IT is the backbone of modern businesses, streamlining operations across every department from finance to marketing and customer service. But with this convenience comes hidden security risks that many companies underestimate. 

A single vulnerability can lead to data breaches, financial losses, and reputational damage.

Cyber threats are evolving rapidly, and overlooking key security gaps can cost businesses big time. Weak passwords, outdated software, insider threats, and poor access controls create opportunities for hackers to exploit. Many organizations assume their security measures are airtight until a breach exposes costly flaws. 

However, most of these risks are preventable with the right strategies. 

In this blog, we’ll uncover the biggest IT security threats companies tend to overlook and provide actionable steps to safeguard your business. 

12 IT Security You Should Not Overlook 

Here are some of the crucial IT security aspects you should not overlook: 

1. Procurement Security Gaps 

When companies purchase new software, hardware, or cloud services, security often takes a backseat to cost and functionality. This can introduce significant risks. Unvetted tools may contain vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit, leading to data breaches or system compromises. 

For example, a company might adopt a third-party customer relationship management (CRM) platform without thoroughly assessing its security features. If the platform has weak encryption or inadequate access controls, sensitive customer data could be exposed. 

How to Prevent It: 

• Implement a standardized procurement policy that includes a cybersecurity risk assessment for all new tools. 
• Require vendors to provide security documentation and undergo regular audits. 
• Involve IT and security teams in the decision-making process to evaluate potential risks before onboarding new systems. 
• Procure IT hardware and software only via a trusted solution provider like ZenAdmin that guarantees security. 

2. Device Access Management 

Without strict access management, businesses risk granting employees excessive privileges. This means users may have access to sensitive systems or data beyond what’s necessary for their roles. 

Such lax controls increase the chance of insider threats or external breaches if credentials are compromised. 

An employee with administrative access across multiple platforms might end up clicking on a phishing link. Cybercriminals can exploit those privileges to move laterally across the network, stealing data or deploying ransomware. If some private company data is leaked, it can cost your business in millions. 

How to Prevent It: 

• Implement role-based access controls (RBAC) to ensure employees only have access to what they need. 
• Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) to add an extra layer of security. 
• Regularly audit access permissions and promptly revoke unused or unnecessary privileges. 

3. Shadow IT 

Employees often turn to unauthorized apps or tools to get work done faster. While convenient, these shadow IT applications operate outside of IT’s visibility and security protocols. From free file-sharing services to unsanctioned productivity tools, these platforms can leak sensitive data or introduce malware. 

For example, an employee using an unapproved messaging app to discuss project details might inadvertently expose confidential information. If the app lacks encryption or experiences a breach, the company faces both data loss and compliance risks.

How to Prevent It:

• Educate employees on the risks of using unauthorized applications. 
• Provide secure, approved alternatives that meet their needs. 
• Implement network monitoring to detect and block the use of shadow IT tools. 

4. Device Retrieval from Remote Employees 

Managing company devices has become increasingly complex with the rise of remote work. When employees leave, failing to retrieve laptops, smartphones, or tablets containing sensitive data poses a serious security risk. 

Unsecured devices can lead to corporate espionage. Additionally, lost or stolen devices may expose confidential information without robust endpoint protection and data management. 

How to Prevent It: 

• Establish a comprehensive offboarding process that mandates device retrieval and tracks its completion.  
• Use IT asset management platforms like ZenAdmin to securely back up company data, lock down devices, and retrieve assets when employees exit—protecting your data every step of the way. 
• Implement mobile device management (MDM) solutions to monitor, locate, and wipe data from devices if necessary. 
• Maintain a detailed inventory of all company-owned devices and perform regular audits. 
• Enforce encryption and endpoint security protocols to prevent data exposure in case of unauthorized access. 

5. Third-Party Vendor Security 

Many companies rely on external vendors for IT hardware and software procurement solutions, payment processing, or data management. However, third-party vendors can become the weakest link in your cybersecurity chain. If vendors lack robust security measures, attackers can exploit their systems to infiltrate yours. 

Take the case of the infamous Target data breach. Attackers accessed the retailer’s network by compromising a third-party HVAC vendor. This breach exposed credit card information of over 70 million customers, all due to a vendor with poor cybersecurity controls. 

We know systems are now more secure and advanced, but so are the exploiter who stop at no cost to come up with new ideas to break in. 

How to Prevent It:

• Conduct thorough security assessments of all vendors before granting access to your systems. 
• Require vendors to comply with your cybersecurity standards and undergo regular audits. 
• Implement strict access controls that limit vendor access to only the necessary data and systems. 

6. API Security 

APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) are essential for connecting applications and services, but they are often neglected when it comes to security. 

According to Salt Security, 94% of organizations experienced an API-related security incident in 2023. 

Unsecured or poorly managed APIs can serve as direct entry points for attackers, exposing sensitive data and compromising entire systems. 

How to Prevent It: 

• Implement API authentication and authorization protocols using OAuth or API keys. 
• Enforce rate limiting and access controls to prevent abuse. 
• Continuously monitor API traffic using security tools to detect anomalies. 
• Conduct regular API security audits and penetration testing. 

7. Security Awareness Training Gaps 

Employees are often the first line of defense against cyber threats, yet many companies fail to provide sufficient security training. A 2024 Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report highlighted that 68% of breaches involve human error. Without ongoing training, employees may fall for phishing attacks, mishandle data, or inadvertently expose sensitive information. 

How to Prevent It:

• Implement regular, role-specific cybersecurity training that covers emerging threats. 
• Conduct simulated phishing campaigns to raise awareness and test employee response. 
• Establish a clear reporting process for suspicious emails or activities. 
• Build a security-first culture by encouraging employees to stay vigilant. 

8. Legacy System Maintenance 

Running outdated or unsupported systems is a major security risk. Legacy systems often lack critical security updates, making them vulnerable to exploitation. In fact, 60% of organizations experienced a breach due to an unpatched vulnerability. 

How to Prevent It:

• Regularly assess and phase out legacy systems in favor of modern, supported solutions. 
• Apply security patches and updates as soon as they become available. 
• Use network segmentation to isolate legacy systems and limit potential damage. 
• Implement virtual patching solutions to provide temporary protection for unsupported systems. 

9. IoT Device Security 

IoT devices, including cameras, sensors, and printers, often lack robust security controls, making them attractive targets for cyberattacks. 

Many manufacturers prioritize functionality over security, leading to weak default passwords, outdated firmware, and limited encryption. 

Once compromised, these devices can provide attackers with network access for exploitation. Additionally, unencrypted IoT traffic increases the risk of data interception. 

Since these devices often operate within corporate networks, a breach can expose sensitive data or disrupt critical operations. 

Attackers may also leverage vulnerable IoT devices for botnet attacks, contributing to large-scale Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) incidents. 

How to Prevent It:

• Change default credentials and enforce strong, unique passwords on all IoT devices. 
• Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) where possible for added protection. 
• Segment IoT devices onto a dedicated network, restricting their communication to essential systems only. 
• Apply regular firmware updates and security patches from the manufacturer. 
• Ensure that the manufacturer you buy from can be trusted with their security functions. 
• Implement continuous monitoring and logging to detect any suspicious behavior. 

10. Insufficient Backup Testing

A backup that cannot be restored during a cyberattack, ransomware incident, or natural disaster is practically useless. Corrupt or incomplete backups are often only discovered during critical moments, resulting in extended downtime, data loss, and costly recovery efforts.

Moreover, without periodic testing, companies may not realize that vital data is missing from backups, or that recovery time objectives (RTOs) and recovery point objectives (RPOs) cannot be met. 

Gaps in backup procedures are particularly dangerous when dealing with ransomware, as attackers frequently target backup systems to prevent recovery. 

How to Prevent It:

• Schedule routine backup and restore tests to ensure data integrity and reliability. 
• Implement a 3-2-1 backup strategy: maintain three copies of data, stored on two different media, with one copy stored offsite. 
• Use automated backup systems with error detection and self-healing capabilities. 
• Develop a detailed disaster recovery plan (DRP) that outlines step-by-step procedures for restoration. 

11. Incomplete Security Logging 

Without proper security logging, companies lack visibility into suspicious activity, making it harder to identify attacks before they escalate. Missing or poorly configured logs prevent timely incident response and limit forensic investigations. 

Attackers often attempt to cover their tracks by disabling or tampering with logs. Organizations that fail to monitor and protect their logs may miss these signs of compromise. Moreover, inconsistent log management can lead to regulatory non-compliance, further exposing companies to legal and financial risks. 

How to Prevent It:

• Implement a Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) system to centralize and analyze logs from all endpoints, applications, and network devices. 
• Configure logs to capture key security events, including authentication attempts, privilege escalations, and data access activities. 
• Set up automated alerts to flag unusual behavior and trigger incident response protocols. 
• Conduct routine log analysis to identify anomalies and ensure compliance with retention policies. 

12. Cloud Configuration Errors 

Cloud environments offer scalability and flexibility, but misconfigurations can expose sensitive data and create exploitable vulnerabilities. 

Common mistakes include improperly configured storage buckets, overly permissive access controls, and the absence of encryption. Attackers often scan for these misconfigurations, using automated tools to locate exposed resources. 

Failure to secure cloud infrastructure also leads to compliance violations, especially for businesses handling regulated data. 

Additionally, companies may unknowingly grant third-party applications excessive access to cloud environments, increasing the attack surface. 

How to Prevent It:

• Use Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM) tools to identify and remediate misconfigurations in real-time. 
• Apply the principle of least privilege by restricting user and application access to only what is necessary. 
• Enable data encryption both at rest and in transit to protect sensitive information. 
• Perform regular cloud security audits and penetration testing to uncover and address vulnerabilities. 

Take a Proactive Approach to IT Security With ZenAdmin! 

Proactively identifying and addressing these threats is essential for maintaining a secure, resilient IT environment.

But managing security across a distributed workforce, multiple devices, and countless software applications isn’t easy. And especially so for companies with limited IT resources. That’s where ZenAdmin comes in. 

ZenAdmin is an all-in-one platform designed for global IT teams to seamlessly Procure, Discover, Manage, and Secure devices and applications. Whether it’s managing remote device lifecycles, securing access to sensitive applications, or ensuring timely repairs and retrievals, ZenAdmin has you covered. 

Its centralized platform provides real-time visibility, automated workflows, and 24/7 IT support, which helps eliminate the complexity of working with multiple vendors across different countries. 

With ZenAdmin, you can: 

• Implement robust access management to prevent unauthorized usage. 
• Track and manage device lifecycles globally, ensuring devices are secured and accounted for. 
• Automate onboarding and offboarding workflows, reducing human error. 
• Deliver responsive IT support, anytime, anywhere. 

Don’t wait for a security incident to highlight gaps in your IT management. Build a secure, streamlined IT environment that scales with your business. 

Book a demo today!