Most businesses today have an online presence in some capacity, be it front-facing or otherwise. Even the smallest of businesses have at least a few online accounts. Unfortunately, according to a report by Verizon, roughly 46% of cyber attacks and breaches impact companies with fewer than 1,000 employees. It can be easy to believe that your small size makes you less of a target, but that isn't the case. Understanding how to prevent potential mistakes with cyber security is essential for a small business owner or entrepreneur today. That said, there's a lot more to it than simply running antivirus software and changing passwords. Here are a few mistakes small business owners make with cyber security that you might not have considered.

1. Forgetting to Make Backups

Whether you're running an eCommerce store online or have a massive email list and online website, making backups of your creations is imperative as a business owner. Small businesses that don't make adequate backups of their websites or online stores are exposing their resources to unnecessary vulnerabilities over time. There's a chance of losing a working copy of your website if new updates cause the website's layout or framework to break or stop responding appropriately.

2. Skipping Software Updates

Another major issue that impacts small businesses and small business owners much more than high-level corporate leaders is a lack of software updates. For most large businesses, encryption and data protection are already in place. However, this isn't the case for smaller companies and organizations. Avoiding software updates or choosing to ignore them can quickly spell disaster if your business becomes a target of potential hackers and digital thieves.

3. Not Turning to the Pros

Even if you have a bit of experience with cyber security, turning to a small business IT service is highly recommended. Working together with a small business IT service specializing in cybersecurity is a way to spend more time focusing on what matters most for your business. With the help of professionals, it's also much easier to maintain your peace of mind while going on with your business.

From hiring a small business IT service to helping onboard cyber security experts, turning to professionals is highly advisable for any small business owner. Give us a call at ESI today to learn more about the all-inclusive IT support services.