Many business owners believe cybersecurity is highly complicated, ever-changing, and deeply technical. While there is some truth to that, the bigger problem is that many businesses are doing the wrong things—or doing the right things badly.
Here are five common cybersecurity mistakes and what to do instead.
relying only on antivirus software
Antivirus software is no longer enough. Modern threats include phishing, ransomware, business email compromise, and zero-day exploits that traditional antivirus cannot catch.
What to do instead: Deploy endpoint detection and response (EDR) alongside antivirus. EDR monitors behaviour, not just signatures, and can stop attacks in real time.
ignoring multi-factor authentication
Passwords alone are weak. Even a strong password can be stolen through phishing or data breaches. Yet many businesses still rely on passwords as their only defence.
What to do instead: Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on every email account, cloud platform, and business application. MFA blocks over 99% of account takeover attempts.
skipping staff training
Your employees are your first line of defence. If they cannot spot a phishing email, your security technology will eventually fail.
What to do instead: Conduct regular security awareness training and phishing simulations. Teach your team how to recognise suspicious emails, links, and attachments.
neglecting backups
Ransomware attackers know that businesses without backups will pay. If you cannot restore your data, you have no leverage.
What to do instead: Implement the 3-2-1 backup rule. Keep three copies of your data on two different media types, with one copy stored off-site or in the cloud. Test your restore process regularly.
treating compliance as a checkbox
POPIA and other regulations exist for a reason. Treating compliance as a paperwork exercise rather than a genuine security improvement leaves your business exposed.
What to do instead: Use compliance requirements as a framework for building real security. Document your data flows, implement access controls, and conduct regular audits.
How Solbridge helps South African businesses
At Solbridge, we help businesses avoid these common mistakes. Our approach to cybersecurity is practical, affordable, and tailored to your specific risks.
EDR deployment: We deploy and manage endpoint detection and response across your business.
MFA implementation: We help you enable multi-factor authentication across Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, and other platforms.
Security awareness training: Our team provides phishing simulations and staff training.
Backup solutions: We implement automated, immutable backups with tested recovery procedures.
POPIA compliance: We assess your current posture and help you close gaps.
Stop making these cybersecurity mistakes
Contact Solbridge today for a cybersecurity assessment. We will identify your vulnerabilities and help you build a protection strategy that works.
