In a digital-first business model, internal systems must be tightly secured to guard against evolving cyber threats. CloudSEK’s BeVigil platform recently scanned the infrastructure of a prominent digital lending firm and uncovered several misconfigurations that could expose critical business operations and sensitive internal data. This blog examines the key findings and highlights what organizations in similar industries should do to mitigate these risks.
What Was Discovered
BeVigil’s analysis using its API and DNS Scanner revealed multiple security concerns that, while often overlooked, can pose serious threats to organizational integrity due to:
- Easy Access to Confidential Data: With no barriers in place, attackers don’t need to hack their way in—just knowing the endpoint URL is enough to access sensitive employee and operational information.
- Phishing and Social Engineering Threats: Improper email settings open the door for convincing phishing campaigns that can trick staff into revealing credentials or approving fraudulent transactions.
- Operational Risk and Business Disruption: Unprotected APIs could be misused to tamper with backend processes, execute unauthorized actions, or crash key services—bringing daily operations to a halt.
Why This Matters
- Unauthenticated API Endpoints – Several internal APIs were found publicly accessible without requiring login or authorization. These interfaces inadvertently exposed confidential data such as employee records, operational details, and internal processes.
- Insecure Email Configurations – The firm's SPF records were misconfigured, leaving the domain vulnerable to email spoofing. This makes it easier for attackers to impersonate company emails and target staff or clients with phishing scams.
- Operational Disruption Risk – Some of these exposed APIs could potentially allow attackers to interfere with ongoing tasks, manipulate internal workflows, or disrupt services—directly threatening business continuity.
What You Can Do Right Now
To reduce your exposure and strengthen your defenses, here are simple, immediate actions your team can take:
- Lock Down Internal APIs: Make sure any sensitive APIs require login credentials and aren’t open to the internet by default.
- Review and Fix Email Settings: Update your SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records to block fake emails from appearing legit. This protects both your employees and your customers.
- Scan Regularly for Weak Spots :Use automated tools like BeVigil to continuously scan your systems for misconfigurations and vulnerabilities—before attackers do.
Final Thoughts
Even in well-managed organizations, small security gaps can quietly grow into major liabilities. This assessment of a digital lending firm reminds us that cybercriminals aren’t just looking for software bugs—they’re watching for human oversights.
With continuous monitoring and a proactive security mindset, companies can avoid costly breaches and maintain trust in a digital-first world. CloudSEK’s BeVigil helps organizations uncover these hidden issues before they become front-page news.