Cybersecurity is a critical concern for small businesses, as they are increasingly targeted by hackers seeking to exploit vulnerabilities in their networks and gain unauthorised access to valuable data. In this blog post, we will explore the most vulnerable cybersecurity points in small businesses and provide simple strategies to combat them effectively. We will also refer to relevant CIS Controls and NIST Framework categories to ensure comprehensive coverage. Let’s dive in!
1. Lack of Employee Awareness
One of the primary points of failure is the lack of employee awareness. Hackers often exploit human vulnerabilities through social engineering and phishing attacks.
How to combat: Conduct regular cybersecurity training sessions for employees, focusing on identifying and reporting suspicious activities.
CIS Control: CIS Control 17 – Security Awareness and Training
NIST Framework Category: Identify (Training, Awareness, and Education)
2. Weak Passwords
Weak passwords provide an easy entry point for hackers into company networks and Microsoft Office accounts.
How to combat: Implement a strong password policy, including complex and unique passwords, and encourage the use of password managers and multi-factor authentication (MFA).
CIS Control: CIS Control 5 – Secure Configuration for Hardware and Software
NIST Framework Category: Protect (Identity Management and Access Control)
3. Outdated Software and Systems
Failing to keep software and systems up to date exposes small businesses to known vulnerabilities that can be exploited by hackers.
How to combat: Regularly update software and systems with the latest security patches and utilise patch management tools.
CIS Control: CIS Control 3 – Continuous Vulnerability Management
NIST Framework Category: Protect (Maintenance)
4. Inadequate Data Backup and Recovery
Lack of proper data backup and recovery mechanisms can result in irreversible data loss or disruptions in business operations.
How to combat: Establish a regular backup schedule for critical data, store backups securely, and test restoration processes periodically.
CIS Control: CIS Control 10 – Data Recovery Capabilities
NIST Framework Category: Respond (Response Planning)
5. Insufficient Network Security
Inadequate network security allows unauthorised access to company networks, leading to data breaches and unauthorised use of resources.
How to combat: Install and configure firewalls, implement intrusion detection systems, and use secure Wi-Fi encryption protocols.
CIS Control: CIS Control 9 – Limitation and Control of Network Ports, Protocols, and Services
NIST Framework Category: Protect (Access Control)
6. Unsecured Mobile Devices
Unsecured mobile devices pose a significant risk as they can serve as entry points for hackers or result in data leakage.
How to combat: Implement mobile device management (MDM) solutions, enforce encryption and screen lock passcodes, and encourage regular updates.
CIS Control: CIS Control 1 – Inventory and Control of Hardware Assets
NIST Framework Category: Protect (Mobile Devices)
7. Lack of Security Policies and Procedures
Absence of well-defined security policies and procedures leaves room for confusion and inadequate protection measures.
How to combat: Develop clear cybersecurity policies, including guidelines for technology use, password management, and incident response.
CIS Control: CIS Control 1 – Inventory and Control of Hardware Assets, CIS Control 12 – Boundary Defense
NIST Framework Category: Identify (Governance) and Protect (Policies and Procedures)
8. Third-Party Risks
Small businesses often collaborate with third-party vendors, and a breach in their systems can lead to compromise within the business network.
How to combat: Perform due diligence before partnering with third parties, include security requirements in contracts, and regularly assess their security practices.
CIS Control: CIS Control 4 – Controlled Use of Administrative Privileges
NIST Framework Category: Identify (Risk Assessment) and Protect (Third-Party Management)
9. Social Engineering Attacks
Hackers exploit human psychology to manipulate employees into disclosing sensitive information or performing unauthorised actions.
How to combat: Train employees to recognise and report social engineering attempts, and implement email filtering and anti-phishing solutions.
CIS Control: CIS Control 17 – Security Awareness and Training
NIST Framework Category: Identify (Training, Awareness, and Education)
10. Physical Security
Often overlooked, physical security can have a significant impact on cybersecurity. Unauthorised physical access can compromise network infrastructure and data.
How to combat: Control physical access to company premises, use video surveillance and access control systems, and regularly review and update physical security measures.
CIS Control: CIS Control 2 – Inventory and Control of Software Assets
NIST Framework Category: Protect (Physical Protection)
In summary…
Small businesses must recognise and address the vulnerable points in their cybersecurity defences to protect their company networks and Microsoft Office data. By implementing the simple strategies outlined above and referring to relevant CIS Controls and NIST Framework categories, businesses can significantly enhance their cybersecurity posture. Safeguarding sensitive information and maintaining the trust of customers and partners should always be a top priority in the digital landscape.
Further information on 3rd Party Risks
Third-party risks are relevant to all types of businesses that rely on external vendors, suppliers, contractors, or service providers. Here, we will discuss the potential third-party risks that normal businesses may encounter:
Data Breaches
When a third-party vendor or service provider has access to sensitive business data, there is a risk of a data breach. If the vendor’s security measures are insufficient or compromised, it can lead to unauthorized access, data theft, or exposure of sensitive information.
Example: A payroll processing company that handles employee salary data for a business experiences a data breach, resulting in the theft of personal information such as Social Security numbers and bank account details.
Mitigation:
- Conduct due diligence: Evaluate the security practices and track record of third-party vendors before entering into agreements with them.
- Include security requirements in contracts: Specify the security standards and protocols that the third party must adhere to.
- Regularly assess vendors: Perform periodic security assessments to ensure compliance with agreed-upon security measures.
Supply Chain Vulnerabilities
A business’s supply chain involves multiple vendors and suppliers, and any weak link in the chain can expose the business to various risks. Malicious actors may target suppliers to gain unauthorized access to a business’s systems or compromise the integrity of the supply chain.
Example: A manufacturing business relies on a supplier for critical components. If the supplier’s systems are compromised, it could result in the delivery of tampered or malicious components, leading to product quality issues or compromised security.
Mitigation:
- Risk assessment: Identify critical suppliers and assess their security practices.
- Establish security requirements: Include security clauses in contracts with suppliers, specifying their responsibilities and expected security standards.
- Monitor and audit: Regularly review and audit suppliers’ security practices to ensure compliance.
Business Disruption
Dependence on third-party service providers can introduce the risk of business disruption. If a critical vendor experiences an outage, service interruption, or goes out of business, it can directly impact a business’s operations, leading to financial loss, customer dissatisfaction, and reputational damage.
Example: A marketing agency outsources its web hosting and content delivery to a third-party provider. If the provider experiences prolonged downtime or goes bankrupt, the agency’s website and online presence could be severely affected, impacting customer engagement and revenue generation.
Mitigation:
- Continuity planning: Develop a business continuity plan that considers the potential failure or disruption of third-party services.
- Redundancy and backups: Maintain redundant systems or backup options for critical services to ensure continuity.
- Contractual agreements: Include provisions in contracts that address service level agreements (SLAs), uptime guarantees, and alternative arrangements in the event of service disruptions.
In conclusion, third-party risks are a concern for all businesses, regardless of their nature. By proactively assessing and managing these risks, businesses can protect their data, secure their supply chains, and mitigate the potential impact of service disruptions, ensuring the smooth functioning of their operations.