Why Simply Having Antivirus Software Isn’t Good Enough

Take a minute to think about all of the technology your business uses to capture, process, and analyze data. Chances are good that you use a litany of workarounds, access protocols, and even passwords that leave your company exposed and could even affect your employees’ productivity. Because of this, having antivirus software alone is not enough to keep your company protected. Here are other things you’ll need along with a few reasons why.

#1 – Password Protection

You already know what a password does. Its purpose is to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive or proprietary information. What you may not know is that your password protection method also needs protection. Weak passwords, mobile device use, keylogging programs, and any other manner of hacks can make it easy for people to get into your information. According to a large-scale survey performed by IBM, 67% of the respondents claimed that the potential loss of company data or customers’ personal data was a major concern.

#2 – Firewalls

Firewalls are integral parts of network security for a variety of reasons. They are essentially forts that surround your network, and they continue to do their jobs even when you and your employees have all gone home at the end of the day. You can get firewalls to protect intrusion into your software, you can use them to protect your hardware, or you can even do both. The choice is always yours. Firewalls will also monitor traffic in such a way that they can reject any traffic that doesn’t meet a very specific set of criteria.

#3 – Anti-Malware Software

Antivirus and anti-malware software are two completely different things. While traditional antivirus alone only works to stop viruses, anti-malware can protect you from far more. In fact, it covers an incredibly broad spectrum of threats including rootkits, keyloggers, ransomware, adware, and even some viruses that your traditional antivirus software might miss. What’s more, anti-malware software protects your network in real time, which means it can block malicious websites and popups before they become problematic.

#4 – A Roadmap and Regular “Health Checks”

All of the software and programming in the world can’t make up for creating a security plan and checking it regularly – at least quarterly. Some things you’ll want to do include ensuring that you’ve purchased the right software (and the right level of security) for your company’s needs, making sure that the antivirus and anti-malware programs are scheduled to update automatically, and performing security checks on occasion to make sure that no one can get through the walls you’ve built around your network. All of these things will go a long way toward ensuring that you have protected your company’s and your customers’ information from prying eyes.

While antivirus software is certainly important, it cannot provide your company’s network with the protection it needs alone. When you pair it with other forms of security such as password protection, firewalls, anti-malware software, and a roadmap that helps you keep up with any changes in your software or network protection technology, you can rest comfortably in the knowledge that your network is virtually impenetrable.

Common IT Security Compliance Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

June 17, 2025
Meeting IT security compliance standards is crucial for businesses that handle sensitive data, particularly in industries such as healthcare, finance, defense, and e-commerce. Regulatory frameworks such as HIPAA, CMMC, PCI-DSS, and GDPR exist to help ensure businesses protect customer information and maintain robust cybersecurity practices. Unfortunately, many organizations fall short of these requirements, often due to common, avoidable mistakes. These gaps can result in costly fines, data breaches, and reputational damage, which can significantly impact the business's bottom line and customer trust. 1. Failing to Conduct Regular Risk Assessments The Pitfall: Many businesses overlook the importance of conducting routine risk assessments. Without these, it’s challenging to identify vulnerabilities or evaluate whether your current cybersecurity controls meet compliance standards. How to Avoid It: Implement a regular risk assessment schedule. Work with a qualified IT provider to evaluate your systems, identify weaknesses, and document remediation plans. These assessments should be performed at least annually, or whenever significant changes to the system occur. 2. Inadequate Employee Training The Pitfall: Your employees are your first line of defense—and often your most significant vulnerability. A common compliance issue arises when businesses fail to train staff on cybersecurity best practices or on handling sensitive data appropriately. How to Avoid It: Invest in ongoing cybersecurity awareness training. Ensure employees understand how to recognize phishing emails, create strong passwords, and report any suspicious activity. Training should be updated regularly to reflect current threats and compliance requirements. 3. Improper Data Handling and Storage The Pitfall: Storing sensitive data in unsecured locations, failing to encrypt information, or retaining data longer than necessary are significant compliance risks. These practices are often flagged during audits. How to Avoid It: Adopt data classification policies that define how different types of data should be handled; encrypt sensitive data both at rest and in transit. Establish clear data retention policies and ensure that obsolete data is disposed of securely. 4. Lack of Incident Response Planning The Pitfall: When a security incident occurs, time is of the essence. Many businesses lack a documented incident response plan, or their existing plan hasn’t been thoroughly tested. This can lead to delayed responses, increased damage, and regulatory penalties. How to Avoid It: Develop a formal incident response plan that includes roles, responsibilities, communication protocols, and steps for containment and recovery. Run simulated breach scenarios with your IT team to ensure everyone knows how to respond effectively. 5. Using Outdated Software or Systems The Pitfall: Running outdated operating systems, software, or firmware is a common issue that can lead to compliance failures. Unsupported technologies are more vulnerable to exploitation. How to Avoid It: Keep all systems and applications up to date with the latest patches. Use automated tools to track software versions and receive alerts about end-of-life technologies. Schedule regular maintenance windows to apply updates and upgrades. 6. Insufficient Access Controls The Pitfall: Allowing too many employees access to sensitive data—or failing to revoke access when it’s no longer needed—can lead to data breaches and non-compliance. How to Avoid It: Implement role-based access controls and follow the principle of least privilege. This principle means that each user should have the minimum level of access necessary to perform their job. Regularly audit user accounts and permissions to ensure access is current and appropriate. Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) to add an additional layer of protection. 7. Neglecting Third-Party Vendor Risks The Pitfall: Businesses often overlook the fact that their compliance responsibilities extend to third-party vendors. If a vendor mishandles your data, you could still be held accountable. How to Avoid It: Vet third-party vendors carefully. Ensure they meet the same compliance standards as your business and include security requirements in your contracts. Conduct periodic audits or request compliance certifications from your vendors. 8. Failing to Document Policies and Procedures The Pitfall: Even if your security practices are strong, failing to document your compliance policies can result in audit failures. Regulators want to see evidence that you have formal processes in place. How to Avoid It: Create and maintain clear documentation for all compliance-related policies, including data protection, access control, incident response, and employee training. Make these documents easily accessible for audits and regularly review them to ensure updates are current. Conclusion Compliance with IT security standards is not a one-time project—it requires ongoing attention, regular updates, and a proactive approach to maintain effectiveness. By understanding and addressing these common pitfalls, your business can stay ahead of regulatory requirements, strengthen its security posture, and reduce the risk of costly incidents. This ongoing attention is crucial to maintaining your business's security and audit readiness. If you’re unsure whether your business is meeting current IT compliance standards, professional support can help. Contact SDTEK today to schedule a compliance assessment and learn how our IT services can keep your business secure and audit-ready. With our support, you can navigate the complex landscape of IT security compliance with confidence.

Why Cybersecurity and Business IT Support Are Crucial for Fort Wayne Businesses

April 9, 2025
In today’s digital-first world, cybersecurity isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. Whether you run a small startup or a growing enterprise in Fort Wayne , protecting your business’s data, systems, and clients is essential for long-term success. From ransomware attacks to phishing scams, cyber threats are evolving every day, and the best way to stay ahead of them is by partnering with a reliable IT services provider that understands the unique needs of local businesses. Here’s why investing in professional business IT support is one of the smartest decisions Fort Wayne businesses can make—and how working with SDTEK helps protect your operations, your data, and your reputation.