The cyber threat landscape is constantly evolving, and businesses that fail to keep up risk becoming victims of security breaches or cyber-attacks. Staff-related security breaches are big and small businesses' most common internal cybersecurity threats. These threats target individuals across all levels of an organisation and come in various forms.
According to research conducted by Impero Software in 2022, 1 in 5 employees in the UK are directly involved in a security breach or loss of sensitive data. The good news is that there is a simple solution to this problem—employee security awareness training is the best way to ensure an organisation's overall protection from cyber threats.
The Role of Human Error
The difference between man and machine is most pronounced and relevant in cybersecurity. Unlike machines, humans are prone to errors, which can lead to serious security breaches and loss of data, money, and reputation. The IBM Cyber Security Intelligence Index Report found that human error is a significant contributing cause in 95% of all breaches. It means that your business could prevent 19 out of 20 cybersecurity breaches.
Some of the most common unintentional human errors and lapses include:
Data breaches, illegal fund transfers, and the loss or unauthorised exposure of sensitive information to malicious parties are among the biggest security threats caused by human errors.
One example of a data breach caused by human negligence is the Equifax incident. Additionally, an employee falling victim to a phishing attack can lead to malware infections or credential theft, resulting in security breaches.
Large organisations such as the NHS, British Airways, Travelex, and Tesco have also been victims of disruptive security breaches due to human errors. The silver lining of these cyber incidents is that they have prompted more organisations to take security awareness training seriously and ensure it's provided to all employees.
The Evolution of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
The AI industry's rapid growth, expected to reach hundreds of billions in market value by the mid-2020s, also brings heightened cybersecurity risks.
Cyberattacks using AI and machine learning, such as phishing, malware, and AI-driven social engineering, are increasing. Vishing attacks and other social engineering tactics are exploiting communication vulnerabilities. The rise of malicious AI tools like WormGPT and FraudGPT underscores AI's potential for alarming activities, emphasising the need for stronger cybersecurity measures.
The Significance of Security Awareness Training
Security awareness training involves educating employees to understand and identify their role in preventing cyber threats within their organisation. It also includes strategies for employees to mitigate and respond appropriately to cybersecurity incidents.
This type of training can be delivered through online platforms that include tailored and up-to-date content, as well as interactive and engaging training modules, allowing employees to become more vigilant and proficient at identifying phishing attempts, social engineering tactics, and other malicious activities.
The analytics and reporting features offered by these platforms enable organisations to track progress, identify areas for improvement, and demonstrate compliance with regulatory compliance.
Security Awareness Training Through Blue Cube Security
At Blue Cube Security, we understand the importance of effective cybersecurity awareness training for organisations. That’s why we’ve partnered with leading security awareness training partners. Our team of experts is available to discuss your requirements and provide tailored recommendations based on your business needs.