10 Ways Cybercriminals Bypass Modern Security Systems

As cybersecurity systems become more advanced, so do the tactics used by cybercriminals to bypass them. In the UK alone, cybercrime continues to grow, with businesses, public services, and individuals all at risk. Whether you’re an IT manager, a small business owner, or just someone concerned about online safety, it’s vital to understand how modern defences are being breached.

Here are 10 of the most common (and dangerous) ways cybercriminals are bypassing today’s security systems:

1. Phishing Emails That Evade Spam Filters

Sophisticated phishing attacks use well-crafted emails, often mimicking real businesses or government agencies (like HMRC or the NHS). They use tactics like domain spoofing and social engineering to trick users into clicking malicious links or handing over credentials—without being caught by traditional spam filters.

2. Exploiting Zero-Day Vulnerabilities

Zero-day exploits target vulnerabilities that software vendors don’t yet know about. Because there’s no patch available, attackers can slip through defences undetected. These are especially dangerous in commonly used platforms like Microsoft Windows or Adobe software.

3. MFA Fatigue Attacks

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is a great defence, but attackers now use “MFA fatigue” to overwhelm users with repeated login prompts. Eventually, the victim may accept one out of frustration or mistake—granting access to their account.

4. Social Engineering Through Deepfakes & AI

With AI technology, hackers are creating convincing voice or video deepfakes to impersonate CEOs, colleagues, or even family members. In the UK, there have been cases of employees authorising payments after hearing what they believed was their manager’s voice.

5. Malware Hidden in Legitimate Files

Modern malware can be embedded in PDFs, Word documents, or even images. These files are often attached to emails or hosted on seemingly trustworthy websites. Once opened, they install backdoors, ransomware, or keyloggers—often without triggering antivirus software.

6. Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) Attacks

Public Wi-Fi hotspots in cafés, airports, and trains are hotspots (pun intended) for MitM attacks. Cybercriminals intercept data being sent between a device and a website, stealing login details or injecting malware—all without the user noticing.

7. Credential Stuffing Using Leaked Passwords

Data breaches from unrelated websites often end up on the dark web. Cybercriminals use those stolen credentials to try logging into other services. If users reuse passwords (as many still do), attackers can gain access to email, banking, and cloud accounts.

8. Insider Threats

Sometimes the threat is already inside. Disgruntled employees, contractors, or even well-meaning staff who fall for scams can be vectors for attacks. UK organisations are increasingly investing in insider threat monitoring, but this remains a key weakness.

9. Bypassing Endpoint Detection with Fileless Attacks

Fileless malware runs in memory and uses legitimate tools like PowerShell to execute malicious commands—leaving no traditional files for antivirus to detect. It’s particularly effective against legacy systems and poorly configured environments.

10. Targeting IoT and Smart Devices

Many homes and businesses now use smart cameras, thermostats, and other Internet of Things (IoT) devices. These are often poorly secured and rarely updated, giving hackers an easy entry point into a wider network.

Final Thoughts

Modern security systems are powerful, but they’re not foolproof. Attackers continuously evolve, and many of the methods listed above rely not just on technical flaws—but human error.

What Can You Do?

• Regularly update software and devices.

• Use unique, strong passwords with a password manager.

• Enable MFA—but be cautious of unexpected prompts.

• Educate staff and family about phishing and social engineering.

• Invest in professional cybersecurity assessments.

Cybersecurity isn’t a one-time fix—it’s an ongoing battle. Staying informed is your first and most crucial defence.