IT security is no longer just for large corporations. Every day we see how small and medium-sized companies are also targets of cyber-attacks, and many times they do not have the resources or the knowledge to protect themselves adequately. Therefore, understanding the most common vulnerabilities and how to avoid them is key to keeping businesses safe.

Cybersecurity no longer depends only on firewalls and antivirus. Today, artificial intelligence has become a key ally in protecting companies against increasingly sophisticated threats.

Cybercriminals can gain access to confidential information, disrupt services or even take control of your devices by opening unbridgeable security holes.

In this article we explain which are the most common IT security vulnerabilities, how to prevent them in a simple way and the tools that through AI can help you to keep your business protected in a simple way.

Outdated software

Unupdated software is an open door for hackers. Keeping software updates up to date does not guarantee 100% immunity, but it does help reduce the chances of receiving cyber-attacks. To prevent this from happening, the best option is to automate updates through RMM solutions so as not to depend on the memory or availability of technical equipment.

Weak or repeated passwords

The practice of using weak or repeated passwords is more common than we think, using the famous "123456" combination or the same password for all services is like leaving the key under the doormat of your company. To prevent password theft, it makes sense to implement strong password policies and multi-factor authentication. These practices can reduce encryption attacks by half.

Lack of secure remote control

Offsite and remote teams of companies often access the corporate network without any kind of control, exposing it in an obvious way. The most appropriate solution in these cases is the use of tools that encrypt connections and allow secure access management.

Absence of constant monitoring

Information always gives you the power, the only way to know what is happening in your technological infrastructure is through monitoring. Knowing what is happening in your systems in real time helps you recognize the flaws that make you vulnerable and detect threats before they cause major damage.

Human error

A high percentage of cyber-attacks are due to everyday human error: clicking on a malicious link or opening an infected file are very common acts that can suddenly compromise corporate security. Today, there is still a need for more cybersecurity awareness and adapted training to train teams in best practices to avoid unwanted disasters.

How does AI help in cybersecurity?

AI makes it possible to analyze large volumes of data in real time, detect suspicious patterns and anticipate possible attacks before they occur. There are all-in-one solutions such as Atera whose functionalities make it possible to detect vulnerabilities in real time, automatically manage updates, scans and maintenance tasks without manual intervention, and program predictive alerts based on behavioral patterns to help identify potential risks. All this with centralized monitoring and management.

As we have seen in the article, avoiding security vulnerabilities does not have to be complicated or costly, but it is necessary to be aware of good practices and implement the right tools to protect your company without the need to be a cybersecurity expert.