If everything on your computer network seems to be running fine, it's easy to assume all is well. But the truth is, many cyberthreats hide in plain sight, and they're often the ones that do the most damage.
As a managed service provider, we see this all the time. A business thinks their IT setup is "set and forget," only to discover later that something has been quietly working against them for months.
Here are some of the most common hidden cyberthreats that could be living in your network without you knowing.
Dormant Malware from Past Breaches
Just because you've cleaned up after a virus or attack in the past doesn't mean the job was complete. Some types of malware are designed to go quiet for a while, then wake up later. Others might just sit there, spying on your activity or waiting for the right time to steal data.
This kind of malware is hard to spot without the right tools. That's why regular scans and professional threat detection are so important.
Unpatched Software and Forgotten Apps
If you've ever installed an app for a quick task and then forgotten about it, you're not alone. But those old programs could be creating vulnerabilities.
Hackers often look for outdated software to exploit, and if your business has software that hasn't been updated or, worse, software you didn't even remember was installed, it can become a doorway into your network.
Old User Accounts That Were Never Disabled
When an employee leaves your business, their login account should go with them. But we've seen many cases where old user accounts stay active long after the person has moved on.
These accounts can be used by attackers to sneak into your system. It's like leaving a key under the mat: someone might eventually find it.
Misconfigured Cloud Settings and Firewalls
Cloud services are great, but they need to be set up properly. Misconfigured firewalls, open ports, or cloud storage settings can leave you exposed without you even knowing.
One common example is a cloud file that's accidentally made public. It might seem harmless until you realise it contains sensitive client or financial data.
Insecure Remote Access Tools
Remote access tools are useful, especially if your team works from home or you've got an IT provider supporting you off-site. But if those tools aren't locked down with strong passwords and limited access, they can become an open door for attackers.
We've also seen cases where an old remote access program was never removed, even after it was no longer used, giving hackers a potential way in.
Staff with Too Much Access
Not every staff member needs access to everything. But over time, it's easy for permissions to build up. Someone starts in one role, moves to another, and keeps all their old access privileges.
This is called "privilege creep," and it's risky. If one of those accounts gets compromised, an attacker can suddenly access a lot more.
No Logging or Monitoring in Place
If no one is watching, it's hard to know what's really going on in your network. Without proper monitoring, a threat can go unnoticed for months.
We often find that small businesses don't have the time or tools to look at system logs, but those logs can be the first clue that something's wrong if you know where to look.
Backups That Aren't as Safe as You Think
You might think your data is safe because it's backed up. But have those backups ever been tested? Are they stored in a secure way?
In some cases, malware can also infect backups, or a backup might be stored in a place that's not protected, meaning anyone with the right link can access it.
Personal Devices Without Security Controls
When staff use their own laptops or phones for work, it adds another layer of risk. Personal devices might have less protection than your business systems.
If someone loses their phone or downloads something dodgy, it could compromise your business data. Without proper controls in place, it's hard to manage risk.
What You Can Do About It
The good news is that these hidden threats don't have to stay hidden. With the right approach, you can uncover what's really going on and take steps to protect your business.
Here's how we can help:
- Run a professional security audit to uncover hidden risks.
- Set up proper monitoring and alerting.
- Review and clean up access permissions.
- Harden remote access tools and cloud settings.
- Patch and remove outdated software.
- Test and secure your backups.
- Help you manage personal devices used for work.
Cyberthreats aren't always obvious, but with the right team looking after your network, you don't have to lose sleep wondering what might be lurking in the background.
Want to know what's really going on in your IT environment? Let's chat.
