According to the World Economic Forum, human error is to blame for 95% of cybersecurity issues.
What if someone warned you that the modest sum you spent on the newest cybersecurity solution would not be adequately safeguarding you? Yes, even with the most advanced cybersecurity measures in place, a cyberattack is still only one “human error” away.
Cybersecurity vulnerabilities caused by human error have always been a problem. It has been recognised as a significant contributing element to cybersecurity vulnerabilities for years. The following human mistakes are the most frequent causes of cybersecurity breaches: –
- Weak password security – Using easy-to-remember passwords, sharing them, or storing them wrongly results in poor password security and increases the likelihood of a breach.
- Using unlicensed software Employees installing software without IT teams’ knowledge or consent runs the risk of an attack and illegal access to the company’s IT systems and applications.
- Another significant factor that could result in a security breach is failing to install software updates that include crucial security fixes.
- Opening email links or attachments without looking for subtle clues, such misspelt domains, might make the recipient—and in turn, the organization—a target of phishing attacks.
- Inefficient data access management: It’s crucial to have a strict administrator who strictly abides by the organization’s access policy. This will guarantee security at all points of access and stop any imposters with ulterior motives from accessing and taking control of the organization’s data and systems.
- The improper handling of sensitive material can leave the door open for a cyberattack if it has been sent by email.
- Cyberattacks can also result from utilizing public Wi-Fi without a VPN and by inserting vulnerable devices like USB drives.
While human error cannot be controlled at all times, a set of 8 best practices listed below that can prevent such errors altogether or keep it to very minimal levels is highly recommended for organizations, irrespective of their size and scale: –
- Implement the “Zero Trust” policy, which verifies and tracks each login.
- Inform staff members – Hold regular cybersecurity training to raise awareness
- Use biometrics or two-factor authentication to increase the security of your passwords.
- Use Data Access Monitoring to keep an eye on your employees’ behavior (DAM)
- Regularly update your software because it comes with new and improved features and security improvements.
- Use solutions like Privileged Access Management (PAM) and Privileged Identity Management to restrict access to sensitive data (PIM)
- Use techniques for system monitoring and surveillance to look for signs of potential cybersecurity incidents so that they can be stopped.
- Block USB devices when they are connected to stop users from unintentionally infecting your network or PC with malware.
