Top 5 Reasons Systems Get Hacked

Most breaches aren’t “movie hacks”—they’re preventable events caused by neglected basics. At AEGIS Data Systems, we help teams close those gaps with practical, measurable controls. Here are the five most common causes of compromise—and how to stay ahead of them.

1. Unpatched Vulnerabilities and Outdated Software

Attackers routinely target known flaws in operating systems, firmware, and apps that haven’t been updated.

Example Unpatched RDP or framework bugs leading to ransomware outbreaks.

AEGIS Tip: Automate patching and run weekly vulnerability scans. Treat updates as non-negotiable maintenance.

2. Weak Passwords and Poor Authentication

Credential reuse and lack of MFA make brute-force, phishing, and credential-stuffing highly effective.

Fact Most account takeovers begin with compromised credentials.

AEGIS Tip: Enforce MFA, use password managers, and monitor for leaked credentials.

3. Misconfigurations and Exposed Services

Open cloud buckets, permissive firewalls, and public shares expose sensitive data to the internet.

Example Public object storage or open SMB shares leaking customer data.

AEGIS Tip: Conduct config audits, segment networks, and continuously monitor your external attack surface.

4. Supply-Chain & Third-Party Software Risks

Compromised dependencies or vendors propagate risk across every downstream environment.

Example Malicious code inserted into legitimate update channels.

AEGIS Tip: Require signed updates, vet vendors, and isolate update infrastructure.

5. Back Doors and Embedded Surveillance

Open source vs proprietary matters for transparency and trust:

Open Source: Publicly auditable code makes hidden access paths easier to detect—assuming projects are actively maintained and reviewed.
Proprietary: Closed code requires trust in the vendor (and sometimes the laws they operate under). “Lawful-access” mechanisms, once discovered, can be abused by adversaries.

AEGIS Tip: Prefer transparent supply chains, reproducible builds, and open standards—paired with intrusion detection and strong network segmentation.

Summary

Breaches usually happen because basics were skipped: patches, MFA, safe configs, vetted dependencies, and transparency. Security is a lifecycle, not a one-time product.

Request a Free Security Consultation