Written by: Kelsey Beauchamp
On the surface, everything looks fine.
That's what makes Shark Week so captivating. The water appears calm, but the real danger is already moving beneath it.
Cybersecurity works much the same way.
Today's cybercriminals don't always force their way into your business. Instead, they quietly blend into normal business operations until the moment money disappears, sensitive data is exposed, or critical systems go offline.
For businesses across North Dakota (ND), Minnesota (MN), and South Dakota (SD), summer creates even more opportunity for attackers. Employees take vacations, schedules change, temporary staff step in, and routine oversight becomes less consistent—all conditions cybercriminals know how to exploit.
Here are three of the biggest cybersecurity risks businesses should be watching for right now.
1. Business Email Compromise (BEC): When Fake Vendors Look Real
One convincing email can be all it takes.
Business Email Compromise (BEC) attacks occur when cybercriminals impersonate a trusted vendor, supplier, executive, or even another employee. Their goal isn't to hack your systems—they simply want someone to send money or share sensitive information.
The email often appears completely legitimate.
An employee updates payment information.
An invoice gets approved.
A wire transfer is sent.
Only later does everyone discover the request wasn't real.
Why These Attacks Increase During Summer
Vacation season creates ideal conditions for BEC attacks.
When the person who normally approves payments is away, financial requests often get routed to someone unfamiliar with standard procedures. Cybercriminals know temporary approvers are more likely to act quickly without verifying unusual requests.
How to Protect Your Business
Create a simple verification process for all payment changes or financial requests received by email.
Before sending money:
- Call the vendor using a trusted phone number, not the one provided in the email.
- Confirm banking changes verbally.
- Require approval from multiple team members for large transactions.
A two-minute phone call can prevent a six-figure mistake.
2. Phishing Attacks Target Busy Employees
Phishing isn't successful because employees lack intelligence.
It's successful because people are busy.
Cybercriminals carefully design emails, text messages, and login requests that appear urgent, familiar, and time-sensitive.
Examples include:
- Password reset notifications
- Fake Microsoft 365 login requests
- Urgent wire transfer approvals
- IT support messages
- Shipping notifications
- Payroll updates
When employees feel rushed, they're more likely to click first and verify later.
The Best Defense Isn't Just Technology
Security tools help, but your company culture plays an equally important role.
Employees should feel comfortable slowing down whenever something seems unusual.
Encourage your team to pause when they receive:
- Unexpected login requests
- Payment instructions they weren't expecting
- Email attachments from unfamiliar contacts
- Links requesting immediate action
Cybercriminals rely on urgency.
Your employees' willingness to verify before acting is one of your strongest defenses.
3. Third-Party Vendor Risks Can Become Your Problem
Many businesses focus on securing their own network but overlook one important reality:
Your vendors often have access to your systems, data, or applications.
If one of those vendors experiences a cybersecurity incident, attackers may gain access to your environment through those existing connections.
This is known as third-party risk or supply chain risk, and it's becoming increasingly common.
Examples include:
- Software vendors connected to your network
- Cloud applications storing company data
- Contractors with active credentials
- Former vendors whose access was never removed
Outsourcing a service doesn't outsource accountability.
Ask These Three Questions
Every business should know:
- Which vendors can access our systems or data?
- What systems can they reach?
- Who inside our company is responsible for managing that relationship?
If these questions are difficult to answer, it's time to review your cybersecurity strategy.
Cyber Threats Rarely Announce Themselves
Just like sharks, cyber threats rarely make themselves obvious.
Many businesses that experience cybersecurity incidents weren't ignoring obvious warning signs—they simply believed everything was fine because nothing appeared wrong.
For organizations throughout North Dakota, Minnesota, and South Dakota, summer is an excellent time to review security processes before attackers find an opportunity.
The businesses that recover fastest are usually the ones that prepared before something happened.
How IMS Helps Businesses Across ND, MN & SD Reduce Cybersecurity Risk
At Information Management Systems (IMS), we help businesses identify hidden technology and cybersecurity risks before they become costly disruptions.
Our team works with organizations throughout North Dakota, Minnesota, and South Dakota to improve:
- Managed IT Services
- Cybersecurity risk management
- Employee security awareness
- Vendor and third-party risk reviews
- Network security
- Backup and business continuity planning
- Strategic technology planning
No technology can eliminate cyber risk entirely, but the right strategy can significantly reduce your exposure and improve your ability to respond when threats arise.
If you're unsure where your business stands, we'd be happy to help.
Schedule a quick 10-minute discovery call to discuss your current technology environment and identify opportunities to strengthen your security. Call: 701-364-2718
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the biggest cybersecurity risk for small businesses?
One of the most common risks is Business Email Compromise (BEC), where cybercriminals impersonate trusted vendors or executives to trick employees into sending money or sharing sensitive information.
2. Why do phishing attacks increase during summer?
Summer often brings vacations, schedule changes, and temporary staff. These disruptions create opportunities for attackers because employees may be handling unfamiliar responsibilities or rushing through requests.
3. How can businesses protect themselves from fake invoices?
Establish a verification policy that requires employees to confirm payment changes or wire requests by calling a known contact using a trusted phone number, not the information included in the email.
4. What is third-party or supply chain cybersecurity risk?
Third-party risk refers to the cybersecurity exposure created when vendors, contractors, or software providers have access to your systems or data. If one of those organizations is compromised, your business may also be at risk.
5. How often should businesses review their cybersecurity practices?
At a minimum, businesses should conduct an annual technology and cybersecurity review. However, quarterly reviews are recommended for organizations experiencing growth, regulatory requirements, or increased cybersecurity concerns.
