9 Cybersecurity Mistakes and How an MSP Can Help
It’s easy to get sloppy about cybersecurity – especially if you’re managing it all on your own. From software updates and compliance to something as simple as your login password, staying on top of it all is no small task.
That’s where a managed service provider (MSP) like us comes in. We’re the folks who make your IT life easier and your business safer.
In this post, we’re breaking down some of the most common cybersecurity mistakes we see SMBs making time and time again – and how an MSP can help you avoid them.
Each topic is much deeper than what we can fully cover here, so we’ll also include links to more detailed posts if you’d like to dig deeper.
Let’s get started.
1. Skipping Software Updates
Update. Update. Update. Seriously, we can’t say it enough. Every time you hit “update later,” you’re doing yourself a huge disservice. Updates aren’t just about adding new features – they’re about plugging security holes and improving performance across the board. This is one of the easiest cybersecurity mistakes to make.
Think about it this way: software developers don’t push updates for fun. They matter.
How MSPs help
We get it. Keeping up with updates can feel like a never-ending chore. Sometimes they pop up right in the middle of your workday, and the next thing you know, you’re stuck waiting on a restart. That’s where an MSP makes life easier.
With the right tools, an MSP can keep track of every piece of software across your company and keep tabs on what’s up to date – and what isn’t. They can even work with you to schedule those updates during your off-hours or slow periods so you’re not getting interrupted.
Read our full write-up on software updates here.
2. Weak Passwords
Let’s be honest – you’re probably using the same password for most of your accounts. And that password? Chances are it’s not as strong as you think. If that password gets cracked, it could put your entire business at risk.
There are countless tips online for creating great passwords, but one of the best things you can do is test your passwords using tools – like AI-powered strength checkers.
How MSPs help
Of all the cybersecurity mistakes, this can be one of the easiest to fix. It starts with a strong password policy – something your MSP can help you build and enforce. Your MSP can set password character limits, and special character requirements, enforce regular password changes, and provide access to trusted password managers so employees can securely store their passwords (Because yes, remembering dozens of strong passwords is nearly impossible without help).
Read our full write-up on passwords here.
3. No Backup or Response Plan
Even with the best preventative measures in place, things will eventually go wrong. It’s not a matter of if but when. This is one of the most important cybersecurity mistakes to avoid. If you don’t have a disaster plan or reliable backups in place, your business could face serious downtime or even permanent data loss.
Every business needs a strong backup policy and a clear, easy-to-follow recovery plan. And if you don’t quite know how to set one up, that’s exactly where an MSP can step in.
How MSPs help
No one understands disaster recovery like an MSP. With the help of an MSP, you can set up your perfect recovery game plan, which can include things like: how long you can afford to be offline, who is in charge of what data, and what data you are backing up.
On top of that, MSPs can actively manage your backups, schedule them to avoid network slowdowns, and continuously monitor them to make sure they’re working.
Read our full write-up on data recovery here.
4. Lacking MFA
Without MFA (multi-factor authentication), you’re leaving yourself open to password breaches. A large study by Verizon found that 81% of breaches stem from poor password management. Yet, some people still don’t set themselves up with MFA – just one of many cybersecurity mistakes.
That’s not to say we don’t get it – MFA prompts can be cumbersome at times. But those minor annoyances are nothing compared to the catastrophic impact of a data breach. MFA is one of the most effective ways to secure your business. It’s absolutely worth it.
How MSPs help
Setting up proper MFA is one of the first steps a good MSP will take to strengthen your cybersecurity. It’s relatively simple to implement, and in a short time, you’ll benefit from the extra layer of protection MFA provides.
Read our full write-up on MFA here.
5. Skimping on Cyber Awareness Training
In many regulated industries, cyber awareness training isn’t just smart – it’s required. And while some SMBs might think this is one of the few cybersecurity mistakes they can get away with, the numbers don’t lie.
95% of data breaches are tied to human error.
However, choosing, setting up, and managing cyber awareness training can be overwhelming for a small business. When SMBs start to cut corners, they expose themselves to far greater risks – like phishing attacks, ransomware, and data breaches.
How MSPs help
Many MSPs have access to modern training tools that make the process easy. These might include short, 2-3 minute micro-training videos, phishing simulations, and interactive security exercises.
Most importantly, a good MSP can tailor a training program specifically for your business, so your employees can actually engage with the material and retain what they learn – keeping your company safer in the long run.
Read our full write-up on cyber awareness training here.
6. Overlooking IoT devices
The Internet of Things (IoT) has exploded in recent years, with over 18.8 billion devices connected worldwide. These include everything from your smartphones and printers to even refrigerators. While IoT devices are designed to simplify your life, they also introduce vulnerabilities for SMBs.
IoT devices are notoriously difficult to monitor, and an unmonitored device is essentially an open window for a hacker to exploit. For most SMBs, it’s simply too much work to constantly track, update, and maintain all these often hard-to-detect devices, adding another tally to the list of their cybersecurity mistakes.
How MSPs help
MSPs typically use powerful endpoint detection and management software that identifies every device connected to your network – including those sneaky IoT gadgets. With these tools, MSPs can locate and secure all devices, apply updates, and keep your network protected.
Read our full write-up on IoT devices here.
7. Ignoring AI
This is one of the newer cybersecurity mistakes we’ve been seeing, but there’s no avoiding it anymore. Generative AI tools like ChatGPT, and other more advanced AI models are now ingrained in everyday workflows. While these tools can be great time savers and productivity boosters, many MSBs haven’t yet considered how to properly manage their use.
The reality is, that you need to document and understand your AI usage. Uncontrolled or careless use can lead to security vulnerabilities, data leaks, and even potential plagiarism issues.
How MSPs help
As early adopters of new technology, your MSP can help you design a clear AI usage policy, track how AI tools are being used, and guide proper deployment across your company. It’s a new world, and adapting with the times is essential.
Read our full write-up on AI policies here.
8. Compliance struggles
Every SMB owner knows how challenging it is to keep up with compliance regulations. In fact, according to the US Chamber of Commerce, 47% of SMBs feel they spend too much time managing compliance requirements. And it’s easy to see why.
Compliance varies greatly by industry and is frequently updated. Many SMBs simply don’t have the time, tools, or resources to maintain the level of transparency needed during compliance audits or to stay informed about new regulatory changes.
How MSPs help
MSPs are uniquely positioned to tackle compliance challenges, thanks to advanced monitoring tools and deep industry know-how. While an SMB might get pulled away from their business to wrestle with compliance, for an MSP, staying on top of regulatory changes is just part of the job. We help you meet requirements without losing focus on your business.
Read our full write-up on compliance here.
9. Not working with an MSP
Without an MSP, all of these cybersecurity mistakes fall on your shoulders as a business owner. Trying to manage everything by yourself leads to burnout – and even small in-house IT teams often aren’t equipped to handle the full scope of modern security challenges.
Partnering with an MSP means getting a trusted ally who gets it – like The 20 MSP. We handle everything we’ve discussed here and much more, all for a flat rate with no surprise fees.
If you’re feeling bogged down by the constant pressures of cybersecurity, let’s chat. Your business deserves it.
About The 20 MSP
As a leading provider of managed IT services, The 20 MSP serves thousands of businesses nationwide, including single and multi-location organizations, delivering white-glove service, secure and streamlined IT infrastructure, and 24/7/365 support. We believe in building lasting relationships with clients founded on trust, communication, and the delivery of high-value services for a fair and predictable price. Our client’s success is our success, and we are committed to helping each and every organization we serve leverage technology to secure a competitive advantage and achieve new growth.
