Uncovering 7 Hidden IT Risks That Could Cost Your Business Thousands

Most businesses don’t get hacked because of sophisticated cyber warfare. They get breached because of one overlooked setting, one outdated device, or one employee mistake. These silent IT risks lurk unnoticed, quietly exposing your business to costly threats. The good news is you can spot many of them in just 15 minutes.

Let’s uncover the seven hidden IT risks that could be draining your resources and putting your business at risk right now. For each, you’ll learn what it is, how to check it quickly, and why it matters financially.

Security settings dashboard highlighting vulnerabilities

1. Inactive Employee Accounts Still Active in Microsoft 365

When employees leave your company, their accounts often stay active. These dormant accounts become easy targets for hackers because they usually have access to sensitive data but are rarely monitored.

• How to check: Review your Microsoft 365 admin portal for accounts inactive for 30+ days and disable or delete them.

• Why this matters financially: A single compromised inactive account can lead to data breaches costing SMBs an average of $3.86 million per incident.

  
  

2. No Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) on Admin Accounts

Admin accounts control your entire IT environment. Without MFA, a stolen password gives attackers full access.

• How to check: Verify in your admin console if MFA is enabled for all admin-level users.

• Why this matters financially: Accounts without MFA are 99.9% more likely to be compromised, leading to costly downtime and recovery expenses.

  
  

3. Backup Systems That Haven’t Been Tested

Backups are your safety net, but if they aren’t tested regularly, they might fail when you need them most.

• How to check: Perform a test restore of critical data from your backup system at least quarterly.

• Why this matters financially: Failed backups can extend ransomware downtime, which costs SMBs an average of $21,000 per hour.

  
  

4. Unpatched Firewall Firmware

Firewalls protect your network perimeter. Firmware updates patch security holes and improve performance. Ignoring updates leaves your defenses weak.

• How to check: Check your firewall’s admin interface for the current firmware version and compare it with the vendor’s latest release.

• Why this matters financially: Exploited firewall vulnerabilities can lead to breaches costing SMBs over $200,000 on average.

  
  

5. Shadow IT (Unsanctioned SaaS Tools)

Employees often use apps and services without IT approval. These tools may not meet security standards and can expose data.

• How to check: Use network monitoring tools or cloud access security brokers (CASB) to identify unsanctioned SaaS usage.

• Why this matters financially: Shadow IT increases the risk of data leaks and compliance fines, which can reach tens of thousands of dollars.

  
  

Network operations center monitoring network traffic for unauthorized applications

Image caption: Network operations center monitoring for unauthorized SaaS applications and potential IT risks

6. Flat Network (No Segmentation)

A flat network means all devices are on the same level with no barriers. If one device is compromised, attackers can move freely across the network.

• How to check: Review your network architecture or ask your IT provider if network segmentation is in place.

• Why this matters financially: Network segmentation reduces breach impact and can save SMBs up to $1 million in potential damages.

  
  

7. No Incident Response Plan

Without a clear plan, your team may scramble during an attack, increasing downtime and costs.

• How to check: Ask if your business has a documented incident response plan and if staff are trained on it.

• Why this matters financially: Companies with a response plan reduce breach costs by an average of $2 million compared to those without.

  
  

Real Numbers That Show Why These IT Risks Matter

• 60% of SMBs go out of business within six months of a cyberattack (Source: National Cyber Security Alliance)

• Human error causes 95% of breaches (Source: IBM Security)

• Average cost of a data breach for SMBs is $2.98 million (Source: IBM Cost of a Data Breach Report 2023)

• Ransomware downtime costs SMBs $21,000 per hour on average (Source: Coveware)

  
  

These numbers show how small oversights can lead to big financial losses. Addressing these silent IT risks is not just about security; it’s about protecting your business’s future.

If you’d like our team to run this assessment properly, we’ll show you exactly where your exposure is — no scare tactics, just facts. Taking 15 minutes now to check these risks could save you thousands later.

Find Out Where You’re Vulnerable Before Someone Else Does.

📅 Schedule your complimentary risk review today: https://calendly.com/dr_john/15min