Cybersecurity Awareness Month is a timely reminder that no industry is immune to cyber threats. According to the Huntress 2025 Cyber Threat Report, healthcare and education were the most targeted sectors in 2024, accounting for a staggering 38% of all observed incidents.
Attacks on technology companies, manufacturing, and government made up nearly a third of the total, with each industry facing distinct and increasingly sophisticated threats. For the technology sector in particular, attackers shifted tactics to exploit trusted tools and employee workflows – making it clear that even the most tech-savvy organisations are vulnerable.
For years, tech companies have invested heavily in security infrastructure. Firewalls, endpoint protection, and threat intelligence platforms are now standard. Yet attackers are adapting. They’re no longer just looking for vulnerabilities in code, they’re targeting the tools that IT teams use to manage systems, the platforms employees rely on to collaborate, and the credentials that unlock everything.
This shift is redefining what risk looks like in the tech industry.
Familiar Tools, Familiar Targets
Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) software is a prime example. These platforms are designed to help IT teams maintain systems, deploy updates, and troubleshoot issues remotely. But in 2024, attackers increasingly used RMM tools as a delivery mechanism for malware and data exfiltration. Once inside, they move laterally across networks, often undetected.
Credential theft also surged, driven by infostealer malware and phishing campaigns that mimic legitimate business communications. These attacks don’t rely on sophisticated exploits. They rely on us trusting the tools we use, the emails we receive, and the workflows we follow.
For tech companies, this presents a unique challenge. The very systems that enable agility and scale are now being weaponised. And because these tools are deeply embedded in daily operations, misuse is harder to detect and even harder to prevent.
Why Tech-Savvy Doesn’t Mean Secure
There’s a common assumption in the industry: that technical expertise equates to security maturity. But being tech-savvy doesn’t make an organisation immune. In fact, it can create blind spots. When tools are familiar, they’re often assumed to be safe. When workflows are routine, they’re rarely questioned.
This complacency is dangerous. And, attackers are counting on it.
Security teams must now treat trusted tools as potential points of attack. That means re-evaluating how access is granted, how activity is monitored, and how incidents are investigated. It also means recognising that the threat isn’t always external. Compromised credentials, misconfigured systems, and overlooked integrations can all open the door to attackers.
How Tech Companies Can Respond
Responding to this evolving threat landscape requires more than technical fixes, it demands a strategic shift.
- Visibility is key. Organisations need a clear understanding of which tools are in use, who has access, and how those tools interact with other systems. Shadow IT – unauthorised or unmanaged software – must be identified and addressed.
- Behavioural monitoring should become standard. Traditional security tools are no longer enough. Modern threats often mimic legitimate behaviour, making anomaly detection essential.
- Credential hygiene must be prioritised. Multi-factor authentication, regular password audits, and proactive monitoring for leaked credentials are now baseline requirements.
- Vendor risk management must be strengthened. Many tech companies rely on third-party platforms for core operations. If a vendor is compromised, the impact can cascade quickly throughout the supply chain. Security assessments, contractual obligations, and shared incident response plans are critical.
- Incident response must evolve. Playbooks should include scenarios involving trusted tool abuse, and teams should rehearse these regularly. The goal isn’t just to respond – it’s to respond fast.
Rethinking Trust in the Tech Stack
Cybersecurity today is about understanding what’s already inside the perimeter. It’s about recognising that attackers are adapting faster than many defences. And it’s about building resilience – not just through technology, but through culture and leadership.
As we observe Cybersecurity Awareness Month, let’s move beyond the basics. Let’s challenge assumptions, question routines, and prepare for threats that don’t look like threats at all. Because in today’s tech landscape, the tools you trust most may be the ones putting you most at risk.
Now is the time to act. Partnering with cybersecurity experts can help your organisation stay ahead of emerging threats. Whether it’s conducting comprehensive cybersecurity assessments, delivering targeted employee training, or supporting internal audits of your systems and processes, expert guidance is essential to building a truly secure tech environment.
