Cybersecurity isn’t rocket science — but it does demand discipline. In my work, I see the same mistakes over and over again. They’re simple, preventable, and costly. The good news? They’re also fixable.
Here are the top five offenders and how to get ahead of them.
1. Weak or Reused Passwords
The problem: People still lean on “123456” or reuse the same password across 10 accounts. Attackers love this.
The fix: Use a password manager and enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) everywhere it’s offered.
2. Ignoring Updates and Patches
The problem: That little “remind me later” button gets clicked… and suddenly, a known vulnerability is wide open for weeks.
The fix: Automate updates where possible. For servers and enterprise systems, schedule a patch management routine — monthly at minimum.
3. Cloud Misconfigurations
The problem: Buckets, blobs, and databases left wide open to the internet. It’s not just bad practice — it’s a breach waiting to happen.
The fix: Review permissions regularly. Use least privilege access. Run configuration scans against frameworks like CIS Benchmarks.
4. Phishing Clicks
The problem: A single click on a fake invoice or “urgent” email can compromise a network. It still works because people are busy and distracted.
The fix: Train employees continuously, not just once a year. Teach them to hover over links, verify senders, and report suspicious emails.
5. Lack of Logging and Monitoring
The problem: Breaches often go undetected for weeks because no one’s watching the logs.
The fix: Centralize your logging (think SIEM, EDR, or even cloud-native tools) and set alerts for suspicious activity. Logs don’t stop attacks — but they stop you from being blind.
Closing Thoughts
Most breaches don’t happen because hackers are “geniuses.” They happen because of simple mistakes left unchecked. Fix these five, and you’ll already be ahead of most organizations out there.
Cybersecurity, like martial arts, comes down to repetition and discipline. Drill the basics until they’re second nature — that’s how you win the fight you never wanted.
Matt Shannon, Security Pro 