Your IT infrastructure is more than just a support system. It’s the engine that keeps your business running. Yet, many organizations focus on the obvious threats while ignoring hidden vulnerabilities that can bring operations to a halt overnight.
Here are five commonly overlooked IT weaknesses, backed by industry research, that could cripple your business if left unaddressed.
1. Poor Patch Management
Unpatched software is one of the most exploited vulnerabilities in cyberattacks. According to Gitnux, 80% of data breaches are linked to unpatched or outdated systems, and 60% of breaches are caused by known vulnerabilities that had available patches.
Despite this, only 29% of organizations automate their patch management process, leading to slower response times and increased risk exposure.
What to do: Automate patching and prioritize critical updates. Organizations that implement regular patch management see a 45% reduction in security incidents.
2. Inadequate Backup and Recovery Plans
Backups are your safety net—but only if they’re properly configured and tested. FEMA reports that 40% of businesses never reopen after a disaster, and another 25% fail within a year. Gartner estimates the **average cost of IT downtime is **$5,600 per minute, which can escalate quickly for mid-sized enterprises.
What to do: Consider partnering with a provider like Atlantic Tomorrow’s Office, which offers robust backup and disaster recovery solutions designed to safeguard critical data and ensure business continuity through scheduled backups, rapid recovery capabilities, and strategic IT support.
3. Misconfigured Cloud Services
Cloud misconfigurations are a leading cause of breaches. Gartner predicts that 99% of cloud security failures will be the customer’s fault, often due to misconfigurations. In 2024, 15% of breaches began with cloud misconfigurations, making it the third most common attack vector.
What to do: Use Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM) tools to detect misconfigurations automatically. Regular audits and staff training are essential to prevent these self-inflicted wounds.
4. Weak Endpoint Security
Remote work has dramatically expanded the attack surface. Research shows that 42% of employees work remotely at least once a week, and 73% use personal devices for work, many without enterprise-grade protection. Phishing remains the top threat vector, responsible for 60% of remote work-related breaches.
What to do: Deploy Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) tools across all devices. Enforce VPN and multi-factor authentication (MFA), and ensure data is encrypted both in transit and at rest.
5. Lack of Employee Cybersecurity Training
Technology alone can’t stop breaches—people play a critical role. The 2025 Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report found that human error contributed to 60% of breaches, and user reporting increased fourfold after cybersecurity training.
What to do: Implement ongoing cybersecurity awareness programs. Simulated phishing campaigns and clear reporting protocols can dramatically reduce risk.
Final Thoughts
These five IT weaknesses may not make headlines, but they’re quietly undermining your security posture. The good news? Each one is fixable—with the right strategy, tools, and mindset.
Start by assessing your current infrastructure. Where are the gaps? What’s being overlooked? Then build a proactive plan to close those gaps before they become costly problems.
If you’re unsure where to begin, connect with Atlantic Tomorrow’s Office to discuss your organization’s specific IT needs. Our experts can help you identify vulnerabilities and tailor solutions that strengthen your security posture and support long-term resilience.
Because in IT, what you don’t know can hurt you.
About Atlantic, Tomorrow’s Office
Atlantic, Tomorrow’s Office is a leading managed services provider offering managed IT, cybersecurity, office technology, business consulting, and digital transformation solutions. Focusing on helping mid-market businesses optimize their cybersecurity practices, enabling technology and operations, Atlantic delivers end-to-end solutions tailored to the evolving needs of today’s enterprises. For more information on Atlantic and its expanded business consulting services, visit www.tomorrowsoffice.com.
