Employees are the backbone of any business, but when it comes to cybersecurity, they can also be a double-edged sword. While their ingenuity and hard work drive success, their susceptibility to human error can leave your organisation vulnerable.
Here at Bondgate IT, we understand this challenge. That’s why we’re dedicated to helping businesses transform employees from potential liabilities into powerful cybersecurity assets.
The Insider Threat Landscape
Verizon’s Data Breach Investigations Report (DBIR) paints a stark picture: over 85% of data breaches involve a human element. But it’s important to look beyond the common misconception that all user-related breaches are caused by clicking a bad link. Here’s a breakdown of the main insider threats:
- Negligent Users (61%): These are the folks who accidentally send emails to the wrong person, attach the wrong file, or fall victim to phishing scams. Simple mistakes can have big consequences, exposing sensitive data or granting attackers a foothold in your network.
- Negligent Users with Exposed Credentials (25%): These users are at even greater risk. Exposed usernames and passwords circulating on the dark web make them prime targets for hyper-targeted phishing attacks that appear far more legitimate than generic spam.
- Malicious Users (14%): While most employees have good intentions, a disgruntled current or ex-employee might steal sensitive information to sell to competitors or use for personal gain.
Why Employees Are Vulnerable
- Human Error is Inevitable: We all make mistakes. A misdirected email or a forgotten password can have serious repercussions.
- Lucrative Targets: With readily available information online about your business and its associates, attackers can easily impersonate trusted contacts. All it takes is one compromised employee to put your entire system at risk. Phishing attacks, often disguised as legitimate emails from colleagues or clients, are a major threat.
- Rule-Breaking: Whether intentional or accidental, rule-breaking behavior can expose your business. Sharing passwords with colleagues or failing to follow data security protocols can create vulnerabilities.
Transforming Employees into Cybersecurity Champions
Forget the outdated approach of annual security awareness workshops. We believe in building a culture of cybersecurity through ongoing engagement and education.
Introducing Human Risk Management (HRM)
HRM is the key to a security-savvy workforce. Our comprehensive service helps you:
- Understand and Reduce Human Cyber Risk: We identify your vulnerabilities through regular training, simulated phishing attacks, dark web monitoring, and clear policy development.
- Build a Security-Conscious Culture: We provide engaging, bite-sized training modules that keep employees informed and up-to-date on the latest threats and best practices.
Claim Your Free Human Risk Report (HRR)
Take the first step towards a more secure future. With our free HRR, we’ll assess your human cyber risk and provide a clear roadmap for building a stronger defense.
Together, let’s turn the tide on cybercrime!