Common Cyber Mistakes, And How to Fix Them

In the first of a new series of articles, Greg Du-feu, Managing Director of Dufeu IT Solutions, provides readers with cyber mistakes he sees often within joinery businesses, but more importantly, how to rectify them.

Modern joinery businesses rely on more than just skilled craftsmanship — they rely on technology. From CNC machines and CAD software to quoting tools and finance systems, your entire workflow depends on computers running smoothly.

Unfortunately, cybercriminals know this too. They target small and mid-sized workshops precisely because they depend on these systems but often lack dedicated IT protection.

Here are the most common cybersecurity mistakes joinery firms make — and how to fix them before they cost you time, money, and client trust.

1. Backups That Don’t Actually Work

Many joinery businesses assume that because they back up data, they’re safe. But untested backups are one of the biggest traps.

We’ve seen businesses discover too late that their backups were corrupt or inaccessible when ransomware struck. That means losing design files, customer data, or even job history.

Fix: Test your backups quarterly. Make sure they’re stored offline as well as in the cloud — ransomware can encrypt connected storage too.

2. Shared Logins in the Workshop

It’s common for multiple people to use the same login on a CNC PC or design workstation. Convenient, yes — but it destroys accountability and opens security gaps.

Fix: Give each user their own account and enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA) for admin or cloud systems.

3. Relying on Antivirus Alone

Traditional antivirus catches some threats, but not the most dangerous ones like phishing or credential theft.

Fix: Combine antivirus with endpoint detection and response (EDR), email filtering, and patch management.

4. Skipping Staff Awareness Training

A single click on a malicious email can take down your network. Joinery workshops often underestimate how targeted phishing emails have become — they look like genuine supplier quotes or order updates.

Fix: Run regular phishing simulations and short awareness sessions. You’ll be amazed at how much safer your business becomes.

5. Outdated Machines and Software

Older CNC controllers and workshop PCs often run on Windows 10 or earlier. After October 2025, Microsoft will stop security updates for Windows 10 — making those systems a hacker’s dream.

Fix: Plan upgrades or isolation now. If a legacy system must stay, remove internet access entirely.

6. Thinking “We’re Too Small to Be a Target”

Attackers use automation to scan thousands of networks at once. They don’t care who you are — they care if you’re vulnerable.

Fix: Build defences proportionate to your risk, not your size.

Why These Mistakes Are So Costly

A single breach could mean:

• CNC downtime for days.
• Missed deadlines and penalty costs.
• Lost client confidence.
• Rebuilding systems from scratch.

When profit margins depend on on-time delivery, downtime is devastating.

Final Word

Cybersecurity mistakes are easy to make — but easier to fix when you know where to start.

This Cybersecurity Awareness Month, Dufeu IT is offering a Cyber Health Check Bundle:

• Comprehensive Cybersecurity Risk Assessment
• Microsoft 365 Security Review
• Penetration Testing

Perfect for small and mid-sized joinery firms wanting a clear view of their vulnerabilities — and how to fix them before they cause real damage.

Don’t wait for an attack to test your defences. Book your Cyber Health Check Bundle today and protect your workshop.

To find out more information, or how to book your Cyber Health Check, visit: Contact – Dufeu IT Solutions