5 security errors small businesses tend to overlook (and how to avoid them)

If you're running a business, you must already be well aware that there is no dearth of thieves out there waiting to steal your precious data. While large businesses can afford to invest in expensive security measures, it is small businesses and startups that fall prey to cybercrime. If you're worried about your startup's security, check out these common security mistakes you might be making and how to avoid them:

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Allowing the usage of too many personal devices

When an employee is working with an organisation, he or she tends to download a lot of important files on their smart phone and work on the go. While this does make completing a task a lot easier, what companies don't realise is that when that particular employee leaves the organization, they still have the important data on their phone which they or their associates can access indefinitely. The solution to this is to allow employees to take the company laptops with them and provide a source of internet which they can use even when on the move.

Not positioning cameras correctly

Security cameras are a boon and every startup must install them. Make sure that while installing, there is nothing blocking the view of the camera. Also, fix them in such a place where the cameras are not exposed to sunlight, moisture, or bad weather in order to avoid any damage to them. It is best to get the company you're buying the cameras from to install them so that they are put up in optimal locations.

Creating poor passwords

The main reason cybercrime exists in the first place is because companies have poor password management skills. Employees aren't very careful about whom they reveal their password to or they end up creating very predictable passwords. A lot of coworkers share login credentials internally, which compromises corporate cyber security to a great extent. Make sure all your employees are briefed repeatedly about good password policy to avoid security blunders.

Not having a strong exit protocol

Companies should make it mandatory for all those leaving the organisation to hand over whatever confidential data they have stored on their laptops, mobile phones, and other personal devices. This is especially important for startups which employ a lot of part-time and contract-based employees. If need be, employees should be made to sign a legal form which states that they would not reveal details like the account information of a client which will risk the security of the client as well as the company.

Logging onto unknown networks

Insecure and unknown networks can create major security issues for your startup if your employees are used to constantly logging on to them. Public Wi-Fi networks can bare your company's confidential client data to electronic eavesdroppers. This is especially problematic if your employees are used to brining their own gadgets to work. This can be avoided by providing a VPN network to employees who work on their personal devices.

Make sure you don't compromise on your startup's security and protection measures as one wrong move can cost your budding company a fortune. Take note of these common mistakes and work on rectifying them on an urgent basis.