As a business owner in East Tennessee, you’ve probably worried about a hacker “breaking in” to your system.
But here’s the thing: most cybercriminals aren’t breaking in anymore—they’re logging in.
And they’re using your passwords to do it.
🔑 Identity-Based Attacks Are the New Normal
Cybercriminals have figured out that it’s a lot easier to just steal your login credentials than to force their way into your network.
They don’t need to crash your firewall or write custom code. They just need a careless click, a weak password, or one tired employee to approve a login prompt.
In 2024, over 67% of serious security incidents came from stolen credentials.
That’s how big brands like MGM and Caesars were breached. And if it can happen to them, it can absolutely happen to your business.
⚠️ How Hackers Are Getting In
These attacks are simple—but effective. Here’s how they work:
- 🎣 Phishing emails trick employees into entering passwords on fake login pages
- 📲 MFA fatigue attacks flood your phone with approval requests until someone hits “Accept” out of frustration
- 📞 SIM swapping lets hackers intercept 2FA codes sent by text message
- 🧑💻 Third-party vendor hacks target your help desk, VoIP provider, or outsourced support team to find a way into your system
- 📱 Personal devices used for work may become an open door if not secured
🛡️ How to Protect Your Business Without Making Life Harder
You don’t need a cybersecurity degree to lock this down. You just need the right plan—and the right partner. Here's where to start:
✅ Turn On Multifactor Authentication (MFA)
MFA is your first line of defense—but only when used correctly.
We recommend app-based MFA (like Microsoft or Google Authenticator) or hardware security keys, NOT text messages, which can be hijacked.
✅ Train Your Team to Spot Red Flags
Your employees are your greatest risk and your greatest defense.
We can help train your staff to recognize:
- Fake login screens
- Suspicious emails
- MFA fatigue tactics
- And what to do if something doesn’t look right
✅ Use Role-Based Access Controls
Don’t give every employee access to every system.
If a hacker gets in, limited access means limited damage.
We help you set up roles so employees only have access to what they need.
✅ Strong Passwords—or No Passwords at All
Encourage your team to use:
- A secure password manager
- Passkeys or fingerprint login
- Security keys (like YubiKey) for passwordless access
The fewer passwords you rely on, the less there is to steal.
💡 Bottom Line: Hackers Are Getting Smarter—So Should Your IT
Identity-based attacks are the #1 threat to small businesses right now—and they’re growing fast.
If your current IT provider hasn’t talked to you about this, or you’re not sure what protections you have in place, it’s time for a checkup.
🎯 Let’s See If Your Business is Vulnerable
At CD Technology, we help small business owners across Knoxville, Maryville, Sevierville, and East Tennessee protect their networks, their teams, and their logins.
✅ We audit your current setup
✅ Recommend protections that actually work
✅ Help your team stay productive AND secure
👉 Click here to book your FREE Discovery Call
📍 Proudly serving East Tennessee for over 25 years
