Cybersecurity breaches are a significant concern, and human error is one of the most critical aspects. Whether you’re talking about employee behavior or malicious insiders, people are the weakest link in cybersecurity.
That’s why 95% of security breaches are attributed to human error. Investing in your team to prevent these incidents will improve your organization’s overall security posture.
Human Error
What is the weakest link in cybersecurity? 95% of cybersecurity breaches are primarily caused by human error. Because of this, cyber researchers think that addressing the human component in cybersecurity is the best method to prevent these disasters.
The problem is that humans are not one-size-fits-all. People have different personalities and work styles, making it hard to protect their digital assets.
As a result, employees need to be more careful and pay attention to security risks. They might use weak passwords, store sensitive information in a hazardous location, or fall for phishing scams.
These errors can result in costly data breaches and other damaging consequences for your business. And they’re more likely to happen when a dedicated cybersecurity team is not in place.
A recent study by IBM revealed that breaches resulting from human error were among the most difficult to resolve. In particular, phishing and BEC scams took the longest to identify and contain.
Malware
Malware is a broad term that covers a range of computer programs designed to cause damage or harm. It includes viruses, worms, Trojans, spyware, and malware that aims to steal sensitive data from computers.
Many forms of malware also can “morph” or alter their surface appearance, making them hard to detect by traditional virus signatures. Polymorphic malware is particularly vulnerable to cybersecurity solutions that scan files, and it can evade these defenses by running in memory without writing to the file system.
Cybercriminals can use malware to install software that gives them remote access, send spam, or investigate local networks. They can also create botnets and networks of infected computers under their control that they use to relay traffic or perform other tasks online.
These malware attacks can have serious consequences, including downtime or data loss. In addition, they can disrupt business operations and steal intellectual property.
Often, malware can be hidden in legitimate programs that users download, so it’s essential to understand how and where it’s installed on your computer. Update your software frequently and scan your device for malware as often as possible.
Another way to prevent malware is to protect your computer with a strong firewall and antivirus. It would be best to use encryption software to protect sensitive information from thieves and make it easier for remote employees to connect safely to public network resources.
Engineering, Social
Social engineering is a cyberattack that preys on people’s prejudices and habits. These include trust, authority, liking, and scarcity. These traits can make it easier for hackers to manipulate people into revealing sensitive information and other data types.
These tactics are often used to access networks or computer systems, compromising security measures and allowing hackers to commit fraud or steal money from individuals. However, many victims aren’t aware that they are at risk.
Phishing attacks are a common type of social engineering that use emails to trick users into entering their personal information. It can be done for various reasons, but it’s especially effective when the email evokes emotions or pressures the victim into responding quickly.
Another type of social engineering involves pretexting, where a malicious actor may impersonate a company executive and ask for privileged information. It could be done through a phone call or via email.
The ability of the attacker to investigate and comprehend their target will determine how practical these approaches are. This information is typically gathered through public sources and is then used to create a convincing identity for the criminal to impersonate or attack. It can be done using a fake name, face, or even a phone number. In addition, it can also involve the attacker obtaining social media profiles or other information that can be used to validate their fake identity.
Remote Work
Remote work is an increasingly popular style that allows employees to execute their jobs from anywhere. This flexible workstyle significantly benefits employers and employees, including lower commuting costs, reduced absenteeism, improved productivity, and employee retention.
However, it also creates unique security risks that must be addressed in a company’s cybersecurity strategy. It includes designing and deploying security policies appropriate for remote workers, utilizing solutions to protect against threats, and monitoring employee behavior.
Cybercriminals see remote work as an opportunity to steal sensitive information and disrupt networks, threatening organizations. As such, they target remote workers with account takeover and mobile malware attacks that target personal devices to gain access to corporate systems and networks.
Nation-states are also actively attacking home routers and network devices, putting remote work users at risk of a significant data breach. They often use unsecured networks or need more technical expertise to secure their home systems properly.
For organizations that want to support and encourage remote work, a shared vision for the role must be conveyed and maintained, as well as an appreciation of the importance of a healthy work-life balance. It doesn’t automatically happen when a remote employee is hired; it takes intentional effort and time to instill a culture of shared purpose and support among the remote workforce.
