Understanding how cybercriminals target small businesses is essential to strengthening your organization’s defenses. Rather than relying on high-profile break-ins, attackers now commonly use tactics that exploit login credentials—effectively gaining access with a legitimate “key” rather than forcing entry.
This technique is known as an identity-based attack. It has quickly become one of the most prevalent strategies for unauthorized access. Attackers achieve this by stealing passwords, using phishing emails to deceive employees, or leveraging methods like MFA fatigue, where repeated login requests eventually prompt someone to approve access inadvertently. These methods have been shown to be highly effective.
To illustrate the impact, recent industry analysis indicates that 67% of significant security incidents in 2024 were linked directly to compromised credentials. Even large organizations—such as MGM and Caesars—have experienced such breaches. This clearly demonstrates that all businesses, regardless of size, are at risk and should prioritize credential security.
How Do Attackers Gain Access?
Many cyberattacks originate with simple tactics such as acquiring a user’s password, but threat actors are increasingly using more sophisticated methods. Understanding these evolving techniques is crucial for effective defense.
Phishing emails and fraudulent login pages remain some of the most common tools in an attacker’s toolkit. These methods are designed to closely mimic legitimate communications, tricking employees into providing confidential information such as usernames and passwords. Attackers may research organizational structures or target employees during busy times, increasing the likelihood of success.
Another prevalent method is SIM swapping, where cybercriminals target telecom providers to gain control of an employee’s phone number. Once this number is compromised, attackers can intercept SMS-based two-factor authentication (2FA) codes meant to verify identity, effectively bypassing this security layer.
Multifactor authentication (MFA) fatigue is emerging as a significant threat. Attackers use automated tools to generate a series of MFA requests, flooding the user with repeated notifications. Eventually, the volume and frequency of these requests may prompt a user to mistakenly approve access, allowing the attacker to gain entry.
It is also important to recognize that attackers do not always target organizations directly. They may seek less-obvious pathways by exploiting the vulnerabilities of employee-owned devices, which may not be subject to the same security controls as corporate assets. In addition, threat actors often look to third-party providers—such as help desks, call centers, or IT vendors—where controls and monitoring may be less rigorous. These external partners can sometimes present entry points into critical business systems if their access or security is not managed effectively.
By understanding the range and complexity of these tactics, organizations are better equipped to implement comprehensive security strategies that address both the obvious and more nuanced risks facing today’s digital environments.
How To Protect Your Business
Here’s the good news: You don’t need to be a tech wizard to protect your company. Just a few smart steps can go a long way toward creating a secure environment for your employees, systems, and data:
Turn On Multifactor Authentication (MFA)
MFA serves as an essential second layer of security beyond a password. When you enable MFA, logging in requires additional verification—typically through an authenticator app or a hardware security key. This greatly reduces the risk posed by compromised passwords. Whenever possible, select app-based or physical security key MFA options, as these are significantly more secure than SMS codes, which can be vulnerable to SIM swapping attacks.
Train Your Team
The effectiveness of your security tools depends on your team’s awareness and vigilance. Regular cybersecurity training helps employees spot suspicious emails, recognize phishing attempts, and know the right steps to take if they encounter anything unusual. Establish clear processes for reporting threats and encourage a culture where employees feel comfortable reporting potential risks quickly.
Limit Access
Apply the principle of least privilege across your network and systems. Only grant employees access to the applications, data, and resources essential for their roles. This approach helps prevent unauthorized activities and limits the potential damage if an attacker gains access to a single user account. Regularly review permissions to ensure they remain aligned with users’ responsibilities.
Use Strong Passwords or Go Passwordless
Encourage employees to create unique, complex passwords for every account, and support them with password management tools. Password managers generate, store, and fill strong passwords to minimize the risk of reuse and weak credentials. Where possible, consider adopting passwordless authentication methods—such as fingerprint readers, facial recognition, or hardware security keys—which significantly reduce the risks associated with traditional passwords.
By implementing these practical steps, your organization can address the most common entry points exploited by attackers, and establish a foundation for ongoing security improvements as threats continue to evolve.
The Bottom Line
Cybercriminals are constantly evolving their tactics, and stolen login credentials remain a principal target in business security breaches. Attackers are dedicated to finding new ways to compromise authentication, making it vital for organizations to maintain proactive and layered defenses. Even as threats become more complex, your approach to security can remain effective with the right strategy and support.
You do not have to face these challenges on your own. Our team at Securafy specializes in delivering practical, scalable solutions to help protect your systems, data, and users. We prioritize security measures that integrate seamlessly into your daily operations—striking a balance between robust protection and workforce productivity.
If you are uncertain about your current risk exposure or want assurance that your defenses are up to date, we are here to help. Reach out to discuss how Securafy can help you assess vulnerabilities, recommend tailored solutions, and build a security posture suited to your unique business needs.
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