When it comes to Access Control and protecting your company’s data, hackers don’t always need to come through the front door. In fact, it’s often easier for them to stroll right in by using valid credentials—your credentials. That’s why securing user accounts is absolutely essential. The truth is, there are countless ways for attackers to get their hands on your login info without anyone realizing it until it’s too late.
Let’s break it down:
- Weak passwords: The classic mistake. If your password is “password123,” you might as well leave the keys under the doormat.
- Old employee accounts: When people leave, their accounts should too. Otherwise, you’ve just handed out a free pass.
- Dormant test accounts: These might seem harmless, but if no one remembers they exist no one is protecting them.
- Shared credentials: If everyone has the same password, who’s accountable? More importantly, who’s changing it?
- Service accounts in applications: These accounts are often forgotten, but they can be the secret doorway into your system.
- Password reuse: If your work password is the same as your Netflix password, you’ve got a problem—one leak and they both could be toast.
But wait, there’s more! Attackers have other tricks up their sleeves, like phishing attacks that trick your team into handing over credentials. Or malware that sneaks in and captures passwords as they’re being typed or sent across the network. It’s not just about brute force anymore—hacking has become smarter, sneakier, and, unfortunately, more effective.
Why Admin Accounts are Like Gold
If regular accounts are a problem when compromised, administrative accounts are pure gold for attackers. With these, they can do far more damage. They can create new accounts, alter security settings, or open the door for even larger attacks down the line. It’s like giving them the master key to your building, along with a map of the security cameras.
Here’s why admin accounts matter so much:
- Full access: Admins control everything—so do hackers if they get in.
- More dangerous: Once inside, attackers can open up other doors or disable your defenses.
- Harder to detect: With an admin account attackers can cover their tracks and go unnoticed for longer.
But it’s not just admin accounts that need attention. Service accounts, often shared among teams or departments, pose a similar threat. These accounts are usually set up and forgotten about, until someone realizes they haven’t been updated in years. By then, they could have been used for all sorts of nefarious activities.
The Silent Risk of Unchanged Passwords
One of the biggest issues is that service accounts and other overlooked accounts often don’t get their passwords changed. These accounts run automated processes, handle scripts, or are shared between teams, and no one bothers to update them—sometimes for years. Hackers love these accounts because no one’s watching them.
This is why regular password rotation is critical. It’s like changing the locks on your doors every so often. It might feel like a hassle, but this should be a priority for any cybersecurity services company.
Keep an Eye on Things
Logging and monitoring are the unsung heroes of cybersecurity. It’s not enough to set up strong passwords and call it a day. You need to know who’s logging in, from where, and when. Is someone accessing your system at 3 a.m. from a country no one on your team has ever been to? That’s a red flag.
A good Identity and Access Management (IAM) program can help with this. Here’s what it should do:
- Monitor activity: Keep track of login attempts and flag anything suspicious.
- Audit accounts: Regular reviews to ensure all accounts are legit and necessary.
- Track permissions: Make sure people only have access to what they need and nothing more.
Password Reuse: The Silent Enemy
Let’s talk about one of the most common (and dangerous) habits: password reuse. If an employee uses the same password for their work email and their online shopping account, they’re setting themselves—and your company—up for trouble. If that shopping site gets hacked, their work password could be next. Attackers often try stolen passwords on various platforms in what’s known as “credential stuffing.” It’s a simple trick but it can be highly effective, especially if password policies are lax.
To avoid this, encourage your team to use:
- Unique passwords for each account
- Password managers (so they don’t have to remember them all)
- Multifactor authentication (MFA) for an extra layer of security
Why This All Matters
At the end of the day, securing your company’s accounts is about more than just protecting individual users—it’s about protecting your entire organization. Think of it like this: each account is a potential door into your system. If you leave even one unlocked, someone’s going to find it. When you prioritize strong access controls, regularly update accounts, and use modern security methods, you’re not just making it harder for attackers—you’re making it almost impossible for them to get in without being noticed. And this is exactly what CyberDuo – Los Angeles based Managed IT Services provider does.
So, what should you do next?
- Review your account security: Are there any accounts that have been overlooked?
- Audit admin and service accounts: Make sure these are locked down tight.
- Implement MFA: Make it standard practice across the board.
- Train your team: Keep them aware of password risks and phishing tactics.
In the ever-shifting landscape of cybersecurity, you can’t afford to take a passive approach. Securing accounts isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s about protecting everything your business relies on. With the right steps, you’ll stay one step ahead of attackers and keep your company safe.