Is Your Business Software at Risk? What Recent Hacks Mean for You

Your business runs on software—whether it’s the payment system at your café, the booking tool for your dental clinic, or the inventory app for your webshop. You trust these tools to keep your data safe and your operations running smoothly. But what happens when the companies building that software get hacked? Suddenly, your business isn’t just relying on their products—it’s relying on their security, too.

Recent events have shown that even cybersecurity firms aren’t immune to attacks. And while that might sound like a problem for tech experts, it’s actually a wake-up call for every business owner. Here’s why—and what you can do about it.

The Locksmith Got Robbed: What Happened?

Imagine a locksmith’s workshop being broken into. The thieves don’t steal the locks themselves—instead, they take the blueprints. Now, they know exactly how those locks are built, which means they can find weaknesses to exploit later.

That’s essentially what happened in a recent cybersecurity incident. Hackers gained access to a portion of a security company’s source code—the underlying instructions that make their software work. The company says the hackers haven’t used this access to tamper with their products yet, but the risk remains. If attackers study the code, they could find vulnerabilities in the software you use—whether it’s your antivirus, firewall, or even the tools your payment processor relies on.

This isn’t an isolated case. Other well-known software providers have faced similar breaches in the past year. The worrying trend? Attackers are increasingly targeting the makers of software to reach your business indirectly.

Ripple Effects: How This Impacts Your Business

You might be thinking, “This doesn’t affect me—I don’t use that company’s software.” But here’s the catch: you don’t always know whose tools your vendors rely on. Your payment processor might use one security system, your email provider another, and your accounting software yet another. If any of those providers are compromised, your business could be exposed.

Here’s how this could play out for you:

1. Hidden Vulnerabilities in Your Tools

If attackers study stolen source code, they can find weaknesses in the software you use—even if you didn’t buy it directly from the hacked company. For example:

A bakery’s point-of-sale system might rely on a security tool that was compromised. Suddenly, customer payment data is at risk.
A freelance designer’s project management app could have a hidden flaw, giving hackers access to client files.

2. Malicious Updates

Most software updates automatically. If hackers tamper with the update process, they could turn a routine security patch into a new threat. Instead of fixing a problem, the update could install malware on your systems—without you ever realizing.

3. Supply Chain Attacks: The Domino Effect

This is called a supply chain attack, and it’s becoming more common. Attackers target one company to reach many others—like poisoning a river upstream to affect everyone downstream. Your business might be small, but if you rely on widely used software, you’re part of that chain.

4. The Real Target: “Keys to the Kingdom”

Hackers aren’t just after source code—they’re after the credentials that control how software is built and released. Think of these as the master keys to a building. If attackers get them, they can:

Access sensitive data (like your customer records).
Tamper with software updates (as mentioned above).
Impersonate legitimate updates to install malware.

Don’t Panic—Prepare: What You Can Do

This might sound alarming, but the goal isn’t to scare you—it’s to help you act. Here’s what you can do to protect your business:

1. Choose Reputable Software Providers

Not all software is created equal. Look for providers with:

A strong track record (how long have they been in business?).
Transparent security practices (do they disclose breaches promptly?).
Regular updates (are they actively fixing vulnerabilities?).

Example: If you’re picking a new payment processor, don’t just compare fees—ask about their security measures. Have they had breaches before? How do they handle updates?

2. Enable Automatic Updates

Yes, updates can be annoying, but they’re one of your best defenses. Enable automatic updates for:

Your operating system (Windows, macOS, etc.).
Your antivirus and firewall software.
Any business tools you rely on (accounting, email, project management).

Why? Many updates patch security flaws. If you delay them, you’re leaving the door open for attackers.

3. Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

MFA adds an extra layer of security—like requiring a code sent to your phone in addition to your password. Enable it for:

Your email accounts.
Your banking and payment systems.
Any tools that store sensitive data (customer records, financial info).

Example: A restaurant owner might use MFA for their reservation system. Even if a hacker gets their password, they can’t access the system without the second code.

4. Monitor Your Systems

You don’t need to be a tech expert to spot unusual activity. Keep an eye out for:

Slow or crashing systems (could indicate malware).
Unusual login attempts (e.g., emails saying someone tried to access your account from another country).
Unexpected charges or transactions (could signal fraud).

Tip: Set up alerts for suspicious activity—many tools offer this for free.

5. Have a Backup Plan

If the worst happens—your systems are compromised or data is lost—having backups can save your business. Regularly back up:

Customer records.
Financial data.
Important documents.

Example: A dental clinic might back up patient records weekly. If ransomware locks their systems, they can restore the data without paying the hackers.

6. Educate Your Team

Your employees are your first line of defense. Teach them:

How to spot phishing emails (fake emails designed to trick them into revealing passwords).
Why they shouldn’t reuse passwords across accounts.
What to do if they suspect a security issue.

Tip: A quick 10-minute training session can prevent costly mistakes.

FAQ: Questions Business Owners Are Asking

Q: How do I know if my software is affected?

A: You might not—unless the provider announces it. That’s why it’s important to:

Follow updates from your software providers (check their blogs or newsletters).
Enable automatic updates so you’re always protected.
Sign up for alerts from trusted cybersecurity sources (like CISA or NCSC).

Q: What if I can’t afford expensive security tools?

A: You don’t need a big budget to improve security. Start with free or low-cost steps:

Enable MFA (most tools offer this for free).
Use strong, unique passwords (a password manager can help).
Keep your software updated.
Train your team on basic security practices.

Q: Should I switch software providers if mine gets hacked?

A: Not necessarily. If the provider is transparent about the breach and takes steps to fix it, they might still be a good choice. However:

Ask how they’re improving security.
Consider switching if they’ve had multiple breaches or don’t communicate clearly.

The Bottom Line: Your Software Choices Matter

You wouldn’t buy a lock for your shop without checking its quality—so why trust your business to software without doing the same? Recent breaches show that even the companies building security tools aren’t invincible. But by choosing reputable providers, staying informed, and taking simple precautions, you can reduce your risk.

Remember: Cybersecurity isn’t just for big corporations. Whether you run a bakery, a clinic, or a webshop, your business depends on digital tools—and those tools depend on their security. Don’t wait for a breach to take action.

IT Move NL

Whether you’re an IT manager keeping systems secure or a business owner who just wants things to run smoothly, these kinds of risks can feel overwhelming. But you don’t have to figure it out alone. We help businesses of all sizes—from tech teams to local shops—navigate their digital setup. Let’s talk about what makes sense for your business. No jargon, no pressure—just practical advice.

Sources:

Trellix Source Code Breach Highlights Growing Supply Chain Threats - Dark Reading

Is Your Business Software at Risk? What Recent Hacks Mean for You