How to Spot the Tech Threats You Can’t See (But Hackers Can)
- Chad Staup
- Jun 30
- 3 min read
In an age where cyber threats become increasingly sophisticated every day, small businesses need to stay vigilant. The most dangerous risks are often the ones you can’t see. It’s the ones silently working in the background until it’s too late.
At Fatum Technologies, we understand that cybercriminals are increasingly targeting small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). Not because they’re careless, but because they often lack full visibility into their IT environment. A common misconception is, “We’re too small to be a target.” In reality, that belief is exactly what attackers count on.
Five Hidden Threat Areas to Monitor
To effectively combat cyber threats, we need to identify and understand specific risk areas that may be flying under the radar. Here are five critical threat areas that SMBs should pay close attention to.
1. Leaked Credentials on the Dark Web
What the risk is: Stolen login credentials are frequently sold on the dark web. If your employees use the same password across platforms (or if old credentials remain active), attackers can easily breach your systems.
Why it matters to SMBs: A 2023 Verizon Data Breach Report found that 74% of breaches involved human error, including the use of stolen or weak credentials. These are easy wins for hackers and hard losses for SMBs.
Action Steps:
Use dark web monitoring tools to identify exposed credentials tied to your domain.
Enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA) across all critical systems.
Regularly train employees on password hygiene and phishing awareness.
2. Misconfigured or Missing Email Protections (SPF, DKIM, DMARC)
What the risk is: Without proper email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC), your domain is vulnerable to spoofing, allowing attackers to impersonate your business and trick vendors, customers, or your own staff.
Why it matters to SMBs: A fake email from your address can mislead clients and partners, risking your business's trust and credibility. In Q1 2024, phishing attacks increased by 56% year-over-year, with domain spoofing as a top tactic (Proofpoint).
Action Steps:
Ensure your domain has all three email protections correctly configured.
Periodically test and validate these settings.
Consider a managed email security solution to keep your email system up to date.
3. Outdated or Forgotten Cloud Tools with Access Permissions
What the risk is: Old or unused cloud applications can still retain permissions, API connections, or user access, all of which become attack surfaces.
Why it matters to SMBs: Failing to manage these old tools properly might expose sensitive data or create entry points for cybercriminals, especially if outdated security measures are in place. A 2023 IBM study found that 45% of organizations use cloud apps they no longer actively manage, leaving them vulnerable to credential leaks or unauthorized access.
Action Steps:
Maintain a cloud inventory.
Revoke unused app permissions and offboard former users.
Regularly audit integrations across Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, and Online Software tools.
4. Unsecured or Mismanaged Remote Access Points
What the risk is: Remote desktop protocols (RDP), open VPNs, or unmanaged access software for remote access can create pathways for hackers if not appropriately secured.
Why it matters to SMBs: Inadequate remote access controls can allow attackers to infiltrate important systems. According to Sophos’ 2024 Threat Report, remote access misuse contributed to 30% of ransomware attacks on SMBs.
Action Step:
Use Zero Trust or VPN access with IP whitelisting.
Monitor login attempts and failed authentication events.
Disable or restrict open remote desktop ports behind multi-factor gateways.
5. IT Vendors Who Don’t Proactively Monitor for Risks
What the risk is: Relying on IT vendors that only respond when something breaks? That’s a risk in itself.
Why it matters to SMBs: A non-responsive vendor can compromise your security, even if you have robust internal processes. In a 2023 survey, 59% of SMBs reported suffering a cyber event due to a lack of proactive vendor monitoring or misaligned service expectations.
Action Step:
Ask your IT vendor what risk monitoring is included in your plan.
Ensure they run external visibility scans and share security insights regularly.
If they’re reactive, it may be time for a better partner.
Securing Your Business for the Future
Recognizing and addressing these hidden cyber threats is vital for the long-term success of any SMB. At Fatum Technologies, we are dedicated to helping your business enhance its security posture and promote proactive measures against the evolving landscape of cyber risks.
Take action today to protect your business. Request a free external risk visibility scan. Let us assist you in creating a safer working environment for you and your team.
By addressing these hidden threats proactively, you can better safeguard your business and avoid becoming a statistic in the ever-growing arena of cybercrime. Together, let's prioritize cybersecurity, because in today’s digital world, knowledge truly is power.
