By Kelsey Beauchamp, Information Management Systems | Fargo, ND
Cybercriminals aren’t picking locks anymore. They’re walking through the front door with stolen credentials—and small businesses in the Fargo–Moorhead area are increasingly at risk.
This growing tactic is called identity-based cyberattacks, and it’s now one of the top ways hackers access business systems. They don’t need to “break in” when they can simply log in using your team’s usernames and passwords.
Identity Theft Is Now the #1 Threat to Small Business IT Security
Cybersecurity researchers reported that in 2024, 67% of serious security breaches involved stolen login credentials. Even major brands like MGM and Caesars were hit. If it can happen to them, it can happen to your business, too.
Here’s how hackers are getting in—and what you can do to stop them.
Common Tactics Hackers Use to Steal Business Credentials
Local business owners don’t always realize how clever today’s cybercriminals have become. These are some of the most common (and successful) strategies we see:
- Phishing emails that trick employees into logging into fake websites
- MFA fatigue attacks that flood staff phones with login requests until someone accidentally clicks “approve”
- SIM swapping that lets hackers intercept text-based verification codes
- Compromised third parties, like help desks or software vendors, that expose your systems
How Fargo–Moorhead Businesses Can Fight Back
Here’s the good news: You don’t need a big-city budget or an in-house IT department to protect your company. Just a few smart steps can dramatically reduce your risk:
✅ Turn On Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
MFA adds an extra layer of protection. Just avoid text-message-based codes—opt for app-based authentication or security keys, which are much harder to intercept.
✅ Train Your Team to Spot Scams
Your employees are your first line of defense. Ongoing cybersecurity training helps them recognize phishing attempts and report suspicious activity fast.
✅ Limit System Access
Only give employees access to the systems and data they actually need. If one account is compromised, this stops the hacker from reaching your entire network.
✅ Use Strong Passwords or Go Passwordless
Password managers are a great start, but more businesses are switching to passwordless solutions like fingerprint scans or hardware keys for stronger protection.
Don’t Go It Alone—Partner With a Local IT Expert
Most small businesses don’t have time to stay on top of every new cyber threat—and you shouldn’t have to. That’s where we come in.
Information Management Systems (IMS) has been protecting Fargo–Moorhead businesses for over 20 years. From cybersecurity to day-to-day IT support, our local team provides fast response times, friendly service, and real solutions without the tech jargon.
Take the Next Step
If you’re tired of feeling unsure about your business’s cybersecurity—or frustrated by a slow or unresponsive IT provider—we’d love to help.
Let’s talk about how IMS can keep your business secure without slowing you down.
Serving Fargo, Moorhead, and surrounding areas
Want to know if your business is vulnerable? Let’s talk. Book a discovery call here: https://www.imsnetworking.com/discoverycall/
