• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Red Sift Blog

Red Sift Blog
  • redsift.com
  • Featured
  • Who are we?
  • Get in touch
You are here: Home / Cybersecurity / 5 common cybersecurity mistakes to avoid

5 common cybersecurity mistakes to avoid

by Clare Holmes
January 18, 2018August 16, 2022Filed under:
  • Cybersecurity

Sometimes it’s the little things that make the biggest difference. These might seem like obvious pitfalls to swerve, but it’s scary how frequently we hear about some disaster following a really basic cybersecurity error.

1. Not regularly reviewing user access and permissions

It can feel like a never-ending job but keeping track of new joiners, leavers, job changes, and the impact this has on user management really matters. Just think of the damage a disgruntled ex-employee could do if, after heading off to a competitor, they can still access the CRM and print off a handy copy of your client list.

So start by breaking down the task into 2 steps. First, you look at who has access to what – ‘does this person really need to use this system to do their job?’ – and if the answer is yes, take a look at just how much access they have: do they need view-only or full admin rights?

Most applications these days come with the ability to support different levels of user access, so start with the priority systems and work your way down the list from there.

2. Not taking GDPR seriously

Everyone’s hitching their horse to the GDPR bandwagon and promising to get you ‘GDPR ready’ in some way or another. The danger of this of course is that it all begins to feel somewhat overwhelming, the magnitude of required change too great and so paralysis sets in. But whilst we can sympathize with a lack of GDPR enthusiasm, now it’s in place, all businesses must comply.

3. Not taking advantage of 2FA where you can

Two-factor authentication (2FA) builds on the advice in point one. It helps to layer security to make infiltration just that little bit harder for cybercriminals and make sure someone really is who they say they are.

2FA requires not only a password and username for someone to login but for verification via another means to prove it’s definitely them, this is typically done via a code or prompt on a mobile phone. Just a word of warning, advice is not to use SMS verification as it can come with its own problems.

If you’re still not convinced about robust passwords and 2FA then we have one word for you: Equifax.

4. Not doing regular pen testing

Penetration testing (pen testing for short) is where you simulate an attack on your computer network so you can effectively evaluate just how secure it is. Pen testing doesn’t have to be all about the weaknesses, such as possible entry points for unauthorized parties, but it also highlights your network’s strengths. Doing this regularly keeps you up-to-date with what you need to be keeping an eye on and what needs to be fixed as soon as possible.

5. Not deploying DMARC

DMARC is the email authentication protocol that not only gives you complete visibility into how your domains are being used (and abused!) to send emails, but most importantly helps you to lock it down so that only authorized senders can send emails using your domain. It’s an open, standard protocol, widely endorsed by email providers and government agencies alike, so there’s really no excuse for not protecting yourself against email phishing attacks.

Take the first step towards safer email today

So that’s it, our top 5 common cybersecurity mistakes to definitely avoid. If you’re wondering where to start on your journey to safer email, then why not take the first step and see how your current email security setup looks?

Use our free investigate tool to quickly and easily check the SPF, DKIM, and DMARC setup of your domain, you won’t regret it!

check email setup

Share this:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)

Related

Tagged:
  • Cybersecurity
  • Email
  • Infosec
  • Security

Post navigation

Previous Post ARC makes DMARC even better
Next Post 6 Free email tools to make your life easier

Primary Sidebar

Subscribe to our blog and be the first to get updates!

Categories

  • AI
  • BEC
  • BIMI
  • Brand Protection
  • Coronavirus
  • Cybersecurity
  • Deliverability
  • DMARC
  • DORA
  • Email
  • Finance
  • Labs
  • News
  • OnINBOX
  • Partner Program
  • Red Sift Tools
  • Work at Red Sift
  • March 2023
  • February 2023
  • January 2023
  • December 2022
  • November 2022
  • October 2022
  • September 2022
  • August 2022
  • July 2022
  • June 2022
  • May 2022
  • April 2022
  • March 2022
  • February 2022
  • January 2022
  • December 2021
  • November 2021
  • October 2021
  • September 2021
  • August 2021
  • July 2021
  • June 2021
  • May 2021
  • April 2021
  • March 2021
  • February 2021
  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • October 2016

Copyright © 2023 · Red Sift