Human errors cause 95% of cybersecurity threats. Are businesses over-relying on IT teams? Learn how to strengthen cyber defenses and reduce human vulnerabilities.
The responsibilities shouldered by the cybersecurity staff for encrypting systems are overwhelming. Organizations expect them to respond proactively to emerging cyberattacks. However, these expectations might invite human errors, further increasing cyber vulnerabilities. A survey by Kaspersky revealed that 95% of cybersecurity threats are due to human error.
Are the organizations over-expecting from their IT teams? Even if they are, what actions have been taken to meet these expectations? Explore why human firewalls are an emerging risk for companies and what a safe escape from these threats is.
Why are human firewalls a matter of concern?
Human firewalls or human-enabled cyber threat defense mechanisms are risky for businesses. For instance, an unaware employee using outdated digital technologies can accidentally open a phishing link or download ransomware on a corporate device, leading to financial losses and a lost reputation.
Another incident happened to Reddit, where its employees were redirected to a phishing website that impersonated the organization’s intranet portals. This malicious attempt enabled attackers to access sensitive company documents and codes.
Showing concerns about the emerging cybersecurity risks across organizations, Emad Haffar, Head of Technical Experts at Kaspersky, said, “The ‘human firewall’ is one of the key defenses from cyber incidents. Third-party research showed that 95% of cybersecurity threats are in some way caused by human error. This is why workers on any level — from top managers to interns — should receive proper cybersecurity training.”
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Are organizations ready to fight against the human firewall breach?
With the upsurging demand for digital skill enhancements, several organizations are taking charge of training their employees. For instance, Resecurity and CyberPeace Foundation joined forces to introduce capacity-building programs to boost cybersecurity awareness and skills among individuals and organizations.
Emphasizing the concerns about innovative malicious thefts, Gene Yoo, CEO of Resecurity, said, “In today’s interconnected world, collaboration is essential to combat cyber threats effectively. By partnering with CyberPeace Foundation, we aim to leverage our expertise in threat intelligence and cybersecurity to contribute to a safer digital ecosystem for all.”
In October 2023, Resecurity also debuted its cutting-edge IDP service to protect the citizens and businesses of the UAE from cyber threats. These initiatives have created an awareness drive among everyday citizens and companies and gained insights into the lurking cyber vulnerabilities.
On the contrary, the experts at Kaspersky recommended organizations enhance their employees’ digital skills. Enlisted below were a few key takeaways:
- Conducting regular checkups to understand what digital skills are most needed for business
- Organizing regular cyber literacy courses and training for employees
- Checking endpoint protection solutions, such as antivirus and anti-malware software
Also Read: Optimizing Cloud Costs: The Key to Data Portability and Security
In summary, as malicious actors become advanced and use innovative methods to steal sensitive organizational information, IT teams need to think smarter. This is the only way to reduce human errors and prevent cyber vulnerabilities. Businesses must regularly conduct programs and training courses to make their teams efficient in identifying and fighting against cyber threats.
