Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are prime targets for cybercriminals. With limited resources, many SMEs leave gaps in their security, making them attractive for exploitation. As a business owner, would you be able to identify that your IT network had been compromised? For many businesses, bad actors lurk inside their networks for long periods of time harvesting information before creating a noticeable impact for the business, such as launching a ransomware attack.
Indicators of Compromise (IoCs) are telltale signs that your network has been breached without your permission. They act as early warning signs, helping businesses detect and address threats before they escalate. Recognising these signs promptly is critical to safeguarding sensitive data, minimising downtime and limiting the impact of any cyber incident.
Key Indicators of Compromise
IoCs reveal signs of an unusual behaviour within your network and can be a sign that a breach has already occurred. For example, unusual network activity, such as sudden spikes in data transfers or strange outbound connections, often signals malicious intent. Similarly, unexpected user behavior, such as multiple failed login attempts or unauthorised actions, raises red flags for potential credential theft or a brute force attack.
Other warning signs include unexplained system changes—like altered settings or disabled security tools. This behaviour is often seen when attempts are made to install malware for example. Alerts from firewalls or Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) should never be ignored, as they often highlight vulnerabilities that attackers could have exploited.Detecting IoCs requires vigilance and a deep understanding of your IT networks and business processes. As a business owner, you will need to be able to quickly identify if there is unusual behavior and act accordingly to investigate and limit an impact.
Responding to Potential Compromises
Swift action is critical once a potential IoCs has been detected. This is where any business with a predefined incident response plan that assigns roles and responsibilities to key team members will have the advantage. Once enacted, your incident response plan will enable the issue to be contained, investigated and remediated. Finally, once this issue has been resolved, review your current security posture to determine if there are any improvements that can be made to prevent this type of activity (or indeed another cyber issue) from arising in future.
As a business owner, you should consider who on your team will take ownership for monitoring your systems daily. ITs important to provide them with all the tools to help them with this vital role. It's equally important to encourage staff to report any unusual behavior they notice, ensuring that potential threats are addressed quickly.
Final thoughts
Recognising Indicators of Compromise early can prevent small incidents from escalating into major breaches. By implementing proactive measures—including robust detection tools, employee training, and strong security policies—SMEs can significantly reduce their risk. Take control of your cybersecurity in 2025 with ITUS Protect’s platform to assess your security posture and detect changes before they become critical. Book a free demo today to see how ITUS Protect can help safeguard your business.
