Information Security: 5 Common Failures That Can Destroy Your Business

Digital security has never been more important to companies. In recent years, Brazil has registered more than 100 billion attempts at cyberattacks, exposing vulnerabilities that can compromise an organization's data, reputation, and survival.

If before cybersecurity was seen as a technical topic, today it has become a strategic priority. Companies that ignore this reality can pay a high price, whether with regulatory penalties, financial losses, or loss of customer and partner trust.

The problem? Many businesses still make mistakes that open doors for attacks. Are you sure your business is secure?

Next, we'll explore five critical flaws that could put everything to waste.

1. Lack of awareness and training

Technology may be increasingly advanced, but the biggest security risk remains people. Unprepared employees become easy targets for phishing attacks, social engineering, and digital fraud.

Many companies neglect ongoing information security training, believing that good tools are sufficient for protection. However, a single click on a malicious link can compromise entire systems.

How to avoid? Through investment in recurring awareness programs, attack simulations, and educational campaigns. Make your employees the first line of defense against digital threats.

2. Poorly managed access controls

Granting excessive privileges to users is a common and dangerous mistake. When an employee has access to more data and systems than they actually need, the risk of leaks or malicious actions increases exponentially.

Without strict control, former employees can maintain active access, and credentials can be shared without oversight, creating serious breaches.

How to avoid? Implement identity and access management (IAM) policies, applying the principle of least privilege. Review and revoke permissions regularly to ensure that only authorized individuals have access to sensitive information.

3. Weak passwords and credential reuse

It may seem basic, but weak passwords remain a major cause of successful attacks. Many users still use easy-to-guess combinations or repeat the same password on multiple platforms, making it easier for criminals to work.

What's worse: many companies still don't require multi-factor authentication (MFA), leaving systems exposed to brute force intrusions.

How to avoid? Implement strong password policies and require two-factor authentication for all critical access. Consider credential management solutions to eliminate the risk of reuse and securely store passwords.

4. Lack of monitoring and incident response

Detecting an attack before it causes irreversible damage is essential. However, many companies only realize that they have been hacked when it's too late.

Without continuous monitoring tools, security alerts, and incident response plans, the reaction to an attack can be slow and ineffective, magnifying losses.

How to avoid?

Utilize activity monitoring and anomaly detection solutions, ensuring that any suspicious behavior is identified quickly. Have a well-structured response plan to minimize impacts in the event of an attack.

5. Lack of secure backup and disaster recovery

What happens if your company suddenly loses all of its data? Without a secure backup and recovery plan, a ransomware attack or technical failure could spell the end of operations.

Many companies make backups improperly, storing copies of data in vulnerable locations or without periodic testing to ensure effective recovery.

How to avoid? One of the possible solutions is the implementation of a cloud backup strategy, following the 3-2-1 rule: three backup copies, in two different types of storage, one of which is outside the main environment. Perform frequent tests to ensure that data can be restored quickly.

Information security cannot be a blind spot.

Errors in protecting data and systems can cost millions. More than a technical issue, cybersecurity needs to be treated as an essential pillar of business governance.

If your company still doesn't prioritize digital security, now is the time to act. A preventive investment today can prevent irreparable damage in the future.

If this content was useful, share it with your team and strengthen the safety culture within your company.

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