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Over time, technology evolves to combat cyber threats, but is your business doing the same? Many organizations or businesses may have old user accounts, missed updates, or backups that are never tested. They may seem like harmless tasks to take care of later, but they can create real risk for cyberattacks.
“Businesses that regularly review the health of their networks and roadmap cybersecurity for the future are most prepared for the future,” says Director of Business Technology Solutions Eric Eisenbraun. “It may only take a few hours of your day, but it can save your business weeks of dealing with a cyber incident.”
Don’t put off updates
Outdated software is one of the biggest security risks for businesses according to the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). CISA recommends being proactive, tracking all up-to-date devices and applications, and replacing old systems.
In addition, setting up automatic updates helps prevent hackers from abusing newly discovered exploits. Businesses should also train their employees on the importance of updates, since cybersecurity education or updates can be easy to put off.
Unrestricted access risks
Users should also have limited access to server data and information based on their needs in the organization. When users have too much access to the network, one compromised account can take down everything. Limiting access by department needs and using multifactor authentication help close avenues for criminals to easily move through an entire network.
Old accounts and weak network settings pose another risk. Accounts left active after employees leave are easy targets, since these old accounts might not be updated. Automated offboarding and clear documentation can keep your organization defended better easily.
Test, review, protect
Even the most proactive businesses could still lose everything without testing their security to find vulnerabilities. You’ve practiced fire drills, so why not test your backups? Untested backups can fail when needed, and without visibility, threats can go unnoticed. Testing backups and using centralized monitoring help businesses respond faster and reduce damage.
Just like regularly updating your technology, your organization should regularly review compliance rules to ensure you meet HIPAA, PCI DSS, and GDPR standards. Gaps in compliance can lead to security issues and penalties if ignored – costing you more money in the event of a cyber incident.
Identifying blind spots is only the first step. Acting on them quickly is what protects your business. Golden West Technologies can help your organization strengthen cybersecurity without slowing operations, starting with a simple tech health check.
To learn more, join Golden West Technologies for the webinar “The Tech Risks You Don’t See – But Should” on January 22, 2026, from 10 to 10:30 a.m., and find out common hidden risks and practical ways to address them.
Sources: CISA