The 6 Most Common Network Vulnerabilities — And How to Fix Them
When most people imagine a cyberattack, they picture a team of hackers using advanced tools in some hidden server room. The reality? Most breaches happen because of simple, fixable vulnerabilities in your IT setup.
A missed software update here, a weak password there — and suddenly a small oversight turns into a costly incident. The good news is that most of these risks are preventable, especially with the right IT partner monitoring your systems in the background.
Here are the six most common network vulnerabilities putting businesses at risk — and how SOD-IT can help you stay secure.
1. Outdated Software and Firmware
Every device in your business — from laptops to servers, switches, and routers — relies on software. That software needs regular security updates to fix vulnerabilities.
When updates get delayed or forgotten, attackers have an open door. Public exploits for known vulnerabilities are widely available online, which makes unpatched systems a top target.
How SOD-IT helps: We handle proactive patch management for you. Updates are tested, scheduled, and applied automatically — no disruption, no missed fixes, and no red carpets rolled out for attackers.
2. Weak or Reused Passwords
Passwords are still the first line of defence, yet weak, reused, or default credentials remain one of the easiest ways into a network.
It’s not just obvious ones like “admin123.” The danger comes when staff reuse passwords across multiple accounts, forget to change factory logins, or accidentally expose credentials via compromised websites.
How SOD-IT helps: We implement strong password policies, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and company-wide education to ensure credentials stay secure.
3. Poorly Configured Firewalls
Think of your firewall as your network’s security gatekeeper. It decides what gets in, what gets out, and what stays blocked.
If firewalls are misconfigured or neglected, gaps appear — leaving unused ports open, exposing internal systems, or allowing traffic from unverified sources.
How SOD-IT helps: We manage firewall configuration and monitoring, ensuring security rules stay up to date and properly aligned with your business needs.
4. Unsecured Remote Access
With hybrid and remote work now standard, secure remote access is critical. The risk comes when employees or contractors connect to business systems via unprotected methods, such as outdated Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) sessions or personal devices.
Old permissions, full-access VPN setups, and lack of monitoring make this one of the most common entry points for attackers.
How SOD-IT helps: We secure remote access using authentication controls, expiring permissions, and “least privilege” access models to ensure staff only see what they need.
5. Unmonitored IoT and Shadow IT
Today’s networks are filled with connected devices: printers, security cameras, smart TVs — even coffee machines. Many of these Internet of Things (IoT) devices have weak security, default passwords, and minimal monitoring.
Shadow IT — unapproved apps or personal devices used by employees — also introduces risk if they aren’t covered by your security policies.
How SOD-IT helps: We map your network, identify unapproved or unknown devices, and isolate anything potentially risky before it becomes a problem.
6. No Network Segmentation
Imagine if every employee had a master key to every room in your office — HR files, finance data, servers, everything. That’s what a flat network looks like.
With no segmentation, if one device is compromised, attackers can potentially access everything.
How SOD-IT helps: We implement network segmentation to contain threats. By isolating systems and controlling access, we reduce the “blast radius” of any potential breach.
Don’t Leave Your Business Exposed
The truth is, most vulnerabilities aren’t caused by neglect — they happen because businesses are busy, under-resourced, or lack the technical visibility to spot them early.
Working with SOD-IT means you don’t need to worry about chasing updates, configuring firewalls, or monitoring every device on your network. We manage it all for you — quietly, proactively, and securely.
🔐 Ready to secure your network?
Speak to the SOD-IT team today.
📧 [email protected] | 🌐 www.sod-it.co.uk
