5 IT Security Mistakes London Businesses Make
From weak passwords to unpatched software, these common oversights leave creative firms exposed. Here’s how to fix them.
1. Using the same password everywhere
Password reuse is the single biggest enabler of credential-stuffing attacks. If one service is breached, attackers try those same credentials on your email, bank, and work tools. Use a password manager and unique passwords for every account.
2. Skipping software updates
Creative teams often delay restarts and updates to avoid interrupting renders or deadlines. But unpatched systems are low-hanging fruit for ransomware. Schedule updates outside peak hours and treat them as non-negotiable.
3. No multi-factor authentication (MFA)
Email and cloud accounts without MFA are one phish away from a full compromise. Enforce MFA on all business-critical apps—especially email and file storage—and prefer authenticator apps over SMS where possible.
4. Sharing credentials and weak access control
Shared logins and over-permissive access make it impossible to know who did what. Give each person their own account, use the principle of least privilege, and review access when people leave.
5. Assuming "we’re too small to be targeted"
London’s creative and professional services firms hold valuable IP and client data. Attackers automate attacks at scale; they don’t care how big you are. Investing in basics—backups, MFA, and user awareness—dramatically reduces risk.