When it comes to cybersecurity, most people think of hackers breaking through firewalls or phishing emails trying to steal passwords.

But the real threats might be closer than you think.

Departing employees and third-party vendors can quietly create major security gaps if not properly managed.

And the worst part?

You might not even realize the risk until it’s too late.

Let’s talk about how these silent risks operate and what you can do to protect your business.

1. Departing Employees: Taking More Than Just Memories

When an employee leaves, they don’t just take their personal belongings—they often leave with access to sensitive company data.

Sometimes it’s intentional, like a disgruntled employee looking for revenge.

Other times, it’s just carelessness.

But either way, the risk is real.

Why It’s a Problem:

• Access Isn’t Always Revoked: Many companies forget to disable email accounts, cloud storage, or CRM systems when employees leave.
• Data Hoarding: Some employees download client lists, proprietary information, or intellectual property to use at their next job.
• Social Engineering: A former employee with insider knowledge can easily impersonate current staff members, gaining unauthorized access.

How to Protect Your Business:

• Immediate Access Termination: Revoke all access—emails, cloud platforms, and internal systems—before the employee walks out the door.
• Exit Interviews with IT Involvement: Involve your IT team in the exit process to ensure no digital traces are left behind.
• Monitor for Suspicious Activity: Keep an eye on accounts that were recently deactivated. Unusual activity might indicate a security breach.

2. Third-Party Vendors: The Weakest Link in Your Security Chain

You trust your vendors to provide essential services, but are you sure they’re keeping your data safe?

Third-party vendors are a popular target for cybercriminals because they often have access to sensitive data but don’t always have strong security measures in place.

Why It’s a Problem:

• Shared Access Equals Shared Risk: Vendors often have direct access to your systems, creating an easy entry point for attackers.
• Inconsistent Security Standards: Just because your company follows strict security protocols doesn’t mean your vendors do.
• Supply Chain Attacks: Hackers target smaller vendors with weak security to gain access to bigger companies down the chain.

How to Protect Your Business:

• Vendor Security Audits: Regularly audit your vendors’ security practices and ensure they meet your standards.
• Least Privilege Access: Grant vendors only the minimum level of access necessary to do their job.
• Contractual Security Clauses: Include cybersecurity requirements and data protection clauses in all vendor contracts.

Real-World Examples of Silent Risks

This isn’t just theory—it’s happening in the real world.

• In 2020, a major cybersecurity breach at SolarWinds was traced back to compromised vendor software updates, affecting thousands of companies worldwide.
• A disgruntled former employee at a tech startup deleted critical databases because his access wasn’t revoked immediately.

These examples show just how damaging silent risks can be.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Silent Risks Go Unnoticed

Departing employees and third-party vendors are essential to your business operations.

But they also pose significant security threats if not managed properly.

The key is to stay vigilant and implement strict security measures to minimize these risks.

Start by reviewing your current policies for offboarding employees and managing vendor access.

A proactive approach today can save you from a costly data breach tomorrow.

Stay safe, stay secure.