Have you ever wondered how cybercriminals break into big companies’ systems? With all the tech and security teams working behind the scenes, it’s hard to believe that hackers still find a way in. But the truth is, they do—and often. Enterprise systems are massive and complex, and even small gaps in security can be used as entry points. Cybercriminals take advantage of these weak spots to steal data, cause chaos, and sometimes go unnoticed for months. So how do they do it?
In this blog, we will share how cybercriminals exploit weaknesses in enterprise systems and what makes these systems such tempting targets.
Poorly Managed User Access
One of the easiest ways cybercriminals get into enterprise systems is through poorly managed user access. When employees have more permissions than they need, it creates an open door for attackers. For example, if someone in accounting has access to engineering files, a hacker can steal sensitive data just by breaching that one account. If companies don’t regularly check who has access to what, they may be giving hackers the exact tools they need.
Even worse, many companies forget to remove access when someone leaves the organization. Old accounts that no one monitors are gold mines for attackers. Hackers often look for inactive accounts because they’re less likely to trigger security alerts. By pretending to be a former employee, a cybercriminal can dig deep into company systems without being noticed. That’s why managing user access is one of the most important parts of enterprise security.
Abuse of Authentication Systems
Cybercriminals love to target the systems that confirm your identity, especially those tied to Active Directory (AD). AD is used by many businesses to handle passwords and login rights. Once attackers get access to AD, they can do a lot of damage. One major threat is something called a Golden Ticket attack. If you’re wondering what is a golden ticket attack, it’s when a hacker creates a fake login ticket to trick the system into giving them high-level access. They can then move around the network freely and stay hidden for a long time.
These attacks are dangerous because they don’t need to keep stealing passwords. With a golden ticket, the attacker can keep getting access over and over again. Many companies don’t even realize they’ve been hacked until weeks or months later. The hacker may use that time to steal information, install malware, or create more fake tickets. This shows why protecting authentication systems is critical to keeping enterprise systems safe.
Unpatched Software Vulnerabilities
Another common weak spot cybercriminals exploit is outdated or unpatched software. When companies use programs with known security holes, it’s like leaving a window open for hackers. Software makers release patches to fix these problems, but businesses don’t always apply them right away. Hackers move fast, and if a flaw is announced publicly, attackers start scanning the internet for systems that haven’t fixed it yet.
This type of attack is known as a “zero-day exploit” if the flaw is new and hasn’t been patched yet. But even older issues can be a problem if the business hasn’t updated its software. Cybercriminals use tools to find and target systems with known bugs. Once inside, they can steal data, install ransomware, or gain control of parts of the network. Updating software may seem like a simple task, but skipping it can be a big risk.
Social Engineering Attacks
Hackers don’t always use high-tech tricks—they also use human mistakes. Social engineering is when cybercriminals trick people into giving up information. A common method is phishing. This is when someone receives a fake email that looks real, maybe from their boss or IT team, asking them to click a link or enter a password. Once they do, the hacker has access to their account.
Other types of social engineering include phone scams or fake websites. The goal is always the same: fool someone into handing over sensitive information. Cybercriminals love this method because it’s easier than hacking through firewalls or coding viruses. All it takes is one person clicking a bad link, and the whole company could be at risk. That’s why training employees to recognize these tricks is just as important as using strong technical security.
Weak Endpoint Security
Endpoints are devices like laptops, phones, or tablets that connect to the company’s network. Each one can be a possible entry point for cybercriminals. If an employee’s laptop doesn’t have strong protection, hackers might get in through malware or unsafe apps. Once they’re in the device, they can try to reach the entire network from there.
With more people working from home, endpoint security has become a bigger concern. Home networks often aren’t as secure as office setups. Hackers know this and take advantage of weak spots in personal devices. Businesses need to make sure every connected device has updated antivirus, firewalls, and strong passwords. Ignoring this can let attackers sneak into the network through the “back door.”
Insider Threats
Sometimes the biggest threat comes from inside the company. Not every attack is done by outsiders. Some employees may abuse their access for personal gain. Others may act out of anger after being let go. These insider threats are hard to detect because the person already has permission to access certain systems or data.
Even if someone isn’t trying to cause harm on purpose, they can still create risks. An employee might accidentally send a sensitive file to the wrong person or download malware without realizing it. That’s why it’s important for companies to monitor activity and restrict access based on role. People should only be able to reach the tools and files they need for their job—and nothing more.
In conclusion, cybercriminals are always looking for new ways to break into enterprise systems. They watch for weak access controls, trick users with fake emails, and use software bugs that haven’t been fixed. Many companies don’t realize how exposed they are until it’s too late. A single mistake, like not updating software or giving too much access to one user, can open the door to serious damage.