This article is for anyone responsible for data and information security in a company. If you're trying to identify the main information security threats in your organization, review the points below for quick guidance and orientation.
Key takeaways at a glance: What our experience and data shows
- Human error drives most incidents—around 80%. Technology alone addresses roughly 20%. Provide basic security awareness training and explain common cyber threats (phishing, weak passwords, social engineering). This will prevent most issues.
- Focus on employee onboarding and offboarding, including assigning and removing access permissions to systems, data, and physical offices.
- Be mindful of insider risks. Most data leaks originate from within the company, not just from external attacks.
- Backups are a core part of data protection. Ensure regular, tested backups and consider 3-2-1 backup practices.
What are common information security threats in small and medium businesses
Below are the most common reasons why SMBs lose data, information, and critical know-how—and what typically puts them at risk. It’s not just cyberattacks; many other events can expose your information or put it in the wrong hands, leading to operational disruption, regulatory penalties, or even threatening business continuity.
Failure of disks and other data carriers or other hardware
- Drive failure (HDD/SSD) is a very common cause of data loss
- Risk increases with the age and quality of computers and storage; older hardware fails more often. Typical hardware lifespan is 3–5 years
- Track lifecycle, warranties, and refresh cycles for all IT components
- It’s not only wear and tear—accidents happen. For example, a phone can be dropped in water, resulting in total data loss
Natural disasters
- When disasters strike, damage can be catastrophic—impacting equipment, data, networks, and facilities
- Fire, flood, earthquake, or hurricanes can cause total loss
- The only reliable protection is offsite or cloud backups with geographic redundancy
Unwanted data deletion
- Accidental deletion is a frequent reason companies lose data or critical information
- A single unnoticed click can remove files without immediate detection—very risky without versioning and recovery
Malicious employee behavior
- Insider threats are often underestimated and can be more damaging than external attacks
- Intentional data deletion or leaking sensitive information can cause severe harm
- Includes physical theft of laptops, phones, or other IT assets
- May involve unauthorized surveillance or eavesdropping
- Also includes tailgating, badge misuse, or impersonation to access restricted areas or data
- Attackers may use social engineering techniques in addition to technical methods
- Theft of confidential or proprietary information
Attacks from outside
- Similar to insider threats in impact, but perpetrated by external actors
- Technical attacks (ransomware, DDoS, phishing, brute force, etc.)
- Often leverage social engineering tactics
- Identity theft and account takeover (credential stuffing, MFA fatigue, SIM swap)
How information threats can harm businesses
- Disruption of operations: You may lose critical data needed to run your business and make decisions
- Fines and legal penalties for data breaches or loss of records you are legally required to retain
- Loss of customer trust
- Brand damage and reputational risk
What are the most common sources of security threats for small and mid-sized businesses?
- Opening suspicious emails or visiting malicious websites is the most common cause of malware infections and cyberattacks
- Employee offboarding process – failing to promptly disable accounts and revoke access is a major security risk. Former employees may still access data, apps, and systems, and could misuse or leak information
- Employee onboarding process – there’s a lot to manage when hiring. If you don’t properly run background checks, train on security policies, or assign least‑privilege access, new hires may make mistakes or get access they shouldn’t
- Role changes and access rights – when employees change roles, failing to update permissions and collect old keys or badges often creates gaps. They may retain access they no longer need
- Issuing keys and physical access – applies during onboarding, role changes, and offboarding. Manage badges, keys, and door access consistently across all stages
- Papers left on desks – sensitive documents left out can be viewed or taken by coworkers or vendors (e.g., cleaning staff). Always secure or shred when not in use
- Unsecured files in the office or cabinets – sensitive records should be stored in locked cabinets or offices to prevent access by unauthorized individuals
- Unlocked computers – leaving a workstation unlocked exposes sensitive information to anyone nearby. Use screen lock and auto‑timeout
- Confidential data on shared drives or unprotected cloud storage – shared folders are a common leak point. If sensitive files aren’t access‑controlled and encrypted, they’re easy to steal or misuse
The most common measures to protect against information threats
- Backup is the basis to be able to recover data in case of any problem
- Education and awareness of employees can help prevent unwanted situations. Uneducated employees cause 80% of problems
- Encryption can help, but it's not a cure-all
- Monitoring can help detect malicious behavior by employees or outside attackers
- Controlled access processes will help control who has access to where