Sofia Spatola
Posted by Computer Solutions on August 4, 2025
Cyberattacks have evolved. Gone are the days when most hackers focused on breaking through firewalls or exploiting complex vulnerabilities. Today, the fastest-growing threat to small businesses isn’t brute force—it’s stolen credentials.
These are known as identity-based cyber threats, and they’ve quickly become one of the most effective ways attackers gain access to critical systems. Rather than trying to bypass your defenses, they simply log in with credentials that were stolen, phished, or exposed in a third-party breach.
If you think this is only happening to large companies, think again. In 2024, a leading cybersecurity firm reported that nearly 67% of serious security incidents were linked to compromised login credentials. Even major corporations like MGM Resorts and Caesars Entertainment were hit by these tactics. If Fortune 500 companies are vulnerable, small and midsized businesses are even more at risk.
How Identity-Based Attacks Actually Work
These attacks almost always start with a single user account. From there, attackers escalate access, often undetected, using legitimate credentials. Here’s how they get in:
1. Phishing Emails and Spoofed Login Pages
A classic method that’s still incredibly effective. Staff are tricked into clicking links that lead to fake Microsoft 365 or Google login pages. Once they enter their credentials, the attackers have full access.
2. SIM Swapping
Hackers trick a mobile carrier into transferring a victim’s phone number to a new SIM card. This allows them to intercept text-based MFA codes and take over accounts protected by two-factor authentication.
3. MFA Fatigue
In this newer tactic, attackers repeatedly send login requests to a user’s phone, hoping the user will eventually approve one just to make the notifications stop. It only takes one accidental approval for the attacker to gain access.
4. Compromised Vendors and Devices
Attackers often go through the “side door”—targeting a third-party vendor or personal device that’s connected to your systems. If those entry points aren’t secured, your network is exposed without a direct hit.
These identity-based cyber threats are effective because they exploit human behavior, not just technical gaps. And they’re difficult to detect, because to your systems, the attacker appears to be a legitimate user.
What You Can Do to Protect Your Practice
The good news is that you don’t need a massive security budget or a dedicated internal IT team to protect against these threats. Here are five practical steps every veterinary clinic should implement:
1. Use Multifactor Authentication (MFA)—But Use It Wisely
MFA is one of the best ways to stop stolen credentials from being used. But not all MFA methods are equal. App-based authenticators like Microsoft Authenticator or Google Authenticator are much safer than text messages. Even better? Physical security keys that verify a user’s identity without relying on codes.
2. Train Your Team
Employees are the first line of defense—and often the first point of failure. Training staff to recognize phishing emails, suspicious login prompts, and unusual activity can make a significant difference. It’s not about scaring them. It’s about giving them the awareness to act quickly.
3. Limit Access to What’s Needed
Not every employee needs access to every system. Use role-based access controls so that if one account is compromised, the damage is limited. This is especially important for shared accounts or remote access tools.
4. Use Strong Password Practices—or Go Passwordless
Encourage employees to use password managers to create long, unique passwords for each system. Better yet, move toward passwordless authentication where possible—such as biometrics or physical security keys. These options are harder to steal and easier to use.
5. Monitor for Unusual Login Activity
If you’re not actively watching for suspicious behavior—such as logins from new locations or devices—attacks can go unnoticed for weeks. A good managed IT provider should have tools in place to flag and respond to these warning signs immediately.
Why It Matters to Veterinary Clinics
Veterinary practices are increasingly relying on cloud-based practice management systems, remote access tools, and online payment platforms. That means more login portals—and more opportunities for credentials to be compromised.
Because most clinics don’t have in-house IT teams, they may not realize how vulnerable their systems are until after a breach. The impact can be severe: client data exposure, service interruptions, compliance issues, and reputational damage.
Identity-based cyber threats are especially dangerous for small businesses because they bypass traditional defenses. They don’t need to break in. They just need to log in.
The Bottom Line
The cybersecurity landscape is shifting—and veterinary practices need to shift with it. Firewalls and antivirus alone are no longer enough. To stay protected, your clinic needs a layered defense strategy that includes:
- Advanced identity protection
- Real-time monitoring
- User education
- And yes, a responsive IT partner who’s already thinking about all of this for you
At Computer Solutions, we help practices across NJ, PA, and NY implement modern cybersecurity tools that stop these threats before they start. No scare tactics. Just smart, proactive protection.
Not Sure If Your Clinic Is at Risk?
We offer a free network and credential security assessment that can uncover vulnerabilities you might not know exist.
Schedule your free identity risk checkup here today. Let’s make sure the only people logging into your systems are the ones you hired.
Want to read more about veterinary IT and cybersecurity? Check out last week’s blog post here!
