5 Information Security Mistakes That Could Cost You Your Business

Information security mistakes can devastate UK businesses of any size. In today’s digital landscape, these information security mistakes aren’t just IT concerns – they’re fundamental business risks that UK organisations cannot afford to ignore. With data breaches costing  companies an average of £3.7 million according to IBM’s 2024 Cost of a Data Breach Report, even seemingly minor security oversights can have devastating consequences.

1. Assuming Compliance Equals Security

Many UK businesses make the critical error of treating compliance as a checkbox exercise. While meeting regulatory requirements like UK GDPR is essential, simply ticking boxes doesn’t guarantee robust security.

Real-world impact: In 2022, Interserve Group Limited was fined £4.4 million by the ICO for failing to keep personal information of its staff secure, despite having some compliance measures in place. The breach affected up to 113,000 employees.

2. Neglecting Staff Training

Your employees are your first line of defence – and potentially your greatest vulnerability. Failing to implement comprehensive security awareness training is akin to leaving your front door unlocked.

Key risk areas:

  • Weak password practices
  • Phishing susceptibility
  • Inappropriate data sharing
  • Use of unauthorised applications
  • Poor remote working security

3. Inadequate Third-Party Risk Management

In our interconnected business environment, your security is only as strong as your weakest supplier. Many organisations fail to properly assess and monitor their supply chain security risks.

Critical considerations:

  • Supplier security assessments
  • Data processing agreements
  • Regular security reviews
  • Incident response coordination
  • Clear security requirements in contracts

4. Lack of Incident Response Planning

Hope for the best, but plan for the worst. Without a tested incident response plan, organisations often make costly mistakes during critical moments of a security breach.

Essential elements missing in most plans:

  • Clear roles and responsibilities
  • Communication protocols
  • Legal and regulatory requirements
  • Business continuity measures
  • Regular testing and updates

5. Ignoring the Need for a Systematic Approach

Perhaps the most dangerous mistake is treating information security as a series of isolated technical solutions rather than adopting a comprehensive management system approach.

Consequences of ad-hoc security:

  • Inconsistent protection
  • Wasted resources
  • Missed vulnerabilities
  • Difficulty demonstrating compliance
  • Increased risk of breaches

Moving Forward

These mistakes aren’t just theoretical risks – they’re real vulnerabilities that businesses face every day. The key to protecting your organisation lies in adopting a systematic approach to information security management.

Consider these questions:

  • How many of these mistakes does your organisation currently make?
  • What would be the impact of a serious security breach on your business?
  • Are you confident in your current security measures?

Implementing a comprehensive information security management system, such as ISO27001, can help address these vulnerabilities systematically. While it requires investment and commitment, the cost of inaction could be far greater.

Take Action

Start by assessing your current security posture against these common mistakes. Identify your gaps and prioritise addressing them based on risk. Remember, information security is a journey, not a destination – and it begins with recognising where you might be vulnerable.

Need help evaluating your information security risks or implementing a more systematic approach? Contact us for a confidential discussion about your needs.