When most business owners think of cyberattacks, they imagine someone breaking down digital walls with brute force. But in today’s landscape, hackers don’t have to force their way in. They’re simply logging in with your credentials—and it’s working.
This new wave of cybercrime is called an identity-based attack, and it’s now the #1 way hackers infiltrate small and mid-sized businesses.
At Capstone IT, we’ve seen firsthand how South Florida companies are being targeted. From law firms and medical offices to manufacturing and financial organizations, no one is immune—and relying on a password alone is no longer enough.
How Cybercriminals Are Getting In
Hackers have shifted from traditional break-in attempts to more sophisticated identity theft tactics:
- Phishing emails that mimic login screens to trick employees into entering credentials.
- SIM-swapping, which hijacks text messages used for two-factor authentication (2FA).
- MFA fatigue attacks that spam users with login prompts until someone accidentally clicks “approve.”
- Targeting third-party vendors like your help desk, software tools, or remote access providers.
With these methods, they don’t need to hack their way through firewalls. All it takes is one stolen password—or one employee clicking the wrong link.
67% of Major Security Incidents in 2024 Started with a Stolen Login
Yes, you read that right. A recent cybersecurity report revealed that more than two-thirds of serious breaches last year began with compromised credentials. Major corporations like MGM and Caesars were victims. If it can happen to them, it can definitely happen to small and mid-sized businesses with limited IT resources.
4 Ways to Lock Down Your Business From Identity-Based Attacks
You don’t have to be a cybersecurity expert to protect your business. With the right partner and a few smart moves, you can drastically reduce your risk.
- Implement Strong Multifactor Authentication (MFA)
- Educate Your Employees
- Use Least Privilege Access
- Ditch Weak Passwords (or Passwords Entirely)
Not all MFA is created equal. Capstone IT recommends app-based MFA tools like Microsoft Authenticator or physical security keys instead of text-message codes, which are vulnerable to SIM attacks.
Even the most secure system can’t protect you if someone falls for a phishing email. Ongoing employee security training is critical. We help our clients build a cyber-aware culture with simulated phishing tests and easy-to-follow education.
Give users access only to the data and tools they need for their role. That way, if a hacker does get in, they can’t access everything. This limits the damage and buys you time to respond.
Encourage the use of password managers or adopt passwordless technologies like biometrics or security tokens. Strong authentication methods reduce your dependence on fragile login credentials.
Capstone IT Keeps South Florida Businesses Secure
We work with business owners every day who want peace of mind without the hassle. From identity protection and MFA tools to endpoint security and employee training, we make cybersecurity simple and proactive.
Cybercriminals are evolving. So should your defenses.
- Want to know if your login security is up to the challenge?
- Reduce IT costs through proactive planning
- Need a second opinion on your current protections?
- Wondering if your team could spot a phishing email?
Let’s find out together.
Click here to book a FREE Discovery Call and let’s make sure the only people logging into your systems are the ones who should be.