5 Common Ways Your Business Gets Hacked and How to Prevent It

21 Jul 2026
Three colleagues collaborating at a laptop, with a plant in the foreground.

Cybercriminals are constantly looking for ways to gain access to business systems, emails and confidential information.

Although some cyberattacks involve sophisticated techniques, many successful breaches begin with common security weaknesses that could have been prevented. A stolen password, missed software update or convincing phishing email may be all an attacker needs to access your business.

Small and medium-sized businesses are often targeted because criminals may assume they have fewer security controls and limited internal IT resources.

Here are five of the most common ways businesses get hacked and the practical steps you can take to reduce the risk.

1. Phishing Emails

Phishing is one of the most common methods used by cybercriminals to target businesses.

A phishing email is designed to look as though it has come from a trusted person or organisation. It may appear to be from Microsoft, a bank, a supplier, a delivery company or even a senior member of your own team.

The message will usually encourage the recipient to take urgent action, such as clicking a link, opening an attachment, approving a payment or entering their Microsoft 365 login details.

Once an attacker has access to an employee’s email account, they may be able to read confidential messages, reset passwords, impersonate the employee or send further phishing emails to customers and suppliers.

How Can You Prevent Phishing Attacks?

Employees should receive regular cybersecurity awareness training so they know how to recognise suspicious emails.

Staff should be encouraged to check the sender’s address carefully, avoid opening unexpected attachments and confirm unusual requests using another method of communication.

For example, an unexpected request to change a supplier’s bank details should always be confirmed by telephone using a trusted contact number.

Businesses should also use email security systems that can identify malicious links, suspicious attachments and impersonation attempts.

Multi-factor authentication should be enabled across Microsoft 365 and other important business systems. This adds an additional layer of protection if a password is stolen.

2. Weak or Reused Passwords

Passwords remain one of the biggest weaknesses in business cybersecurity.

Many people still use simple passwords or reuse the same password across several websites and services. If one of those services suffers a data breach, criminals may attempt to use the stolen password to access the employee’s business accounts.

Cybercriminals can also use automated tools to test large numbers of common passwords against Microsoft 365, remote access services and other cloud systems.

Shared passwords can create additional risks because it becomes difficult to identify who has accessed an account or make sure the password is changed when an employee leaves.

How Can You Improve Password Security?

Employees should use a strong and unique password for every account.

A business password manager can securely generate and store passwords, removing the need for employees to remember them or write them down.

Multi-factor authentication should also be enabled wherever possible. Even when an attacker obtains the correct password, they should not be able to access the account without completing an additional verification step.

Businesses should regularly review user accounts and remove access that is no longer required.

Administrator permissions should only be given to people who genuinely need them, and separate administrator accounts should be used for sensitive tasks.

It is also important to monitor for suspicious login activity, such as attempts from unusual countries, unknown devices or unexpected locations.

3. Unpatched Software

Software vulnerabilities are regularly discovered in operating systems, applications, servers, firewalls and network equipment.

Manufacturers release security updates to correct these weaknesses, but businesses do not always install them quickly enough.

Cybercriminals actively search for devices running outdated software. Once they identify a known vulnerability, they may be able to access the system without needing to trick an employee.

A single outdated computer, server or firewall could give an attacker a route into the wider business network.

How Can You Prevent Attacks Through Outdated Software?

Businesses should have a structured patch management process in place.

Security updates should be installed promptly across computers, laptops, servers, mobile devices, firewalls and business applications.

Updates should also be centrally monitored so failed installations and unsupported devices can be identified.

Older operating systems and applications that no longer receive security updates should be replaced. Continuing to use unsupported technology creates a risk that cannot always be resolved through additional security software.

Businesses should also maintain an accurate list of their devices and applications. You cannot properly protect systems that you do not know are connected to your network.

4. Poorly Secured Remote Access

Remote working has made it easier for employees to access company systems from different locations. However, remote access can also provide criminals with another route into the business.

Attackers commonly target remote desktop services, virtual private networks, remote support software and cloud administration portals.

Remote access systems are particularly vulnerable when they are protected only by a username and password.

Old employee accounts and forgotten remote access tools can also create security gaps that remain unnoticed for long periods.

How Can You Secure Remote Access?

Remote access should only be enabled when it is genuinely required.

Every remote access service should be protected by multi-factor authentication and strong access policies.

Businesses should avoid exposing Remote Desktop Protocol directly to the internet. Secure alternatives such as managed VPNs, trusted remote support platforms and controlled cloud access should be used instead.

Access should be restricted to authorised users and, where possible, approved company devices.

Remote access activity should be logged and monitored so unusual connections can be investigated.

Accounts belonging to former employees, suppliers and contractors should be disabled as soon as access is no longer required.

5. Infected or Unmanaged Devices

Every device connected to your business network represents a potential entry point for an attacker.

Computers can become infected when employees open malicious attachments, download unauthorised software, connect unknown USB devices or visit compromised websites.

Personal devices can create additional risks if employees use them to access business emails or documents without appropriate security controls.

A compromised device may allow criminals to steal passwords, monitor activity, access files or spread ransomware across the network.

How Can You Protect Business Devices?

All business computers, laptops and servers should be centrally managed and protected by modern endpoint security.

Traditional antivirus software may not be enough to defend against current cyber threats. Endpoint detection and response systems can monitor suspicious behaviour, identify unusual activity and help isolate infected devices before an attack spreads.

Devices should be kept updated, encrypted and protected by secure screen locks.

Employees should not normally have local administrator access unless it is required for their role. Removing unnecessary administrator permissions can help prevent malicious software from making significant changes to a device.

Businesses should also control which applications can be installed and restrict the use of unknown USB devices.

Personal devices should only be allowed to access company information where suitable security policies and mobile device management controls are in place.

Cybersecurity Needs More Than One Solution

There is no single security product that can prevent every cyberattack.

Effective cybersecurity requires several layers of protection working together. These may include multi-factor authentication, endpoint security, email filtering, regular software updates, secure backups, employee training and network monitoring.

If one security control fails, another may still prevent the attacker from accessing your systems or limit the damage they can cause.

Businesses should also ensure that someone is actively monitoring their security systems. Alerts and reports are only useful when they are reviewed and acted upon.

What Should You Do If You Think Your Business Has Been Hacked?

If you believe an employee account or business device has been compromised, it is important to act quickly.

Disconnect affected devices from the network and contact your IT support provider immediately.

Compromised passwords should be changed, active login sessions should be revoked and suspicious account activity should be investigated.

Microsoft 365 accounts should be checked for unknown email forwarding rules, changes to multi-factor authentication details and unauthorised administrator access.

Affected devices should not be wiped or reset until they have been properly investigated. Removing information too quickly could destroy valuable evidence and make it harder to determine how the attacker gained access.

Your cyber insurance provider may also need to be contacted, depending on the nature and severity of the incident.

How Hamilton Group Can Help

Hamilton Group helps businesses protect their systems, employees and data through proactive IT support and managed cybersecurity services.

We can help with:

Our team can review your current security, identify potential weaknesses and help put the right protection in place before those weaknesses are exploited.

Call Hamilton Group today on 0330 043 0069 to discuss how we can help protect your business from cyberattacks.

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