Human Error: An often underrated cybersecurity hazard
Even the most tech-savvy individuals are not immune to making mistakes. When it comes to cybersecurity, human error is often a silent threat. Each individual who is connected to your company’s network is an ‘endpoint user’, and each of them can inadvertently become a gateway for security breaches.
The effects of skipping regular training
Foregoing regular cybersecurity training for staff can lead to:
- Data becoming compromises: Yours, your employees or even your clients. Unauthorised access to all the data you hold could be exposed.
- Monetary losses: The costs involved in managing and recovering from a cyber incident are almost unlimited. Could your business survive a hit of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of pounds?
- Reputation damage: The eroding trust of customers and stakeholders is difficult to restore. You’ve spent time and effort building your rep, and you deserve to keep it!
Empowering Your Team with Training and Awareness
Educating your team is crucial. It not only improves their knowledge but also fortifies your organisation’s defenses against cyber threats. Conduct regular training sessions to keep your team updated on the latest cybersecurity threats and best practices. This keeps them vigilant and well-prepared.
Execute Simulated Phishing Exercises
Simulated phishing exercises are effective in training staff on how to recognise phishing emails. Through these simulations, employees can learn from practical experience in a controlled environment. While you’re organising a simulation, or enlisting the help of someone who will do that for you, equip your team to spot fake emails and web pages. The biggest things to watch for include:
- Spelling errors: Genuine communications are typically free of spelling mistakes. This is obviously not a reliable method because your colleagues may have English as a second or third language, or they may be dyslexic. Try and scrutinise emails against the sender’s usual tone and spelling.
- Inspect URLs closely: Attackers often use characters (such as cyrillic) that appear similar to actual ones in order to trick users. If you didn’t have the example side by side and you were skim-reading, would you spot the difference between aliвaвa and alibaba?
- Exercise caution with attachments or links: Train employees to validate the legitimacy of links or attachments before clicking or downloading. This includes automated payments, using web portals that will ask for login details, and and sort of banking software.
Establish Robust Password Policies
Mandate the usage of strong passwords and ensure they are secured correctly (not on post-it notes or in a jotter in a desk drawer!). Encourage the implementation of Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for an essential added layer of security.
Maintain Up-to-Date Systems
Regularly updating systems and software with the latest security fixed is absolutely necessary in safeguarding against known and unknown vulnerabilities. Don’t hit snooze on updates!
Kick-Start with Our Complimentary Guide
A critical first step is to download our complimentary guide which offers an extensive framework for evaluating your security status, understanding risks, and formulating a training strategy.
For additional insights on cybersecurity, explore our array of cyber security resources or get in touch with us by booking a call on the link below.
