In today’s digital-first world, small and mid-sized businesses are just as vulnerable, if not more so, than large corporations when it comes to cyberattacks. Limited budgets, fewer in-house IT resources, and the perception of being “too small to target” often leave business owners dangerously exposed. The reality? Hackers don’t discriminate based on size; they look for the easiest entry points. Here are the top five mistakes businesses make, how to avoid them, and what steps you can take today to protect your company, your employees, and your bottom line. 1. Relying on Weak or Outdated Passwords Passwords are often the first line of defense, and also the weakest. Too many businesses rely on simple or reused passwords that can be cracked in seconds with modern tools. The Modern MFA Landscape While passwords remain standard, multi-factor authentication (MFA) has become the new baseline. However, how you implement MFA matters: Avoid email for MFA codes. If a phishing attack compromises an employee’s inbox, bad actors can intercept the code and access sensitive systems. SMS is better but not bulletproof. Text messages provide an extra layer of security but can still be intercepted. Authenticator apps are the gold standard. Tools like Authy, Microsoft Authenticator, or Google Authenticator create time-based one-time codes that aren’t tied to email or SMS. Forward-looking companies are also exploring passwordless authentication, a model that reduces dependence on static credentials altogether. Until then, tightening password hygiene and upgrading MFA methods should be immediate priorities. 2. Overlooking Employee Training Even the most advanced cybersecurity tools can’t stop an employee from clicking a malicious link or downloading infected files. Human error remains the biggest vulnerability in most organizations. What Employees Need to Know Instead of broad, once-a-year sessions, ongoing training should focus on real-world risks employees face daily. Consider including: How to spot suspicious links and attachments Why “urgent” or “CEO fraud” emails are red flags Safe internet practices for remote or hybrid workers How to report suspicious activity without fear of blame Building a Culture of Cyber Awareness Cybersecurity isn’t just an IT issue; it’s a company-wide culture. Leadership should model secure behavior and celebrate employees who catch threats. Over time, security becomes second nature rather than an afterthought. 3. Neglecting Regular Software Updates Software vendors release updates for a reason: to fix vulnerabilities. Delaying or ignoring these updates gives hackers a direct pathway into your systems. The Risk of Outdated Systems Running outdated operating systems, browsers, or applications often leaves “open doors” attackers can exploit. Businesses that don’t patch quickly enough have been at the center of major breaches. Automating updates or assigning a designated IT contact for patch management ensures vulnerabilities are closed before they can be exploited. Even for smaller businesses without dedicated IT staff, outsourced providers or managed IT services can fill this role affordably. 4. Failing to Prepare an Incident Response Plan (IRP) Too many businesses wait until a breach happens to figure out how to respond. By then, panic sets in, time is lost, and the financial damage increases. Why an IRP Matters An Incident Response Plan is essentially a playbook for what your business will do in the first 24–72 hours after an attack. It should outline: Who is responsible for containment and communication Steps for isolating affected systems Legal or regulatory reporting requirements How to restore backups and resume operations Tip: Run Cybersecurity Fire Drills Just like fire drills, businesses should run simulated cyber incidents. Testing your IRP helps employees understand their roles and uncovers gaps before a real attack occurs. 5. Assuming Insurance Alone Is Enough Some business owners mistakenly believe their general liability insurance will cover cyber-related losses. Unfortunately, most policies exclude data breaches, ransomware, or social engineering scams. The Role of Cyber Liability Insurance Cyber liability insurance fills these gaps by covering costs like forensic investigations, customer notifications, legal fees, regulatory fines, and even ransom payments (where legal). For small businesses, this coverage can mean the difference between survival and bankruptcy after a breach. But insurance should never replace prevention. Instead, think of it as a financial safety net that complements strong security practices, not one that replaces them. Click here to learn more about how Simco’s Commercial Insurance team can help protect your business with cyber and data breach coverage and beyond. Secure Your Business for the Future Cybersecurity is no longer optional for businesses; it’s a core part of protecting your employees, customers, and reputation. By addressing these five common mistakes, you’ll not only reduce your risk of an attack but also build trust with clients who want assurance that their data is safe in your hands. Taking proactive steps now, including strengthening authentication, investing in training, creating an IRP, and supplementing with cyber liability insurance, can save untold amounts of money, stress, and reputational damage later.

Open Enrollment season is just around the corner, running from October 15 to December 7 for Medicare and November 1 to January 15 for Marketplace/individual health plans (NYSOH in New York) . This is the annual window when you can review, change, or enroll in health insurance and Medicare coverage. But with deadlines, plan changes, and fine print to consider, many people unintentionally leave themselves exposed to gaps in coverage: periods when they aren’t insured. These gaps can lead to unexpected costs, denied claims, and stress for you and your family. Here’s how to make sure your coverage is seamless heading into 2026. 1. Know Your Enrollment Dates Missing the open enrollment deadlines is the most common cause of coverage gaps. Mark your calendar for: Medicare Open Enrollment : October 15 – December 7, 2025 Health Insurance Marketplace (NYSOH in NY) : November 1, 2025 – January 15, 2026 Employer-Sponsored Benefits : Dates vary by employer Tip: Don’t wait until the last week. Plans can take time to process, and waiting until December may mean your new coverage isn’t active on January 1. 2. Review Any Notices From Your Current Plan Insurance companies often send letters in the fall about plan changes for the upcoming year. Some plans are discontinued, premiums may rise, or provider networks may shrink. If you ignore these notices, you could roll into a plan that doesn’t meet your needs, or worse, be left without coverage. Check your mail and email for plan notices and share them with a licensed agent if you need help understanding the changes. 3. Don’t Assume Last Year’s Plan Is Still Best Healthcare needs change year to year, and so do insurance options. Prescriptions, providers, or even your financial situation may mean another plan is a better fit. Sticking with last year’s plan without comparing options could result in higher costs or limited benefits. Make a list of your current doctors, prescriptions, and expected healthcare needs for 2026. Use this to compare plans carefully. 4. Watch for Coverage Overlaps or Lapses Switching from one plan to another? Be mindful of dates. Sometimes old coverage ends before new coverage begins, leaving a gap. Other times, both plans overlap, causing billing confusion. Confirm your effective date for the new policy. For most enrollments completed by December 7 (Medicare) or December 15 (Marketplace), coverage will start January 1. 5. Get Help From a Licensed Professional Navigating Medicare Advantage, Part D, Medigap, or Marketplace health plans can feel overwhelming. Working with a licensed agent can help ensure your coverage aligns with your needs, and that you won’t face any surprises when you need care. Reach out to Simco’s licensed agents for one-on-one guidance. We’ll walk you through your options and help you avoid coverage gaps. Final Thoughts Avoiding gaps in coverage during open enrollment comes down to being proactive, reviewing your options, and enrolling on time. Don’t wait until the last minute. Give yourself the peace of mind that you and your family will be covered heading into 2026. Simco’s licensed agents are here to help. Whether you’re reviewing Medicare plans, Marketplace options, or supplemental coverage, we’ll make sure you stay protected without interruption. Contact us today to schedule your coverage review before open enrollment begins.