In 2024 Microsoft reported that a staggering 92% of ransomware attacks involved unmanaged devices, as you’ll read in this good article from the "Dark Reading" cybersecurity news site.

The article refers to "unmanaged devices" as being laptops, tablets, and phones that staff use at work but are not covered by a mobile device management (MDM) solution. It's also any other devices connected to your network that are not being monitored, managed and kept up to date with the latest software.  E.g. internet gateways, Wi-Fi access points and smart TV's often do not automatically self-update. Even though such devices don’t store sensitive data, if a criminal hacker cracks into one of these devices, then they get a foothold inside your IT infrastructure from where they can start to crack into other devices and accounts. One of the most notable cases of this occurring was where criminals stole a Las Vegas casino’s high-roller database by first gaining access into its internal network through a smart thermostat in its tropical aquarium.

If you haven’t already, check out my article on why it is so important to the security of your business to keep the software up-to-date on all devices and equipment.

Please reach out if you’d like further background, advice, and/or help. I also offer a comprehensive cybersecurity risk assessment for small and medium businesses, along with advice and recommendations tailored to the nature of your industry, organisation, customers, and the resources you are able to devote to securing your business.

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