Cyber threats are getting worse, and Australian businesses are feeling the heat. Data breaches make up a massive 54% of all cyber incidents in the country—way above the global average of 38%. That means more than half of all attacks involve stolen data, leaving businesses scrambling to recover.
On top of that, business email compromise (BEC) attacks are becoming more common, tricking employees into handing over sensitive information. These threats don’t just cause headaches—they can lead to major financial losses and reputational damage.
The good news? Penetration testing can help spot security flaws before cybercriminals do. Ethical hackers, known as penetration testers, use real-world attack methods to uncover weak spots in a company’s IT environment.
These tests identify vulnerabilities in web applications, network infrastructure, and operating systems, helping businesses fix security gaps before they turn into full-blown cyber breaches.
Now, let’s take a closer look at the most common vulnerabilities found during penetration testing—and, more importantly, how to fix them. But first, let’s talk about what pen testing actually is and why it matters.
What Is Penetration Testing and Why Is It Important?
Penetration testing, or pen testing, is a controlled way to uncover security vulnerabilities before cybercriminals do. Think of it as hiring ethical hackers to test your defences. These experts use real-world attack methods to identify vulnerabilities in your organisation’s security posture, giving you a chance to fix them before they turn into bigger problems.
How Pen Testing Works
Penetration testers simulate cyber attacks on web applications, network infrastructure, and operating systems. They look for unknown vulnerabilities that could lead to data breaches, security risks, or even full-scale cyber attacks.
Almost every penetration test uncovers common vulnerabilities, from outdated software and weak authentication to injection flaws like SQL injection and cross-site scripting (XSS). Mobile device penetration testing also exposes security flaws in external infrastructure and web apps, highlighting unknown vulnerabilities that could lead to data breaches.
A vulnerability assessment helps businesses see where they’re exposed and what needs immediate attention. Regular security audits are key to reducing your attack surface and improving your organisation’s security posture.
The Most Common Vulnerabilities Uncovered During Penetration Tests
Misconfigured Security Settings
Think of misconfigured security settings as leaving your front door wide open with a neon sign that says, “Come on in!”
Cybercriminals love these easy opportunities—whether it’s unchanged default passwords, outdated software, or poorly secured network devices. What seems like a minor oversight can quickly snowball into a full-blown security crisis.
How Misconfigurations Lead to Security Risks
When IT systems, web servers, or networks are set up with weak, default, or outdated settings, they create hidden security gaps—ripe for exploitation. Attackers can leverage these vulnerabilities to steal data, disrupt operations, or even take control of entire IT environments.
It’s no surprise that penetration tests regularly flag misconfigurations as one of the most common and dangerous security risks businesses face.
Common Misconfigurations That Put Businesses at Risk
Default Passwords and Accounts
Many businesses still rely on default credentials, making it easy for hackers to gain unauthorised access. Changing default passwords and enforcing multi-factor authentication can prevent malicious hackers from exploiting weak authentication.
Unpatched Software and Outdated Systems
Running unpatched software is like leaving your valuables on the front lawn—it’s only a matter of time before someone takes advantage. Unpatched systems open the door to security threats like SQL injection attacks, remote code execution, and malicious scripts. Regular updates, security patches, and vulnerability assessments are crucial in shutting down these easy targets before hackers can exploit them.
Weak User Input Validation
Web application security flaws, such as SQL injection and cross-site scripting (XSS), allow malicious code to run on web apps, compromising website data. Secure coding practices, automated tools, and regular penetration testing services help detect and prevent injection flaws.
Excessive Permissions and Lack of Monitoring
Poorly set file permissions and insufficient logging make it harder to detect security breaches. Attackers who gain access can exploit vulnerabilities without being noticed. Regular security audits, logging mechanisms, and proper access controls help reduce the attack surface.
How to Fix Security Misconfigurations
The best defence against security misconfigurations? Staying proactive.
Regular penetration testing, timely security patches, and automated vulnerability scans help detect and fix these weaknesses before attackers exploit them. Businesses should make security testing a priority—ensuring their web apps, external infrastructure, and network devices aren’t an easy target for cyber threats.
2. Weak Password Policies
A weak password is like leaving your spare key under the doormat—it’s the first place attackers look. Hackers use brute force attacks, where automated tools rapidly guess passwords until they find a match. If that fails, they turn to broken authentication loopholes in web applications, giving them direct access to user accounts and confidential data.
Then there’s password reuse—one of the biggest security pitfalls. If a hacker gets hold of a leaked password from one site, they can try it across multiple platforms, accessing everything from emails to financial accounts. And let’s not forget social engineering—where cybercriminals trick users into handing over passwords without even realising it.
Strengthening Password Security
Stronger Passwords = Stronger Security
The longer and more complex a password is, the harder it is to crack. Organisations should enforce policies that require passwords to include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Better yet, avoid passwords altogether and implement passphrases—longer, more memorable combinations that are significantly harder to guess.
Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Adding an extra layer of security with MFA prevents attackers from accessing accounts even if they crack a password. This simple step helps block unauthorised logins and protects against malicious attacks.
Promote Secure Password Management
Let’s be honest—no one likes memorising complex passwords. That’s why password managers are a game-changer. They generate and store strong, unique passwords for every account, removing the temptation to reuse easy-to-remember (and easy-to-hack) credentials.
3. Outdated Software and Unpatched Systems
When software is outdated, hackers don’t have to work very hard—they already know the weaknesses. Publicly documented vulnerabilities allow attackers to launch remote code execution attacks, inject malware, and compromise entire networks. Web applications, operating systems, and network infrastructure are common targets, making them an easy way in.
The biggest concern? Zero-day exploits. These attacks happen when cybercriminals exploit a vulnerability before developers can release a fix. But even after patches are available, companies that delay updates remain sitting ducks. Regular penetration testing helps uncover outdated software before it turns into a security nightmare.
How to Keep Systems Secure
Stay Ahead with a Patch Management Routine
A structured patching schedule ensures security updates don’t fall through the cracks. The longer you wait to update, the greater the risk—hackers don’t waste time exploiting known vulnerabilities.
Automate Updates to Eliminate Human Error
Let’s face it—manually tracking updates is tedious and easy to overlook. Automated update solutions take the guesswork out of patching, ensuring web applications and network infrastructure stay secure without relying on human diligence.
Test Your Defences Before Hackers Do
Regular penetration testing exposes security weaknesses before attackers can exploit them. Ethical hackers simulate real-world attacks to identify outdated software and vulnerabilities, helping businesses patch up security gaps before they lead to a breach.
Lack of Proper Access Controls
When employees or third-party users have more access than they need, it’s like giving them an all-access pass to your company’s most sensitive data. If a cybercriminal compromises just one of these overprivileged accounts, they can freely navigate critical systems, exploiting security gaps along the way.
Another major issue? Poorly managed role-based access control (RBAC). If user roles aren’t clearly defined, people may have access to confidential information they shouldn’t see—putting data at risk. And let’s not forget social engineering attacks, where hackers manipulate users into granting access they shouldn’t. When access controls are weak, cybercriminals don’t have to break in—they just walk right through the front door.
How to Strengthen Access Controls
Review Who Has Access—Regularly
Access privileges shouldn’t be a set-and-forget process. Businesses need to routinely audit user permissions to make sure only the right people have access to critical systems. Regular penetration testing also helps uncover security gaps before attackers can exploit them.
Limit Access with the Principle of Least Privilege (PoLP)
Not everyone in your company needs access to everything. Following the Principle of Least Privilege (PoLP) means giving users only the minimum access they need to do their job—nothing more. This reduces the risk of privilege escalation attacks, where cybercriminals use an overprivileged account to infiltrate deeper into the system.
Strengthen Authentication with MFA and IAM
Even strong passwords aren’t enough anymore. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of security, ensuring that even if credentials are stolen, hackers still can’t get in. Identity access management (IAM) solutions help enforce strict authentication rules, preventing unauthorised users from slipping through security gaps.
5. Insecure APIs and Third-Party Integrations
APIs that aren’t properly secured can be exploited in multiple ways. One of the most common attacks is broken authentication, where weak security measures allow hackers to bypass login protections and take over user accounts. Injection attacks, like SQL injection, let attackers send malicious code through API endpoints—potentially compromising entire databases.
And then there’s the risk of third-party integrations. If an external service has weak security, attackers can use it as a hidden entry point into your network. Without strict oversight, businesses could unknowingly be handing over sensitive data to cybercriminals.
How to Lock Down API and Third-Party Security
Follow Secure Coding Practices
APIs should be built with security in mind—using input validation, authentication controls, and encryption to prevent exploitation. Regular penetration testing helps uncover vulnerabilities before hackers do.
Deprecate Old APIs & Enforce Access Controls
Older APIs often come with security flaws that hackers already know how to exploit. Businesses should phase out outdated API versions and enforce strict access controls—ensuring only authorised users and systems can interact with them.
Keep an Eye on Third-Party Integrations
Just because a third-party service is convenient doesn’t mean it’s secure. Regular security audits help verify that external integrations meet industry standards. Businesses should also monitor API activity for any suspicious behaviour—because the sooner you catch a threat, the easier it is to stop.
6. Insufficient Network Security Measures
One of the biggest mistakes businesses make? Failing to encrypt their network traffic. Without encryption, sensitive data can be intercepted in transit—giving attackers direct access to confidential information.
Another common issue is poorly configured firewalls. If firewalls aren’t set up correctly, they can allow unauthorised users to slip through, putting critical systems at risk. And let’s not forget about misconfigured network infrastructure—small security gaps in routers, switches, and access points can be all a hacker needs to break in.
How to Strengthen Network Security
Lock Down Your Data with Strong Encryption
Encryption is one of the most effective ways to stop attackers in their tracks. By securing data in transit and at rest, businesses prevent cyber criminals from intercepting sensitive information. Using secure protocols like TLS, HTTPS, and VPNs ensures that data stays protected, whether it’s being accessed remotely or shared over the network.
Segment Your Network to Contain Threats
If hackers breach one part of a network, they shouldn’t be able to roam freely. Network segmentation helps prevent this by isolating critical systems from less secure areas—effectively stopping an attacker’s ability to move deeper into the environment. It’s like having multiple locked doors instead of just one.
Audit Your Firewall Rules—Regularly
Firewalls are only effective when properly configured. Regular firewall rule reviews help businesses weed out outdated permissions, ensuring that only authorised traffic is allowed. Pairing this with penetration testing helps uncover hidden security gaps—before hackers do.
7. Human Error and Social Engineering Tactics
Cybercriminals don’t always break in—they convince someone to open the door for them. One of their go-to tactics? Phishing emails. These messages trick employees into clicking malicious links, downloading infected attachments, or unknowingly handing over login credentials.
But phishing isn’t the only trick in the book. Attackers also impersonate IT support or senior executives, pressuring employees to bypass security protocols. Once inside, they can steal sensitive data, install malware, or launch a full-scale attack on the organisation.
How to Reduce Human Error & Strengthen Security
Train Employees to Spot Scams
Cybersecurity isn’t just an IT issue—it’s a company-wide responsibility. Regular security awareness traininghelps employees recognise phishing attempts, identify suspicious requests, and follow data protection protocols. The more informed your team is, the harder it is for hackers to trick them.
Test & Improve with Phishing Simulations
Want to see how well employees can spot a phishing attack? Simulated phishing tests provide a safe way to assess awareness and identify weak spots. These exercises reinforce good security habits—so when a real attack happens, employees know exactly what to do.
Set Clear Rules for Handling Sensitive Data
A simple mistake—like sending confidential data over an unsecured email—can lead to a major security breach. Businesses should have clear data handling policies, ensuring employees know exactly how to store, share, and protect sensitive information.
Strong Defences Start with Awareness
Cyber threats are constantly evolving, and waiting for a security breach isn’t an option. The best way to stay protected is to identify vulnerabilities before attackers exploit them. Regular penetration testing helps uncover security flaws, reducing the risk of malicious attacks and data breaches.
Ignoring common vulnerabilities like weak authentication, security misconfigurations, and unpatched software puts businesses at significant risk. These weaknesses allow malicious hackers to gain unauthorised access to sensitive information, leading to costly security incidents.
Proactively securing your IT environment with penetration testing services helps reduce your attack surface and strengthen your organisation’s security posture. Datcom’s expert penetration testers can help uncover hidden risks in network devices, web applications, and external infrastructure.
Get ahead of cyber threats before they turn into major security breaches. Contact Datcom today to protect your business and stay secure against evolving attacks.