Cybercriminals love to target small businesses—and most aren’t ready. Learn the top 5 cybersecurity mistakes small companies make and how to avoid them with practical tips. From weak passwords to missing backups, find out how to protect your business before it’s too late.
Small businesses are often the perfect target for cybercriminals—not because they’re careless, but because they’re busy. When you’re focused on serving customers, managing growth, and keeping operations running, cybersecurity often becomes an afterthought.
At TemperdTek, we see firsthand how avoidable mistakes can lead to data loss, downtime, and reputational damage. Here are the five most common cybersecurity pitfalls small businesses fall into—and how to stay ahead of them.
1. Thinking “We’re Too Small to Be Targeted”
The Reality: Cybercriminals often target small businesses because they assume you have limited protection. In fact, over 40% of all cyberattacks target small to midsize businesses.
What to Do: Understand that your data is valuable—customer records, financials, email systems, and intellectual property all have a price on the dark web. No matter your size, you’re a target.
2. Weak or Reused Passwords
The Risk: Employees using “password123” or reusing credentials across platforms leaves the door wide open for attackers. One breach can lead to access across multiple systems.
What to Do: Use a password manager and require strong, unique passwords across your organization. Combine this with Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for added protection.
3. Skipping Software Updates
The Risk: Those annoying update notifications? They often contain critical security patches. Skipping them gives hackers a known vulnerability to exploit.
What to Do: Automate updates wherever possible—for operating systems, software, and especially firewalls and endpoint protection tools.
4. No Employee Security Awareness Training
The Risk: Phishing attacks are still the #1 way businesses get breached—and they rely on employees being tricked.
What to Do: Conduct regular cybersecurity awareness training. Teach employees how to spot phishing emails, avoid suspicious downloads, and report anything unusual.
5. No Backup or Recovery Plan
The Risk: If ransomware hits and you don’t have clean, recent backups—you’re stuck. Paying the ransom isn’t a guarantee you’ll get your data back.
What to Do: Implement an automated, secure backup strategy with offsite or cloud storage. Test your recovery plan regularly so you’re not caught off guard.
✅ How TemperdTek Helps
At TemperdTek, we provide cybersecurity services tailored to the unique needs of small businesses. Whether you need a virtual CISO, secure communications platform, or a full-stack defense strategy—we make enterprise-level security accessible and affordable.
📞 Let’s Secure Your Business
If you’re not sure where to start, contact us for a cybersecurity assessment. We’ll help identify gaps, fix vulnerabilities, and give you the confidence to grow your business—securely.