Australian Signal Directorate (ASD) received more than 36,700 calls for cybercrime in FY2023-24, which is a 12% increase from the previous year. Cybercriminals now target small to large businesses, knowing many skip basic security steps, which you shouldn’t skip, with particular signs.
Signs your business is an easy target for cybercrime include:
- Lack of incident response plan
- Outdated software and systems
- Weak password practice and no MFA
- Lack of employee training to spot cyber threats
- Overlooked remote and cloud security
- Overlooked network security
If you are unsure about them and what to do if these happen, this guide will help you sort them out and provide the proper solutions to implement.
5 Signs Your Business Is an Easy Target for Cybercrime
If you experience the 5 signs below, you can consider that your business IT system is at risk of cybercrime. So, be alert, and let’s learn what to do in the following situations.
1. You Don’t Have an Incident Response Plan
If a hacker gains access to your systems, do you know what to do next? If not, you’re already at risk. Without an incident response plan, your team will likely panic or waste time during an attack.
That delay can cause more damage—data loss, system shutdowns, and reputation damage.
Cybercriminals rely on confusion. For example, during a ransomware attack, they lock your systems and demand money. If your team doesn’t act fast, you might pay more than you should—or lose everything.
What to do:
Create a step-by-step incident response plan. It should include:
- Who to contact
- How to shut down affected systems
- What and how to back up your data
- How to recover them safely
- Ransomware readiness
- At the end, test the plan with your staff.
2. Your Software and Systems Are Outdated
Are you using old software or skipping updates? You’re making a hacker’s job easy. Unpatched systems and outdated software vulnerabilities are one of the most common ways criminals break in.
A 2025 survey shows that 32% of cyber attacks happen due to outdated, unpatched software.
For instance, the 2017 WannaCry attack was one of the largest data breach incidents, where outdated Windows systems were the main target. Over 200,000 computers were affected globally.
What to do:
- Update your systems regularly.
- Apply security patches as soon as they’re released.
- Use automated tools to scan for outdated software.
3. Weak Password Practices and No MFA
Are your employees using “123456” or “admin” as passwords? That’s a clear path for cybercriminals. Weak password policies and no multi-factor authentication (MFA) make it easy for attackers to log in like regular users.
Hackers often use brute-force attacks, where they try thousands of password combinations until one works. When one works, they can easily access your system if you don’t implement MFA.
What to do:
- Create strong password rules—long, unique passwords with symbols.
- Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on all systems and apps. This adds a second layer of protection, like a code sent to a mobile phone or through email. Until you use the code, no one can access your system even with the password.
4. Your Employees Aren’t Trained to Spot Threats
Your staff may be your biggest weakness—and cybercriminals know it. Many attacks today don’t need technical skills. Instead, they use phishing attacks.
Phishing is one of the most common social engineering tactics and often leads to data breaches, business email compromise (BEC), or ransomware attacks.
A report stated that Australians were scammed out of $119 million in the first four months of 2025—a 28% increase from the same period last year. Phishing attacks were the biggest reason.
In a BEC, attackers pose as a CEO or financial authority and request payments or data. One couple lost $800,000 from a fake invoice.
Or you might get an email that looks like it’s from your bank, asking you to “verify” your account. If you click the link and enter your details, they go straight to the hacker.
What to do:
- Run regular employee cybersecurity training.
- Teach your team how to spot suspicious emails, fake links, and strange requests.
- Practice with real-life examples. Set up insider threat detection and alert systems.
5. Your Remote, Cloud, and Network Security Are Weak
Remote work, cloud tools, and open networks can all become entry points for cybercriminals. Many businesses face remote work security risks by using personal laptops or public Wi-Fi for business, which hackers can easily exploit.
A simple cloud misconfiguration can expose sensitive files to the public. Worse, if a supplier gets hacked, you might face supply chain attack exposure.
Weak network security, such as missing firewalls or open ports, makes it even easier for attackers to slip in and move across your systems unnoticed.
What to do:
- Use strong VPNs and limit device access.
- Apply clear remote login rules.
- Secure your cloud settings with automated misconfiguration checks.
- Encrypt internal traffic, install firewalls, and enable network intrusion alerts.
- Always protect your Wi-Fi with a strong password and a hidden SSID.
Final Thought
If you spot signs your business is an easy target for cybercrime, it’s time to act. If you can’t handle all these alone, hiring a Brisbane managed IT service provider will be the best decision. They will do all IT security jobs on your behalf, from assessing the risk to implementing security measures.
At ItTechBox, they help businesses like yours close security gaps fast—whether it’s adding MFA, setting up an incident response plan, or fixing cloud misconfigurations. Don’t wait for a major data breach or BEC attack to wake up to the risk. Get your IT security today to keep your business uninterrupted.