Common Security Misconfigurations and How to Fix Them

Security threats to business systems are rising, with Check Point Research reporting a 30% YoY increase in global cyber attacks. 

Security misconfigurations can cause data breaches, financial loss, and reputational damage. The concern magnifies as the cost of a data breach has increased by 10% to reach USD 4.88 million.

This article will help you understand, handle, and fix common security misconfigurations. 

Understanding security misconfigurations

Security misconfigurations are incorrect settings or permissions that leave systems vulnerable to attacks. Misconfigurations occur in networks, databases, servers, applications, and devices.

Unchanged default settings, unnecessary features, or broad permissions create gaps that hackers use to compromise systems. According to SOCRadar, 35% of data breaches are due to misconfigurations. 

Unsecured databases, networks, or servers are easy entry points for attackers. They can expose sensitive data like customer information, financial records, or trade secrets to unauthorized users. Malicious users can exploit these vulnerabilities for data theft, malware attacks, phishing, or ransom demands.

What causes system Misconfigurations?

Misconfigurations weaken cybersecurity, creating opportunities for breaches. Configuration errors often happen due to:

• Lack of Expertise: Insufficient technical knowledge or uninformed decisions during setup.
• Unclear Responsibilities: Employees are unaware of their role in system security.
• Rushed Deployments: Prioritizing speed over proper security settings.

Top 5 Common Security Misconfigurations

1. Default Settings

Systems and devices with factory-set usernames and passwords or manufacturer security settings are vulnerable. Attackers commonly know these details and can easily guess default passwords like admin or password123. Weak password policies make networks and devices easy targets for cybercriminals.

Network device or application default settings help with easy installation, but critical security features are disabled. These features, like multifactor authentication (MFA) and data encryption, must be configured to meet the security needs of your business environment.

2. Poor Access Control

Unregulated permissions and the lack of role-based access control (RBAC) expose sensitive data to unauthorized users. Users or other systems can access data without limitations, which can increase the risk of data being stolen and used maliciously.

For example, giving all employees administrator-level access instead of limiting it to those who need it may lead to insider threats. Open access to applications and databases lets attackers intercept and alter information, making them vulnerable to man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks.

3. Unprotected Network Services and Ports

Each port on a network device corresponds to a specific service or application. If left unprotected, these become entry points for attackers. For example, unnecessary services like FTP or Telnet left with default settings can put the network at risk.

Unsecured access points, like open Wi-Fi networks, allow attackers to intercept data or spread malware to connected devices. Without proper network segmentation, the breach may cause greater damage as hackers may quickly access sensitive data.

4. Unsecured API Configurations

Insecure API configurations may have exposed endpoints, insufficient authentication, and over-permissive cross-origin resource sharing policies. If they fail to validate inputs properly, APIs are susceptible to attacks like SQL injection or XSS. Attackers may inject malicious code through API requests, leading to unauthorized data manipulation or system compromise.

Unsecured APIs can expose sensitive information through unprotected error messages or debug data. For example, attackers could identify the system's architecture and weaknesses if an API returns detailed error messages without proper sanitization. Lack of security hardening measures like updates and patches increases the attack surface. 

5. Unpatched Systems and Outdated Software

Known vulnerabilities that remain unpatched are the common doorways for attackers. These vulnerabilities range from weak encryption algorithms to outdated protocols and libraries. Cybercriminals exploit them to gain unauthorized access and steal sensitive data using malware.

Outdated and unpatched software can be identified using botnets, port scanners, and vulnerability scanning tools. It causes performance issues, crashes, data breaches, or DoS attacks, leading to downtime, compliance violations, and financial losses.

Fixing Security Misconfigurations

Security misconfigurations must be addressed on priority by adopting a proactive approach with measures like:

• Regular Security Audits: Ongoing and automatic vulnerability scans detect misconfigurations early and save time.

• Employee Training: Employees must know security best practices and follow protocols consistently.  

• Prompt Updates and Patches:  Keep software updated and patched to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities.  

• Implement Strong Access Controls: Use RBAC and leverage identity and access management solutions to allow data access according to job role requirements.

• Implement MFA: Add extra security for sensitive data with MFA, which uses multiple IDs like a password and biometric scan to verify users.

• Data Encryption: Protect sensitive data during storage or transmission, ensuring it is inaccessible without the decryption key.

• Establish a Security Policy: Define guidelines and responsibilities to maintain consistency in configuring and securing systems.
• Invest in Advanced Security Tools: AI-driven tools are cost-effective and fix misconfigurations in real time.

Build a Robust Cybersecurity Posture With Atlas Systems 

Businesses must address misconfigurations to protect their data, reputation, and operations. Preventive measures like access controls, regular updates, and advanced security tools reduce risks.

Atlas Systems provides tailored cybersecurity solutions. By identifying and addressing misconfigurations, Atlas Systems help you keep your systems secure, compliant, and ready against potential threats.

Need help with cybersecurity? Contact our expert now.