1. Delaying Software & System Updates

That “Remind Me Later” button might be more dangerous than you think. Outdated software often has known vulnerabilities that attackers can easily exploit. Keeping software up to date shouldn’t be optional; it’s essential to maintaining your system’s security.

Turn on automatic updates where possible and schedule regular check-ins to make sure everything is current. This includes operating systems, apps, plugins, and even hardware firmware.

2. Skipping Employee Security Awareness Training

Your employees are one of your greatest security assets…when they’re informed and prepared. Without the right training and awareness, even the most diligent team members can fall for phishing attempts or mishandle sensitive data.

Make training a priority; for example, set up regular training sessions or short video refreshers. Keep it simple, relevant, and consistent so staff can spot threats and know what to do. Make it industry-specific—cyber threats often look different in healthcare, finance, retail, or professional services.

RELATED: Security Awareness Training: What is it, Best Practices, & More

3. Relying on Basic Antivirus Alone

Antivirus software is only one layer of defense, but many businesses treat it like their entire security plan. Today’s cyber threats are more complex and can easily bypass basic antivirus programs. Without additional layers, like firewalls, threat detection, and more, you’re leaving major gaps in your defenses.

Look into more complete cybersecurity tools that can monitor threats in real time, block suspicious activity, and respond quickly.

4. Ignoring Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Relying on passwords alone is risky because passwords are easy to steal, guess, or leak—especially with the rise of phishing attacks and data breaches. If a hacker gets hold of login credentials, they can access your systems without raising alarms. MFAs, like Microsoft Authenticator, add a critical extra layer of protection against theft and unauthorized access. That way, if hackers bypass the first line of defense, there’s another measure to keep them at bay.

Implement it wherever possible; especially for email, remote access, and admin systems. Add MFAs to all business accounts (especially for your leadership, finance, and IT teams). It’s one of the simplest and most effective ways to stop unauthorized logins.

RELATED: Multi-Factor Authentication: Why Passwords Aren’t Enough Anymore

5. Neglecting Regular Backups

Not backing up your data (or doing it inconsistently) is a serious risk. If you’re hit with ransomware or a major system failure, you could lose critical business information permanently. Many companies find themselves unable to recover because they didn’t have usable backups when it mattered most.

Backups won’t stop a breach, but they can dramatically reduce recovery time, costs, and data loss. Use encrypted, offsite storage (like cloud backups or external drives) and test your backups regularly to make sure they work when you need them.

RELATED: Offline Backups: Pros, Cons, Best Practices, & More

6. Overlooking Third-Party Risks

Even if your internal systems are secure, your business is only as safe as the weakest link in your supply chain. A vendor or contractor with poor cybersecurity practices can become an easy entry point for attackers, giving them indirect access to your network, systems, or client data.

To reduce this risk, vet your vendors carefully. Ask how they protect data, include security standards in your contracts, and review those relationships regularly to make sure they’re still a safe choice.

7. Disregarding Regulatory Changes

Cyber regulations are tightening across industries. Failing to keep up with legal requirements like PIPEDA, GDPR, or industry-specific rules can lead to penalties, even if you’ve never been breached. Compliance is an ongoing obligation.

Stay up-to-date with your industry’s regulations. Review your policies regularly and make updates when new laws or requirements come into effect. Make sure any third-parties, partners, or vendors you work with are also in compliance to avoid potential risks or liabilities.

8. Having No Incident Response Plan (IRP)

An IRP outlines exactly how your team should act: who to notify, how to contain the damage, and how to recover. When a cyberattack hits, every second counts. But if your team doesn’t have a plan, panic and confusion will delay your response—and that delay can worsen the damage. Without an IRP, businesses often fumble through the crisis, unsure of who’s responsible for what, or how to contain the breach.

The best time to plan for a cyberattack is before it happens. Create a checklist for your team to follow during a breach. Practice the plan so everyone knows their role and can respond quickly, reducing stress and confusion in a real event. Test your IRP annually and update it based on new threats.

RELATED: Are You Prepared for a Data Breach? The Ultimate Incident Response Plan Checklist

9. Assuming “It Won’t Happen to Us”

Today’s cyber threats don’t just target large corporations. Small and mid-sized businesses are often seen as easier entry points. With limited resources, preparation becomes even more important to reduce risk and respond effectively if an attack happens.

Take cybersecurity seriously, no matter your size. Prevention doesn’t have to be expensive, but it does need to be intentional.

And make sure you take the time to learn what actually counts as a breach. It’s not always a hacker in your system—breaches can happen in ways you might not expect. A lost device or file, a software glitch, even a careless or malicious employee can all expose sensitive data. Not all breaches are digital, and not all are obvious.

RELATED: 16 Essential Cybersecurity Tips For Every SMB

10. Underestimating Cyber Insurance

Even the most secure organizations can fall victim to cybercrime. Cyber Insurance doesn’t just help cover the financial costs of a breach, it also gives you access to legal, forensic, and crisis management experts when you need them most.

Speak with a broker like PROLINK who understands your industry and can walk you through the right coverage.

RELATED: All About Cyber Insurance: What is it, What’s Covered, and Why Do You Need it?

Avoiding these pitfalls could save your business time, money, and its reputation.