error from social engineering attacks and unpatched software creates easy access points for attackers. Endpoint devices often store sensitive data, making data breaches a real concern. To combat these vulnerabilities, consider deploying endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions, enforcing strong passwords with multi-factor authentication (MFA), implementing application whitelisting, encrypting sensitive data, and providing regular security awareness training. By taking these steps, you can significantly improve your endpoint security posture and keep your organization safe.

 

Cipher’s xMDR offers a comprehensive extended managed detection and response (xMDR) service with advanced threat-hunting capabilities. Our security experts will work with you to identify and neutralize threats, keeping your organization safe from cyberattacks. Our xMDR solution provides 24/7 monitoring, threat detection and analysis, incident response, and ongoing threat hunting to help you stay ahead of cyber threats. 

 

Ready to learn where you have additional areas of vulnerability? Claim your complimentary Attack Surface Report for a comprehensive overview of your organization’s digital footprint from the perspective of a malicious actor.