Stop Overlooking These Everyday Security Risks
Cyber threats don’t always come from complex malware or high-profile phishing campaigns. Sometimes, they hide in plain sight—embedded in tools we trust, devices we forget, or settings we rarely check. This month’s IT Bulletin reveals three subtle but significant vulnerabilities that could be undermining your organisation’s cybersecurity.
Threats Hiding in Browser Extensions
Browser extensions make life easier. From password managers to grammar checkers, they’re widely used across organisations. But not all are created equal. Malicious or compromised extensions can access your browsing history, read personal data, capture login credentials, and even install additional malware—often without your knowledge.
What Makes Extensions Risky?
Popular extensions have been bought out and injected with malware.
Some are created to mimic well-known tools but are actually spyware.
How to Stay Protected:
Only install extensions from reputable developers with high ratings and consistent updates.
Regularly audit and remove unused or suspicious extensions.
Limit extension permissions through your browser settings.
Browser extensions are useful, but when left unchecked, they can act as trojan horses. Make reviewing them part of your regular IT hygiene.
The Risks of Auto-Join Wi-Fi Settings
Your phone or laptop may be connecting to Wi-Fi networks without you realising it. That convenience feature? It could be putting your sensitive data at serious risk.
Auto-Join in the Real World: Devices automatically reconnect to networks they've connected to before. Attackers can exploit this by setting up fake hotspots with the same name (SSID) as a trusted network—a technique known as an "Evil Twin" attack.
Risks Include:
Intercepted data transmissions (man-in-the-middle attacks).
Credential theft.
Malware injection via spoofed web pages.
Best Practices to Stay Secure:
Disable auto-join for public networks.
Use a VPN when connecting to unsecured or public Wi-Fi.
Ensure HTTPS is always active when browsing.
Security starts with awareness. Review your mobile and laptop settings, and avoid letting devices connect automatically without confirmation.
The Danger of Dormant Devices:
Unpatched vulnerabilities in outdated firmware.
Default or weak login credentials.
Lack of monitoring and visibility.
What You Can Do:
Perform regular inventory checks of all connected devices.
Segment IoT devices on a separate network or VLAN.
Disable or disconnect devices that are no longer in use.
IoT is low-maintenance by design—but that doesn't mean it's low-risk. Keep these endpoints in check to avoid them becoming your network's weak link.
Need Help?
If you’re unsure whether your organisation is managing these overlooked risks effectively, our IT experts are here to help. From Wi-Fi security reviews to extension audits and IoT segmentation, we can guide your next step.
Contact us at info@symetri.co.uk to get started.
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+44345 370 1500 · info@symetri.co.uk