Would You Leave a Window Open at Your Business Overnight?
Most business owners wouldn’t dream of leaving their office or shop window open overnight. It’s an open invitation for trouble. Yet, in the digital world, that’s exactly what thousands of UK businesses are doing every day without realising it. The problem? Cybercriminals don’t need to pick locks or smash windows. They just wait for someone to leave one open — digitally.
At Munio, we see this all too often. A business believes they’re secure because they have antivirus installed or a firewall running. But cybersecurity has moved on. And so have the attackers. Today’s threats don’t need brute force. They simply look for what’s exposed and walk straight in.
Here are some of the most common “open windows” we find during routine assessments:
– Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) left exposed to the internet: RDP is a favourite for attackers. If it’s not locked down properly, it’s like putting a key under the doormat. We’ve seen UK companies unknowingly expose entire servers this way.
– Outdated software and operating systems: From old accounting packages to unsupported Windows versions, these are soft targets. Attackers know which vulnerabilities exist and where to find them. For example, we recently worked with a logistics firm in Kent running a 2012 server. Within minutes of scanning, it was flagged as vulnerable to a known exploit.
– Unused user accounts still active: When employees leave, their access should too. Unfortunately, many companies forget to disable or delete old logins. These dormant accounts become easy backdoors for attackers — especially if the passwords haven’t changed.
– Weak or reused passwords: Password123 just won’t cut it. Even something that feels “clever” like Summer2024! is predictable. If a password has ever been leaked in a breach, attackers will try it everywhere using automated tools. We often find clients using the same password across multiple systems — email, CRM, even server access.
All of these issues are preventable — but only if you know they’re there. That’s the challenge. Most businesses aren’t deliberately neglecting cybersecurity. They just assume someone’s already covered it. In reality, that someone often hasn’t looked properly in years.
Cybersecurity isn’t just about stopping viruses anymore. It’s about good housekeeping. Think of it like locking up your business at night — you check the doors, windows, alarm, and make sure no one’s lurking inside. Your IT should be treated the same way.
At Munio, we help businesses across the UK uncover these digital gaps before someone else does. Our Cyber Risk Clarification assessment is jargon-free, pressure-free, and designed to give you a clear view of your vulnerabilities — and what to do about them.
If you’re not sure whether your digital windows are shut tight, now’s the time to check. Because in cybersecurity, it’s not the big dramatic attacks that catch you out. It’s the small, silent ones — the ones that come through the open window.
Book your Cyber Risk Clarification today at https://munio-it.co.uk/clarity/