The Cyber Gaps We Don’t Talk About Enough Printers are essentially computers. They’re connected to your network and can be just as vulnerable.

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The Cyber Gaps We Don’t Talk About Enough

Zaheer A. M. Syed

We talk a lot about firewalls, malware, and ransomware. But sometimes, the biggest risks aren’t the loud ones—they’re the quiet gaps we overlook.

After reading a detailed cybersecurity breakdown recently, a few things really stood out to me. These aren’t just IT issues—they’re leadership concerns, company culture concerns, and awareness issues. Here’s what I think more people need to be thinking about:

1. Surprising Ways Hackers Get In

Some threats are hiding in plain sight.

Office printers

Believe it or not, modern printers are essentially computers. They’re connected to your network and can be just as vulnerable. Securing them with proper access controls and updates is something we can’t afford to ignore.

Personal devices (BYOD)

We love the flexibility, but it comes with risk. One unlocked phone or unprotected app can be the crack that opens a door to your company’s data. It’s time we take securing these devices as seriously as we do anything else on the network.

Social engineering

This one is personal. Hackers don’t always need code—they just need people to slip up. A quick social media check, a fake call, or a spoofed email can lead to major damage. Building awareness across the team is key.

2. Most Breaches Start with Simple Mistakes

Not every breach is the result of some mastermind attack. Often, it’s something simple:

  • Sending the wrong file
  • Choosing an easy password
  • Adding the wrong person to an email
  • Clicking a link that looked real
  • Leaving a device unattended for “just a minute”

It’s not always carelessness—it’s stress, multitasking, and the rush of day-to-day work. That’s why creating a culture that’s both secure and supportive matters. Make it easy for people to ask, double-check, and slow down.

3. You Can (and Should) Assess Your Own Risks

You don’t need a massive budget to start thinking critically about your cybersecurity risks. Tools exist, many of them free, that can help spot issues before someone else does.

And while bringing in outside help is often a smart move, doing your own internal check—even just once a year—can help you understand your systems better and strengthen your defenses where they matter most.

In the end: Cybersecurity isn’t just about tech. It’s about mindset, habits, and awareness. Sometimes, a conversation over coffee about a phishing email can do more than any training session. And sometimes, the biggest win is getting your team to care as much as you do.

Stay sharp. Stay kind. And stay one step ahead.

If you’re working on improving cybersecurity in your team or just want to bounce around some ideas, feel free to reach out. Always happy to share what’s worked for me.

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