While cyber threats are growing in sophistication, many organisations are still making simple, avoidable mistakes that put their data, finances, and reputation at serious risk.
The good news? The UK government-backed Cyber Essentials certification is designed to protect businesses just like yours from the most common types of cyber attacks. At 101 Data Solutions, we help organisations navigate this process quickly and efficiently through our partnership with CyberSmart.
Here are five cybersecurity mistakes we see far too often and how Cyber Essentials can help you avoid them.
Weak Passwords and Poor Access Controls
The mistake:
Using default, weak, or reused passwords is one of the easiest ways for attackers to gain access to your systems. Too often, businesses fail to enforce strong password policies or allow users to share credentials across accounts.
How Cyber Essentials helps:
Cyber Essentials requires businesses to implement secure password policies and restrict access to systems only to those who need it. You’ll be encouraged to use strong passwords, implement multi-factor authentication (MFA), and regularly review user permissions.
Failing to Keep Software and Devices Up to Date
The mistake:
Unpatched software is like leaving the front door open to your business. Attackers actively exploit outdated operating systems, apps, and firmware to gain entry and steal data.
How Cyber Essentials helps:
Certification requires all devices and software to be kept up to date with security patches. Businesses must establish a process for regularly checking and applying updates something that’s often overlooked without a structured approach.
Lack of Firewalls and Secure Network Configuration
The mistake:
Many SMEs still use poorly configured routers or networks, exposing their systems to external threats. Without a properly configured firewall, it’s easy for cybercriminals to exploit open ports and insecure connections.
How Cyber Essentials helps:
You’ll need to demonstrate that your internet-facing services are protected by firewalls and that your internal network is securely segmented and configured.
Unsafe Use of Personal Devices (BYOD)
The mistake:
In today’s flexible working world, employees often use personal devices to access company data but without proper controls, this creates major security gaps.
How Cyber Essentials helps:
The scheme applies to all devices used for business purposes. It ensures that mobile phones, laptops, and tablets meet minimum security standards, regardless of who owns them.
Falling Victim to Phishing Attacks
The mistake:
Phishing remains one of the most common and successful forms of attack. A single click on a malicious link can compromise your entire system.
How Cyber Essentials helps:
While Cyber Essentials doesn’t replace employee training, it does ensure your systems are better protected if a phishing attempt is successful. Secure configuration, patch management, and user access control reduce the damage attackers can do.
The Bottom Line: Cybersecurity Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated
Many organisations believe cybersecurity is complex, costly, or only for large enterprises but that’s not true.
Cyber Essentials is designed for businesses just like yours. It’s a simple, affordable way to protect against 80% of common cyber threats, and with 101 Data Solutions and CyberSmart, the process has never been easier.