8 Top Cyber Security Threats of 2021

The 2021 business landscape is dominated by the disruption caused by COVID-19 and its attendant restrictions. The sudden changes organizations are making in the area of technology adoption and work from home support are unprecedented. However, some of these changes have aggravated existing security threats and also introduced new ones.

In this article, we will look at the top cyber threats that pose risks to businesses in 2021.

1. Ransomware Attacks
Ransomware is one of the top threats against businesses in 2021. Its increasing frequency is a result of the little risk but big rewards that hackers can gain from attacking an organization’s system. Cyber attackers use ransomware to encrypt a victim’s files and demand ransom payments to decrypt them.

Ransomware actors are advancing with their tricks. There is now ransomware as a service in which some groups develop and sell ransomware software to less tech-savvy cybercriminals. In addition, there is also the increased use of the double-extortion strategy. Here, cybercriminals steal data before encrypting it so they can sell the data on the dark web if the victim refuses to pay.

2. Work from Home Attacks
Many organizations are investing heavily in remote working systems to maintain business function.

This remote working culture will continue for many organizations even after the pandemic has ended. However, this setup comes with various security gaps that cyberattackers are exploiting in 2021.

Attackers are exploiting weak passwords of RDP used for remote access. They are also taking advantage of software vulnerabilities in virtual private networks(VPNs) to access corporate networks and steal data.

Another popular attack against remote network access is thread hijacking. This involves a hacker responding to an existing conversation in a compromised email account and including links to phishing sites or malicious software in order to compromise an organization’s system.

3. Phishing
Phishing continues to be an effective means through which cybercriminals gain access into organizations’ networks.

It involves tricking an employee or target into carrying out specific instructions for an attacker. The effects of phishing can include loss of sensitive data, malware installation on business computers, or transacting business on behalf of an attacker.

The cybercriminals pretend to be who they are not, such as managers, business partners, or representatives of reputable companies, to gain the trust of their targets.

Increased use of online collaboration tools makes employees more comfortable with receiving and executing instructions remotely often with the assumption that the communication channel is secure. This makes them an easy target for phishers.

4. AI-Powered Attacks
As much as artificial intelligence is used to foil cyber-attacks and block the activities of malicious software. Hackers are also using similar technology to automate their attacks using data poisoning and model-stealing methods for compromising business systems.

5. Multi-factor Authentication Attacks
Multi-factor authentication was designed to stop unauthorized access to accounts and sensitive data. It is used to protect against data breaches and attacks. by using an additional device or methods to authenticate users before granting access to requested services or data.

While multi-factor authentication can improve security, not all of its implementations are secure. For example, phone-based SMS multi-factor authentication has been discovered to be insecure because the authentication token can be intercepted by attackers.

6. Cloud-based Attacks
The rapid adoption of cloud technology offers several advantages but also comes with business security risks.

Many organizations’ cloud migration is poorly planned due to the move being forced by circumstances or the use of non-specialists for cloud services transition. This can leave a company’s cloud resources with security vulnerabilities such as misconfigured authorization. Cyber Attackers can easily exploit these issues to steal data.

7. Zero-day Attacks
Zero-day attacks are not new but the incidence is growing. It is a cyber attack that involves the exploit of vulnerabilities of systems or networks that are yet to be patched.
These types of attacks are highly effective because traditional security systems on computer networks are not equipped to protect against new exploits.

Zero-day attacks are becoming common in 2021 because a large number of discovered vulnerabilities are getting released publicly. The volume of disclosure makes it difficult for organizations to keep up with the patches required to secure their network. In addition, cyber attackers develop working zero-day exploits quicker than security companies can block them.

8. Mobile-based Attacks
Mobile devices are heavily used in corporate settings and. Employees take advantage of their mobile devices to work on the go and keep up with project progress.

With increasing remote access to business systems due to work from home policies, mobile devices are seeing wider applications for work purposes.

Since mobile devices usually don’t have the same level of cybersecurity defenses obtainable on corporate systems, cybercriminals are using them as launch pads to infiltrate an organization’s network. This may be done via website phishing and the installation of malicious applications.

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Increased use of remote networks by businesses can lead to more cyber attacks on corporate systems and networks.

As organizations continue to face major cybersecurity challenges in 2021, it is important that your business adopts modern security trends to protect it from dangerous threats. Contact us today to learn how SDTEK can help keep your organization safe from security threats.

Common IT Security Compliance Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

June 17, 2025
Meeting IT security compliance standards is crucial for businesses that handle sensitive data, particularly in industries such as healthcare, finance, defense, and e-commerce. Regulatory frameworks such as HIPAA, CMMC, PCI-DSS, and GDPR exist to help ensure businesses protect customer information and maintain robust cybersecurity practices. Unfortunately, many organizations fall short of these requirements, often due to common, avoidable mistakes. These gaps can result in costly fines, data breaches, and reputational damage, which can significantly impact the business's bottom line and customer trust. 1. Failing to Conduct Regular Risk Assessments The Pitfall: Many businesses overlook the importance of conducting routine risk assessments. Without these, it’s challenging to identify vulnerabilities or evaluate whether your current cybersecurity controls meet compliance standards. How to Avoid It: Implement a regular risk assessment schedule. Work with a qualified IT provider to evaluate your systems, identify weaknesses, and document remediation plans. These assessments should be performed at least annually, or whenever significant changes to the system occur. 2. Inadequate Employee Training The Pitfall: Your employees are your first line of defense—and often your most significant vulnerability. A common compliance issue arises when businesses fail to train staff on cybersecurity best practices or on handling sensitive data appropriately. How to Avoid It: Invest in ongoing cybersecurity awareness training. Ensure employees understand how to recognize phishing emails, create strong passwords, and report any suspicious activity. Training should be updated regularly to reflect current threats and compliance requirements. 3. Improper Data Handling and Storage The Pitfall: Storing sensitive data in unsecured locations, failing to encrypt information, or retaining data longer than necessary are significant compliance risks. These practices are often flagged during audits. How to Avoid It: Adopt data classification policies that define how different types of data should be handled; encrypt sensitive data both at rest and in transit. Establish clear data retention policies and ensure that obsolete data is disposed of securely. 4. Lack of Incident Response Planning The Pitfall: When a security incident occurs, time is of the essence. Many businesses lack a documented incident response plan, or their existing plan hasn’t been thoroughly tested. This can lead to delayed responses, increased damage, and regulatory penalties. How to Avoid It: Develop a formal incident response plan that includes roles, responsibilities, communication protocols, and steps for containment and recovery. Run simulated breach scenarios with your IT team to ensure everyone knows how to respond effectively. 5. Using Outdated Software or Systems The Pitfall: Running outdated operating systems, software, or firmware is a common issue that can lead to compliance failures. Unsupported technologies are more vulnerable to exploitation. How to Avoid It: Keep all systems and applications up to date with the latest patches. Use automated tools to track software versions and receive alerts about end-of-life technologies. Schedule regular maintenance windows to apply updates and upgrades. 6. Insufficient Access Controls The Pitfall: Allowing too many employees access to sensitive data—or failing to revoke access when it’s no longer needed—can lead to data breaches and non-compliance. How to Avoid It: Implement role-based access controls and follow the principle of least privilege. This principle means that each user should have the minimum level of access necessary to perform their job. Regularly audit user accounts and permissions to ensure access is current and appropriate. Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) to add an additional layer of protection. 7. Neglecting Third-Party Vendor Risks The Pitfall: Businesses often overlook the fact that their compliance responsibilities extend to third-party vendors. If a vendor mishandles your data, you could still be held accountable. How to Avoid It: Vet third-party vendors carefully. Ensure they meet the same compliance standards as your business and include security requirements in your contracts. Conduct periodic audits or request compliance certifications from your vendors. 8. Failing to Document Policies and Procedures The Pitfall: Even if your security practices are strong, failing to document your compliance policies can result in audit failures. Regulators want to see evidence that you have formal processes in place. How to Avoid It: Create and maintain clear documentation for all compliance-related policies, including data protection, access control, incident response, and employee training. Make these documents easily accessible for audits and regularly review them to ensure updates are current. Conclusion Compliance with IT security standards is not a one-time project—it requires ongoing attention, regular updates, and a proactive approach to maintain effectiveness. By understanding and addressing these common pitfalls, your business can stay ahead of regulatory requirements, strengthen its security posture, and reduce the risk of costly incidents. This ongoing attention is crucial to maintaining your business's security and audit readiness. If you’re unsure whether your business is meeting current IT compliance standards, professional support can help. Contact SDTEK today to schedule a compliance assessment and learn how our IT services can keep your business secure and audit-ready. With our support, you can navigate the complex landscape of IT security compliance with confidence.

Why Cybersecurity and Business IT Support Are Crucial for Fort Wayne Businesses

April 9, 2025
In today’s digital-first world, cybersecurity isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. Whether you run a small startup or a growing enterprise in Fort Wayne , protecting your business’s data, systems, and clients is essential for long-term success. From ransomware attacks to phishing scams, cyber threats are evolving every day, and the best way to stay ahead of them is by partnering with a reliable IT services provider that understands the unique needs of local businesses. Here’s why investing in professional business IT support is one of the smartest decisions Fort Wayne businesses can make—and how working with SDTEK helps protect your operations, your data, and your reputation.