When major global companies suffer cyberattacks, it makes the news – and for good reason. The financial damage, reputational fallout, and legal consequences can be enormous. In recent months, we’ve seen several well-known retailers and hospitality giants hit by cyber incidents that brought systems down for days, compromised customer data, and exposed weaknesses in even the most well-funded IT infrastructures.
But while these headline-grabbing hacks often seem like carefully orchestrated, highly targeted operations, there’s another side to the cyber threat landscape that doesn’t get the same attention – the one that affects small and medium-sized businesses.
The truth is, many cyberattacks are not targeted at all. Instead, they rely on automated tools that scan the internet for vulnerabilities, probing networks, applications, and devices for anything that looks like an open door. These tools don’t discriminate based on company size or industry. If your business has a weak password, outdated software, or an unprotected remote desktop connection, you could easily find yourself in the firing line.
“We’re Too Small To Be a Target” – A Dangerous Assumption
One of the most common misconceptions among smaller businesses is the belief that cybercriminals wouldn’t bother attacking them. Unfortunately, this assumption is exactly what makes some organisations more vulnerable. Without the same level of investment in cybersecurity as larger firms, smaller companies can appear to attackers as easier, less defended targets.
It’s important to remember that most cyberattacks are crimes of opportunity, not strategy. Cybercriminals cast a wide net, and if your business gets caught in it, the consequences can be devastating, from data loss and operational downtime to ransom demands and compliance breaches.
Common Ways Your Business Can Be Compromised
Cybersecurity threats come in many forms, and they don’t always start with a dramatic hack. Often, they begin with something much more mundane: a missed update, a misconfigured setting, or a careless click. Here are some of the most common ways that businesses fall victim to cyberattacks:
- Phishing Emails
These emails are designed to trick employees into clicking malicious links or handing over login credentials. They often impersonate trusted brands or colleagues, making them surprisingly effective, especially when employees aren’t trained to spot them.
- Weak or Reused Passwords
Using the same password across multiple accounts (or choosing something easy to guess) makes it far too simple for attackers to break in. Credential stuffing attacks – where hackers use stolen login details to access other systems – are increasingly common.
- Unpatched Software & Systems
Outdated operating systems, applications, or plugins can have known vulnerabilities that attackers exploit. Without regular updates and patch management, your systems could be wide open to attack.
- Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) Exploits
Many businesses use remote access tools like RDP to allow employees to work from home, but if those tools aren’t secured properly, they become a major entry point for attackers. Exposed RDP ports are regularly scanned by bots looking for a way in.
- Malware & Ransomware
Malicious software can enter your network through a downloaded file, a website visit, or even a USB drive. Once inside, ransomware can encrypt your data and demand a payment to unlock it, bringing your operations to a halt.
- Insider Threats (Intentional or Accidental)
Not all threats come from outside. Employees, contractors, or former staff with lingering access can inadvertently – or deliberately – cause harm to your systems or data.
- Misconfigured Cloud Services
Cloud platforms like Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace offer great flexibility, but they must be configured securely. Public-facing data shares, weak authentication policies, or overlooked access permissions can all create unnecessary risk.
Understanding where threats come from is the first step toward defending against them. And you don’t have to do it alone.
So, How Can Carden IT Services Help?
At Carden IT Services, we believe that security should be accessible, proactive, and practical. No matter your business size, there are key steps you can take to significantly reduce your risk.
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): MFA is one of the most effective ways to protect your accounts. It adds an extra layer of verification beyond just a password – even if credentials are stolen, access is still denied without the second factor.
- Password Managers: Weak or reused passwords are one of the easiest entry points for hackers. A password manager allows your team to use complex, unique passwords for every service without the need to remember them all. It’s a simple but powerful upgrade to your security posture.
- Employee Cybersecurity Training: Human error remains one of the biggest threats to cybersecurity. Phishing emails, malicious links, and social engineering attacks all rely on staff being unprepared. Regular, easy-to-understand training helps your team spot and avoid these threats.
Final Thoughts
Cybersecurity isn’t just an issue for the giants – it’s a concern for every business, every team, and every device. As attacks become more sophisticated and more automated, the best defence is a layered one that combines technology, training, and proactive monitoring.
If you’re unsure where to start, Carden IT Services can help. Our team specialises in providing cybersecurity solutions tailored to the needs – and budgets – of growing businesses. Get in touch today to find out how we can protect your organisation.