Unpatched SimpleHelp Flaws: A Stark Warning for SMB Cybersecurity

Imagine locking the doors to your business, only to have someone slip in through a forgotten side entrance. That’s exactly what’s happening in cyberspace—except the consequences can include devastating financial loss and compromised customer trust. The recent alert from the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) serves as a wake-up call: ransomware gangs are actively exploiting unpatched SimpleHelp Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) platforms to launch double extortion attacks against businesses—including those relying on utility billing services (The Hacker News, 2025).

Why Should SMB Leaders Care About This Incident?

Remote monitoring and management software like SimpleHelp is essential for keeping IT systems running smoothly—especially for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) that often outsource IT operations. But when these tools aren’t kept up to date, they become prime targets for ransomware actors aiming to disrupt operations, steal sensitive data, and demand ransom—sometimes twice, in what’s called double extortion attacks.

The underlying risk isn’t just technical. Unpatched systems and third-party software open a direct line to customer data, billing, and critical business processes—making this threat every decision-maker’s concern, not just IT’s. The good news? You can dramatically reduce your exposure in just a few weeks with practical steps.

Key Takeaways: How to Secure, Simplify, and Reduce Costs in 30 Days

1. Patch Early, Patch Often: Ensure all remote management tools—including SimpleHelp—are updated with the latest security patches. Schedule monthly patch reviews and automate where possible. Missed patches are often the root cause of major breaches; in fact, 60% of breaches in 2023 involved vulnerabilities for which a patch was available but not applied (Verizon DBIR, 2024).
2. Audit Third-Party IT Tools and Vendors: Review your vendor list and confirm that remote access providers (IT support, billing software, etc.) enforce strong security standards. Don’t hesitate to request evidence of their patch management practices.
3. Segment Critical Systems: Limit RMM tool access to essential systems only. Use network segmentation and strict permissions to reduce the impact if a single application is compromised.
4. Review Backup and Incident Response Plans: Regularly back up critical business and customer data offline. Simulate a ransomware attack with your team to validate recovery procedures.
5. Train Staff on Phishing and Social Engineering: Most ransomware attacks start with email-based phishing. Short, regular training sessions teach staff how to spot suspicious links or requests for credentials.

Curious where your greatest vulnerabilities lie? BoltWork offers a complimentary security consult—get practical, executive-level insight into quick wins. Book a 15-min security consult today.

Double Extortion: What SMB Owners Need to Know

Double extortion attacks mean criminals steal your data before encrypting it, pressuring you to pay not only to restore your systems, but also to keep stolen data from being published or sold. This amplifies reputational risk and can lead to lost customers, regulatory fines, and operational downtime.

“Secure, Simplify, Reduce Costs” In Action

• Secure: Timely patching of RMM tools like SimpleHelp is a low-cost, high-impact way to close the cybersecurity gap.
• Simplify: Centralized patch management and vendor audits make ongoing cybersecurity more manageable—even without a large IT team.
• Reduce Costs: Implementing the above steps reduces the likelihood of a costly ransomware incident, safeguards cash flow, and helps avoid unplanned downtime or ransom payments.

Note: In 2023, the average ransomware payment reached $1.5 million. For SMBs, even a fraction of this sum can threaten business continuity (IBM, 2024).

Your Next Step: Proactive Cyber Defense

Cyber threats evolve rapidly. The SimpleHelp incident is the latest in a growing pattern of attacks that target under-resourced businesses. But with proactive patching, vendor diligence, and team training, SMBs can confidently defend against these tactics—and focus on growth, not firefighting.

Put strategic security on autopilot. Schedule your no-obligation, 15-min security consult today and discover actionable ways to secure, simplify, and save.

References

• The Hacker News. (2025). Ransomware Gangs Exploit Unpatched SimpleHelp Flaws to Target Victims with Double Extortion. Read more.
• Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report (DBIR). (2024). Full DBIR.
• IBM Cost of a Data Breach Report. (2024). IBM Security.