Cybersecurity Awareness Month: Expert Advice on Avoiding Common Security Mistakes

Every October, Cybersecurity Awareness Month serves as a reminder that protecting data is everyone’s responsibility. Yet despite growing awareness, cyberattacks continue to rise. According to IBM’s 2025 Cost of a Data Breach Report, the average data breach now costs organizations over $4.4 million globally. Most of these incidents stem from preventable mistakes rather than sophisticated attacks.

To understand why, we spoke with cybersecurity professionals at Levi, Ray & Shoup (LRS) who have spent decades helping businesses improve their security posture. Their insights reveal a common thread: strong cybersecurity isn’t about expensive tools, but about consistent habits, clear ownership, and a culture that values security as a shared priority.

Why Cyber Security Awareness Matters: The Human Element

Many breaches occur because people underestimate their risk. Scott Brown notes that one of the most dangerous assumptions is believing, “It won’t happen to me.” He explains that smaller organizations often assume attackers target only large corporations. “In reality, small and midsize businesses are prime targets because they typically have weaker defenses,” Brown says.

He emphasizes that security awareness should start with people. “Human error is behind the majority of breaches,” he adds. “You can have the best firewall, but if your staff clicks a phishing link, the door is still open.”

Simple ways to boost employee awareness:

• Offer short, frequent cybersecurity training sessions.
• Conduct phishing simulations to build real-world awareness.
• Reinforce good security behavior through internal recognition.

Brown encourages organizations to make training part of everyday culture, not a once-a-year requirement. Regular, engaging awareness sessions and simulated phishing tests can help employees spot threats and take action before damage occurs.

You can invest in tools, but if your people aren’t trained to spot a phishing email, you’re still vulnerable.

Scott Brown, Manager of LRS Small Business Tech Services

Building a Continuous Cybersecurity Strategy

After more than two decades in cybersecurity, Josh Brandt, Director of Emerging Technologies and Cybersecurity Strategy at LRS, has seen a recurring pattern: organizations treat security as a one-time project instead of an ongoing commitment. “True resilience requires a programmatic approach that evolves alongside your business,” Brandt explains.

He recommends creating a living cybersecurity roadmap that aligns with business goals, includes vulnerability scanning and patch management, and is reviewed quarterly. “Regular assessments help you understand where you stand and where to invest next,” he says. “It’s about continuous improvement, not one-time compliance.”

Brandt also cautions against relying too heavily on technology without assigning clear ownership. Tools enable, but people ensure effectiveness,” he says, especially when aligning technology with SSL certificates and HTTPS encryption across public-facing systems. Each major security domain needs defined accountability and measurable goals.

Cybersecurity maturity isn’t measured by how many tools you deploy. It’s reflected in how consistently you execute the fundamentals.

Josh Brandt, Director of Emerging Technologies and Cybersecurity Strategy at LRS

Cybersecurity Fundamentals Every Business Must Master

Both experts agree that many breaches stem from neglecting the basics. “It’s easy to chase new threats and overlook simple fixes,” Brandt says. He points to issues like weak passwords, missed patches, and unmanaged accounts as common culprits.

Core cybersecurity fundamentals every business should prioritize:

• Enable multi-factor authentication for all accounts.
• Keep systems and software up to date with automatic patches.
• Separate and encrypt backups to protect against ransomware.
• Regularly review and remove inactive accounts or outdated permissions.

Brown adds that outdated software is one of the easiest ways attackers gain access. “Enable automatic updates wherever possible,” he advises. “If you have to schedule maintenance windows, do it regularly. Don’t let patching fall through the cracks.”

Backing up data properly is another crucial step. Brown warns that keeping backups connected to live systems leaves them exposed during ransomware attacks. “Separate and encrypt backups,” he says. “Test them regularly so you know they’ll work when you need them.”

Cultivating a Security-First Culture Across Your Organization

Technology alone can’t protect a company without buy-in from leadership and staff; even the best firewall and intrusion detection systems need human support to be effective. “Security should be a daily conversation,” Brandt emphasizes. When executives prioritize cybersecurity, it sends a message that protection is a shared goal, not just an IT task.

Regular communication, cross-department collaboration, and recognition for security-minded behavior all contribute to a stronger culture. “Make cybersecurity part of how people think and work,” Brandt says. “That’s where real progress happens.”

Next Steps for Cybersecurity Awareness

Cybersecurity Awareness Month is a time to reflect, reset, and refocus. As our experts remind us, staying secure isn’t about perfection—it’s about consistency. Build habits that prioritize awareness, ownership, and continuous improvement. Review your roadmap, test your defenses, and engage your team.

The threats may evolve, but so can your defenses. By mastering the fundamentals and empowering your people, you can create a culture of resilience that keeps your organization protected year-round.