What are some examples of security vulnerabilities and poor security practices?
Michael Ko
Co-founder & CEO, Suped
Published 13 May 2025
Updated 16 Aug 2025
7 min read
In today's interconnected digital landscape, organizations face an ever-present threat from various security vulnerabilities and poor security practices. These weaknesses can range from technical flaws in software to human errors and inadequate policies, all of which create opportunities for malicious actors. Understanding these common pitfalls is the first step toward building a more resilient and secure environment.
Many of us might think our systems are robust, but it's often the subtle cracks or overlooked habits that lead to the most significant security incidents. From email-related threats like phishing and spoofing to broader network and application weaknesses, the attack surface for businesses is vast and constantly evolving.
Recognizing and addressing these issues is critical, not just for protecting sensitive data, but also for maintaining trust and ensuring business continuity. Let's delve into some prevalent examples that highlight why a proactive security posture is non-negotiable.
Common technical vulnerabilities
Technical vulnerabilities are often deeply embedded in software or system architecture, making them particularly dangerous. These flaws can be exploited to gain unauthorized access, manipulate data, or disrupt services. One of the most well-known categories of vulnerabilities stems from improper input validation, leading to issues like SQL injection and cross-site scripting (XSS).
An SQL injection vulnerability occurs when an attacker can inject malicious SQL code into input fields, tricking the database into executing unintended commands, such as retrieving sensitive information or even deleting data. Similarly, XSS allows attackers to inject client-side scripts into web pages viewed by other users, which can lead to session hijacking or defacement of websites.
Other critical technical weaknesses include broken authentication and access control issues. These vulnerabilities arise when applications fail to properly manage user identities and permissions, potentially allowing unauthorized users to gain access to accounts or perform actions beyond their privileges. This can be exploited through credential stuffing, brute-force attacks, or by simply guessing weak default passwords. Preventing these requires careful coding practices and robust security testing.
Understanding a buffer overflow
A buffer overflow is a type of software vulnerability that occurs when a program attempts to write data to a memory buffer beyond its allocated capacity. This excess data overflows into adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting data, crashing the program, or, in malicious cases, executing arbitrary code. It's a classic example of insecure coding that can have severe consequences if exploited.
Example of a vulnerable C code snippetC
char buffer[10];
strcpy(buffer, user_input); // If user_input > 10 chars, it overflows!
Misconfigurations and unpatched systems
Beyond coding flaws, misconfigurations are a leading cause of security vulnerabilities. This often happens when default settings are left unchanged, services are improperly exposed, or security features are simply not enabled. Examples include leaving default administrator usernames and passwords, or publicly exposing sensitive services and databases without adequate protection.
Unpatched systems are another critical area of poor practice. Software vendors regularly release updates and patches to fix newly discovered vulnerabilities. Failing to apply these updates promptly leaves systems exposed to known exploits. This applies to everything from operating systems and web servers to content management systems and email software. Attackers actively scan for systems with unpatched vulnerabilities, making them easy targets.
I've seen countless instances where critical data was left unprotected due to a simple misconfiguration, such as an unsecured cloud storage bucket or an incorrect DNS record. These issues can lead to severe data breaches, affecting not just the organization, but also its customers and partners.
Insecure default settings
Default credentials: Leaving vendor-supplied usernames and passwords unchanged for hardware or software. These are often public knowledge or easily guessable.
Open ports: Unnecessary network ports left open on firewalls or servers, exposing services to the internet.
Excessive permissions: Granting users or applications more access than they require to perform their functions.
Secure configurations
Unique credentials: Changing all default passwords immediately and using complex, unique passwords.
Least privilege: Implementing a principle of least privilege, where users only have access to resources essential for their role.
Regular audits: Conducting regular security audits and penetration tests to identify and remediate misconfigurations.
Human factors and organizational shortcomings
Beyond technical flaws, human factors and organizational shortcomings are frequently exploited. Many breaches begin with social engineering tactics that manipulate individuals into revealing sensitive information or performing insecure actions. Phishing emails remain one of the most common attack vectors, tricking recipients into clicking malicious links or downloading infected attachments.
Weak password practices are another pervasive issue. Despite widespread awareness, many users still rely on simple, easily guessable passwords or reuse them across multiple services. This makes them highly vulnerable to credential stuffing attacks. Coupled with a lack of multi-factor authentication, this creates a significant entryway for attackers to compromise accounts and systems.
Another concerning practice I've encountered is the insecure handling of sensitive customer data. This includes emailing full credit card details or storing plaintext passwords within contact records. Such practices demonstrate a fundamental misunderstanding of data security principles and expose both the organization and its customers to immense risk. Even well-intentioned customer service practices, like calling out forgotten passwords over the phone, can become major vulnerabilities.
Organizations also face risks from inadequate employee training and awareness. If employees aren't regularly educated about the latest threats and best practices, they can inadvertently become the weakest link in the security chain. This extends to overlooking the importance of a robust email security framework, like proper DMARC, SPF, and DKIM configurations, which are crucial for preventing email spoofing and phishing attacks.
Critical poor security practices
Plaintext storage: Storing sensitive information like passwords or credit card numbers without encryption.
Insecure communications: Transmitting confidential data via unencrypted email or insecure forms.
Ignoring audit findings: Failing to address vulnerabilities identified by security assessments (e.g., PCI compliance). For more, read about product security bad practices.
The impact of poor security practices
The consequences of unresolved security vulnerabilities and poor practices can be devastating. Data breaches, where sensitive information is stolen or exposed, are perhaps the most direct and damaging outcome. These breaches can lead to significant financial losses due to investigation costs, legal fees, and regulatory fines, especially under strict data protection laws like GDPR or CCPA.
Beyond the financial impact, an organization's reputation can suffer irreparable harm. Customers lose trust in businesses that fail to protect their data, leading to decreased loyalty and a negative public image. Recovery from reputational damage can take years, even if all technical issues are resolved promptly.
For email senders, poor security practices can also lead to severe deliverability issues. If your domain is compromised or your practices appear suspicious, Internet Service Providers (ISPs) may blocklist your IP or domain, causing your legitimate emails to be sent to spam folders or rejected entirely. This directly impacts communication, marketing, and operational efficiency.
Vulnerability/Practice
Potential Impact
SQL injection / XSS
Data breaches, website defacement, unauthorized access, data loss.
Misconfigurations
Unsecured data exposure, unauthorized access to systems, denial of service.
Unpatched software
Exploitation by known vulnerabilities, malware infections, system compromise.
Weak passwords/MFA absence
Account takeover, unauthorized system access, internal data breaches, spamming.
Insecure data handling
Regulatory fines, severe data breaches, loss of customer trust.
Always encrypt sensitive data, especially passwords and financial details.
Implement multi-factor authentication for all accounts.
Regularly patch and update all software and systems.
Conduct continuous security training for all employees.
Common pitfalls
Storing credentials in plaintext (e.g., in email contact records).
Using insecure methods for password resets (e.g., over the phone without verification).
Misconfiguring firewalls or network access controls, leaving them open.
Prioritizing audit compliance over actual security strength.
Expert tips
Ensure regular penetration testing includes realistic scenarios, not just scanner-based checks.
Establish clear protocols for handling sensitive customer information across all departments.
Foster a culture where security is seen as everyone's responsibility, not just IT's.
Regularly review third-party vendor security practices, especially those handling your data.
Marketer view
A marketer from Email Geeks says they discovered an email service provider that stored plaintext passwords in customer contact records, a practice they found horrifying.
2022-01-13 - Email Geeks
Marketer view
A marketer from Email Geeks says a client, when informed their user passwords were accessible, responded with 'we trust you, it’s fine,' demonstrating a concerning lack of understanding about security risks.
2022-01-13 - Email Geeks
Building a secure foundation
The examples discussed highlight that security vulnerabilities and poor practices are multifaceted, ranging from intricate technical flaws to simple human errors and systemic organizational oversights. Each presents a unique entry point for attackers, underscoring the need for a comprehensive and layered security approach.
Protecting digital assets requires continuous vigilance, investment in robust security technologies, and ongoing employee education. Regularly assessing and updating your security posture, along with adhering to established best practices, is not merely a technical task, but a fundamental business imperative in today's digital age.
By actively identifying and remediating these vulnerabilities, organizations can significantly reduce their risk of breaches, protect their reputation, and ensure the uninterrupted flow of their operations. A strong security foundation is key to navigating the complex threat landscape.
