How Cyber Attacks Actually Start in Small Businesses
Most cyber attacks against small businesses begin with simple, preventable weaknesses. Attackers look for the easiest path in, not the most sophisticated target. Cyvex helps UK SMEs close these common gaps before they become incidents.
Email compromise
Phishing emails trick staff into sharing passwords or approving payments. Once attackers access an inbox, they can impersonate directors and suppliers.
Exposed services
Remote access tools, cloud dashboards, or test environments are left open to the internet. Automated scanners find them in minutes.
Unpatched systems
Outdated software contains known vulnerabilities with public exploit code. Attackers run scripts that search for these unpatched systems.
Default credentials
Default passwords on routers, printers, or CCTV systems are often never changed. Attackers try the defaults first.
Third-party suppliers
Small businesses inherit risk from suppliers, freelancers, and managed service providers. If a supplier account is compromised, attackers can pivot into your systems.
Quick answers (FAQ)
What is the most common way small businesses get hacked?
Email compromise is the most common entry point, often through phishing or stolen passwords.
Do attackers really target small companies?
Yes. Attackers often automate scans for exposed services and weak credentials, which small businesses are more likely to overlook.
Can vulnerability scanning stop these attacks?
Scanning cannot block every attack, but it dramatically reduces exposure by flagging weaknesses before they are exploited.