How to Address the 80% of Security Failures Linked to Human Factors
Why Most Security Issues Stem from People and How to Resolve Them
According to Gartner, a staggering 80% of organizational security breaches are attributed to human error, while only 20% are due to system or technology failures. Despite this, many organizations continue to underestimate the importance of educating their employees about digital security, leaving themselves vulnerable to cyberattacks that could be easily prevented.
The human factor is often the most significant vulnerability in most cyberattacks. Common issues include phishing emails, weak passwords, clicking on malicious links, and failing to adhere to security policies. Addressing these issues is critical to enhancing organizational security.
Key Security Issues Related to Human Factors:
1. Phishing: One of the most effective tactics used by cybercriminals is social engineering, where employees are tricked into providing confidential information or clicking on malicious links. A report by MIT Sloan Management Review emphasizes that a significant number of cyberattacks start with a simple phishing email (MIT Sloan Management Review, “The Human Factor in Cybersecurity”).
2. Weak Passwords: Many users still opt for easy-to-guess passwords or reuse them across different platforms, increasing the risk of compromise. Security reports consistently highlight this practice as a major vulnerability that exposes organizations to attacks (Cybersecurity Ventures, “The Cybersecurity Almanac 2024”).
3. Lack of Adequate Training: The absence of regular training and awareness programs leaves many companies vulnerable. Without proper training, employees cannot recognize potential threats or follow basic security practices, significantly increasing risks (Ponemon Institute, “The Cost of a Data Breach 2024”).
4. Inadequate Information Sharing: Cyberattacks often occur when employees unintentionally share sensitive information via email or in insecure environments. The lack of clear security policies contributes to these errors (Forrester Research, “The Impact of Information Sharing on Cybersecurity”).
5. Unrestricted Access to Sensitive Data: Granting unrestricted access to critical information to all employees, without adequate controls, is a common flaw. By limiting access to only those who truly need it, organizations can considerably reduce the chances of data leaks (Gartner, “Access Management in the Age of Digital Transformation”).
The Solution: Training and Social Engineering Tests
To address these issues, investing in employee security awareness is crucial. Outview offers effective solutions such as Security Awareness Training, which educates employees on best security practices, and PhishER Plus Test, which simulates phishing attacks and measures employee responses to real-world scenarios.
Additionally, Outview provides SecurityCoach, a solution that offers continuous and personalized training, correcting risky behaviors in real time. By conducting regular social engineering tests, companies can identify human vulnerabilities before attackers do, proactively mitigating risks.
KnowBe4’s Solutions:
KnowBe4, another leader in security awareness training, offers a suite of tools designed to tackle human-related security issues. Their platform includes:
- Security Awareness Training: Comprehensive courses that cover various aspects of cybersecurity, helping employees recognize and respond to threats effectively.
- Phishing Simulation: Regular simulated phishing attacks to test employee readiness and identify areas for improvement.
- Automated Training Campaigns: Automated campaigns that deliver relevant training and reminders, ensuring ongoing awareness.
- Behavioral Analytics: Tools that analyze employee behavior to tailor training and improve overall security posture.
Conclusion
With 80% of security problems linked to human error, companies must prioritize employee training and awareness. Neglecting this issue leaves the door open to attacks that could be easily avoided with simple practices and a proactive approach. Investing in specialized solutions like those offered by Outview and KnowBe4 is a crucial step in protecting your organization and reducing the risk of cyberattacks. If you need assistance, reach out for expert solutions tailored to enhancing your security posture.
