We’ve all done it — clicked “Remind Me Later” on a software update.
But in today’s cybersecurity landscape, that small delay could open the door to a major breach.
The Wake-Up Call from 2024
Last year saw a wave of critical vulnerabilities emerge in widely-used IT and remote access tools — the same tools often relied on by Managed Service Providers and internal IT teams.
Among the most high-profile were the ScreenConnect® vulnerabilities (CVE-2024-1708 and CVE-2024-1709). These flaws allowed attackers to remotely access networks — and they were actively exploited before many businesses had applied the available patches.
The reality? These vulnerabilities were preventable. But systems that remained unpatched became low-hanging fruit for threat actors.
Why Unpatched Systems Are Prime Targets
Cybercriminals move fast. As soon as a vulnerability is disclosed publicly:
- Exploit kits are developed within days
- Scans are run across the internet to identify exposed systems
- Attacks are launched to gain access, deploy ransomware, or extract sensitive data
From the attacker’s perspective, it’s low effort and high reward.
And it’s not just ScreenConnect. Other major vulnerabilities in 2024 affected widely deployed platforms, including:
- Ivanti VPN solutions
- Fortinet FortiClient
- Cleo managed file transfer tools
These technologies are common in SMB environments — and often internet-facing, making them easy to identify and exploit.
How SMBs Can Strengthen Their Defences
You don’t need a large cybersecurity team to stay protected — just a proactive approach. Here’s how to reduce your risk:
✅ Enable automatic patching wherever feasible
✅ Prioritise security updates over feature or performance updates
✅ Work with your MSP to understand their patching policies and response timelines
✅ Subscribe to industry threat alerts or have your IT provider monitor them on your behalf
Skipping a patch is like leaving your front door unlocked. It’s an open invitation — and it’s entirely avoidable.
Protecting Your Business Starts with the Basics
If you’d like a review of your current patching strategy or want confidence that your systems are secure and up to date, speak with our team.
We’re here to help.