Cybersecurity Blind Spots

Common Mistakes That Leave Your Business Open to Attack

In 2023, South Africa saw a 22% increase in cyberattacks, with small to medium enterprises (SMEs) bearing the brunt of the damage. As cyber threats continue to evolve, organisations and consumers must remain vigilant. Even small oversights in cybersecurity best practices can leave us all dangerously exposed.

Steven Maier, Chief Brand Officer at Amplifin, states, “The rise in cyberattacks has made it clear that no organisation is too small to be targeted. SMEs are especially vulnerable because they often don’t have the same resources for cybersecurity as larger companies or are slower to adopt the available security measures. But simple steps can make a big difference.”

Common Cybersecurity Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Falling for Phishing Scams

Phishing remains one of the most prevalent and damaging forms of cyberattacks. Cybercriminals trick users into clicking on fraudulent links that mimic real businesses or services, potentially compromising accounts, stealing data, or deploying ransomware.

Maier explains, “Phishing scams have become so sophisticated that they can be hard to spot, even for trained professionals. It is crucial for businesses and individuals to stay cautious when dealing with unexpected emails or links.”

How to avoid it:

• Always verify the sender's email address before clicking on any links. Even small differences in spelling, like “support@amplfin.co.za” instead of “support@amplifin.co.za,” can indicate a scam.
• Hover over hyperlinks to ensure the link matches the legitimate domain, e.g., “amplifin.co.za” rather than a suspicious variation.
• Use spam filters and security tools, but don’t rely solely on them.
• If something feels off, double-check before you act.

Using Weak Passwords and Lacking Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Weak passwords and using the same password across multiple accounts leave individuals and businesses vulnerable to brute force attacks and data breaches.

Rijan Venter, Network Security Engineer at Amplifin, stresses, “A strong password combined with multi-factor authentication can provide a critical extra layer of security. In many cases, it’s the difference between a hacker breaking in or being stopped in their tracks.”

How to avoid it:

• Create strong, unique passwords for each account.
• Use a password manager to generate and store secure passwords.
• Enable MFA wherever possible.
• Avoid saving passwords in your internet browser and do not store passwords on shared devices.
• Change passwords regularly to mitigate exposure from potential breaches.
• Avoid writing passwords on sticky notes or saving them in easily accessible Word documents.

Maier adds, “At Amplifin, we have implemented enhanced MFA features for all our users to ensure sensitive accounts are well-protected.”

Inadequate Device Protection

Failing to secure devices with appropriate software leaves them vulnerable to malware and other threats. Outdated operating systems and inadequate antivirus measures are akin to leaving your door unlocked for cybercriminals.

Venter notes, “Outdated software and poor device security are major vulnerabilities.”

How to avoid it:

• Keep all devices protected with up-to-date antivirus software.
• Install and configure firewalls to filter unwanted traffic.
• Continuously update security measures to address emerging vulnerabilities.
• Set Windows or iOS settings to automatically update the operating system for the latest security patches.

Oversharing Personal Information on Social Media

Cybercriminals scour social platforms to gather personal details and launch targeted phishing attacks. Personal information such as a pet’s name or your location could be used to guess passwords or answer security questions.

Maier warns, “Attackers can use seemingly harmless details shared online to exploit security gaps.”

How to avoid it:

• Be mindful of what you share. Details like your date of birth or location can be exploited.
• Adjust privacy settings and limit the audience for personal posts.

Building a Culture of Cybersecurity Awareness

Maier emphasises, “At Amplifin, we provide continuous training and regular reminders to our employees about the importance of privacy and secure practices in the workplace and at home.”

Tackling Cybersecurity Threats Head-On

Businesses should consider regular external security training to keep employees informed about the latest threats.

“Cybersecurity is not a one-time effort,” says Venter. “It requires continuous monitoring and updates. We encourage regular vulnerability checks and audits to stay ahead of potential threats.”

Integrating AI-driven tools to detect unusual behaviour in real-time can help businesses catch threats early. “AI is becoming increasingly valuable in detecting threats,” Venter adds.

Maier concludes, “By understanding common threats and implementing strong security measures, every individual and business can significantly lower the risk of falling victim to a cyberattack.” Staying vigilant and prioritising cybersecurity helps businesses reduce their risk in an ever-evolving digital landscape.

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Cybersecurity Blind Spots: Common Mistakes That Leave Your Business Open to AttackDid you know that weak passwords and phishing scams are still major threats in 2024? Amplifin shares tips on staying secure.

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