Most businesses think they have cybersecurity covered. Firewalls are in place, antivirus software is running, and employees use passwords with at least one uppercase letter and a number—so what could go wrong?

A lot.

Cybercriminals don’t rely on brute force alone. They exploit the small cracks, the overlooked details, and the human habits that slip through security policies. If you’re confident in your company’s defenses, take another look—because the biggest risks are often the ones no one notices.

The Danger of Outdated Software

Delaying software updates isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a major security threat. Those updates aren’t just about adding new features; they’re often patching vulnerabilities that hackers already know about. The longer you wait, the more time attackers have to take advantage of those gaps.

It’s not just operating systems that need attention. Business applications, web browsers, plugins, and even firmware on devices like printers or security cameras can become entry points for hackers if left unpatched. One outdated system is enough to compromise an entire network.

Regular updates should be a non-negotiable part of your cybersecurity strategy. Automate them where possible and ensure your team actively monitors security patches, especially for software that doesn’t update on its own.

Employee Access: Who Really Needs What?

It’s common for businesses to grant employees more access than they actually need. Maybe it’s for convenience, or maybe no one’s really thought about it—but every unnecessary permission is another potential security risk.

When an employee’s account is compromised, attackers gain access to everything that employee can reach. If access is limited, the damage can be contained. But if the employee had access to sensitive databases, financial records, or admin controls? The breach just got a lot worse.

Regular access audits help keep things in check. If someone changes roles or leaves the company, their permissions should be updated or revoked immediately. It’s also worth considering role-based access, where employees only get access to what’s essential for their job.

The Password Problem That Won’t Go Away

Weak passwords remain one of the biggest security threats, yet they continue to be an issue in nearly every organization. Employees reuse passwords across accounts, create ones that are easy to guess, or write them down where others can find them.

Even if your company enforces password complexity rules, that doesn’t mean employees are following best practices. Many still rely on predictable patterns, slightly modifying old passwords rather than creating entirely new ones.

Encouraging employees to use password managers can help, as can enforcing multi-factor authentication. If someone’s credentials are leaked in a data breach, MFA can be the last line of defense against unauthorized access.

Phishing: The Human Error Factor

Firewalls and security tools won’t help if an employee voluntarily hands over their login credentials to a cybercriminal. Phishing emails, fraudulent calls, and fake login pages are designed to trick people into giving up sensitive information—and they work shockingly well.

Cybercriminals no longer rely on generic “You’ve won a prize” emails. Today’s phishing attacks are more sophisticated, often appearing to come from trusted colleagues, vendors, or even company executives. All it takes is one employee clicking on the wrong link, downloading an attachment, or entering credentials into a fake website.

Regular security awareness training is the best defense. Employees should know what red flags to look for, and they should feel comfortable reporting anything suspicious without fear of being blamed. Running phishing simulations can also help test how well your team responds to potential threats.

Unsecured IoT Devices: The Silent Threat

Smart devices have become a staple in modern offices. Printers, smart speakers, security cameras, and conference room equipment are all part of the Internet of Things (IoT). While these devices improve efficiency, they also introduce a significant security risk when not properly secured.

Many IoT devices come with default passwords that never get changed, making them easy targets. Others don’t receive regular security updates, meaning vulnerabilities remain open indefinitely. If an attacker gains control of one of these devices, they can use it as a backdoor into your network.

The simplest fix? Change default passwords immediately. If a device doesn’t allow password changes or security updates, reconsider using it. Keeping IoT devices on a separate network from critical business systems adds another layer of protection.

The Backup Plan Most Businesses Overlook

Ransomware attacks have skyrocketed in recent years, locking companies out of their own data until they pay a hefty ransom. Businesses assume they’ll be fine as long as they have backups—until they realize those backups aren’t accessible, up to date, or even working at all.

A proper backup strategy isn’t just about having copies of your data. It’s about ensuring those backups are stored securely, tested regularly, and protected from the same threats targeting your primary systems. If ransomware encrypts your network, and your backups are connected to that same network, they might be useless.

The best approach follows the 3-2-1 rule: Keep three copies of your data, stored on two different types of media, with one copy stored offsite or offline. And don’t just assume backups work—test them regularly to confirm they can be restored when needed.

Shadow IT: The Security Risk You Can’t See

Employees often turn to unapproved software, cloud storage, or personal devices to get work done faster. It might seem harmless, but this “shadow IT” introduces security risks that businesses aren’t even aware of.

An employee using a personal file-sharing service could unknowingly expose confidential documents. A team using an unauthorized messaging app might be communicating sensitive information over an insecure channel. Since IT teams don’t manage these tools, there’s no way to ensure they meet security standards.

Instead of cracking down with an iron fist, companies should take a balanced approach—understanding why employees turn to these tools and providing secure alternatives that meet their needs. Proactively monitoring for unauthorized apps can also help identify risks before they become major issues.

It’s Not a Matter of If, But When

Cybersecurity isn’t something businesses can afford to treat as a checklist. Threats evolve constantly, and attackers are always looking for new ways in. The weaknesses most companies overlook aren’t always the most obvious—but they’re often the ones hackers exploit first.

Taking a proactive approach, from regular software updates to ongoing employee training, is the key to staying ahead. No system is 100% secure, but minimizing vulnerabilities and fostering a security-conscious culture can make all the difference.

Because in cybersecurity, being “pretty safe” isn’t safe enough.