The Most Common Gaps in Cybersecurity Solutions (and How to Fix Them)
When most businesses think about cybersecurity, they picture external threats like malware, phishing attacks, or ransomware. But for many small and midsize businesses (SMBs), the real danger lies within. The most overlooked cybersecurity vulnerabilities aren’t always caused by hackers—they often originate from inside your organization.
According to industry data, internal cybersecurity gaps account for as much as 70% of data breaches in SMBs. While investing in firewalls, antivirus software, and patch management is essential, those tools don’t fully address the internal risks that can compromise your data and disrupt operations.
Understanding Internal Cybersecurity Threats
Contrary to popular belief, internal risks are not usually caused by malicious employees. A Forrester report revealed that only 12% of internal security incidents are due to intentional harm. However, 27% of breaches stem from accidental or negligent user behavior—from misconfigured systems to unintentionally sharing sensitive data.
That means your most loyal and productive team members could also pose the biggest risk to your organization’s cybersecurity posture. These unintentional gaps are hard to detect—and even harder to fix—without the right tools and oversight.
Why These Gaps Matter
SMBs are especially vulnerable because they often lack dedicated security teams or robust oversight. When cybersecurity weaknesses go unaddressed, the results can be catastrophic. In fact, it’s estimated that 50% of businesses that suffer a major breach go out of business within six months.
Here are some of the most common internal cybersecurity gaps:
- Unmonitored employee activity or poor access controls
- Outdated software or improperly configured security settings
- Lack of employee security awareness training
- Missing data encryption for sensitive files
- No clear process for reporting suspicious behavior or breaches
How to Fix the Gaps in Your Cybersecurity Strategy
The solution isn’t just more tools—it’s a better strategy. SMBs need comprehensive cybersecurity solutions that include ongoing monitoring, internal vulnerability scanning, and clearly defined security policies. Even if you have an in-house IT team, many experts recommend working with a third-party provider to assess your systems at least once per year.
Cybersecurity isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it task. It requires continuous improvement, employee education, and updated threat intelligence. That’s why Security-as-a-Service (SECaaS) offerings are becoming the preferred approach for businesses that want proactive, real-time protection without the cost of hiring a full security operations team.
Why Work with a Trusted Partner Like Tobin Solutions
Not all cybersecurity solutions are created equal. At Tobin Solutions, we’ve been helping businesses in Milwaukee and beyond proactively close internal and external security gaps since 1996. Our managed security services are designed to help SMBs:
- Detect internal and external threats before they cause damage
- Receive real-time alerts for suspicious activity
- Remediate vulnerabilities quickly with expert support
- Train teams on best practices for email, data, and endpoint security
- Ensure compliance with evolving regulatory requirements
Cybersecurity is no longer just an IT issue—it’s a business survival issue. The earlier you address these hidden gaps, the stronger your security posture will be.
Want to find and fix the blind spots in your cybersecurity solution? Contact us today at info@tobinsolutions.com or call 414-443-9999 for a security assessment tailored to your business.
Sources:
– Forrester, 2012: Employee negligence cited in 27% of security incidents.
– U.S. SEC, 2015: “Cybersecurity Challenges for Small and Midsize Businesses” (SEC.gov)
