Human error is one of the biggest vulnerabilities in cyber security, even with advanced technological defences in place. In this blog, we’ll dive into how human error impacts cyber security and share ten practical strategies to help you mitigate these risks. If you’re looking for effective ways to manage human risk and strengthen your organisation’s security posture, you’re in the right place.
What You'll Learn:
- Understanding human error in cyber security
- Common types of human errors
- Effective strategies to mitigate human error
- The importance of security awareness training
Understanding Human Error in Cyber security
Human error in cyber security refers to unintentional actions or oversights by employees that can lead to security breaches. These can range from falling for phishing scams to mishandling sensitive data or using weak passwords. Did you know that a staggering 95% of cyber security breaches are attributed to human error? This statistic from IBM’s Cost of a Data Breach Report highlights the urgent need for businesses to address this vulnerability.
6 Common Types of Human Errors
- Falling for phishing attacks
- Using weak or reused passwords
- Mishandling sensitive data
- Neglecting software updates
- Connecting to unsecured networks
- Unauthorised use of personal devices for work
The impact of these errors can be severe, leading to data breaches, financial losses, reputational damage, and regulatory penalties. With the average cost of a data breach reaching $4.45 million globally in 2023, can your organisation afford to ignore this risk?
10 Strategies to Mitigate Human Error in Cyber security
1. Implement Comprehensive Cyber security Training Programs
Effective cyber security training is essential to reducing human error. usecure’s uLearn platform offers you a tailored approach to security awareness training:
- Engaging, interactive content covering a wide range of cyber security topics
- Regular course updates to cover emerging threats
- Automated campaign management for consistent training delivery
uLearn simplifies the process of building a security-savvy workforce by:
- Identifying human vulnerabilities through a short gap analysis questionnaire
- Auto-enrolling users onto personalised training programs that tackle their unique risks
- Prioritising course topics based on users' weakest areas
- Offering both video and interactive micro-learning content to keep users engaged
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Regular training has been shown to reduce cyber security risk from 60% to 10% within the first 12 months of implementation.
2. Foster a Culture of Security Awareness
Creating a security-conscious culture goes beyond formal training. How can you embed security into your organisation’s DNA?
- Communicate regularly about cyber security best practices
- Encourage employees to report suspicious activities
- Recognise and reward security-conscious behaviour
- Lead by example, with management actively participating in security initiatives
3. How Does Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Help?
MFA adds an extra layer of security, significantly reducing the risk of unauthorised access, even if passwords are compromised. Here’s how you can implement it effectively:
- Require MFA for all accounts, especially those with access to sensitive data
- Use a combination of something the user knows (password), has (token), and is (biometric)
- Regularly review and update MFA policies
💡Fact: MFA can block 99.9% of automated attacks (Microsoft).
4. Conduct Regular Phishing Simulations
Phishing remains one of the most common attack vectors. Regular simulations can:
- Help employees recognise sophisticated phishing attempts
- Provide immediate feedback and learning opportunities
- Identify areas where additional training is needed
- Track improvement over time
In 2024, phishing was the most common type of cyber attack in the UK, accounting for 84% of incidents. Phishing is also the most common email attack method, accounting for 39.6% of all email threats.
5. Establish and Enforce Clear Security Policies
Well-defined policies provide a framework for secure operations:
- Develop clear, easy-to-understand security policies
- Ensure policies cover all aspects of cyber security, including data handling, device usage, and incident reporting
- Regularly review and update policies to address new threats and technologies
- Enforce policies consistently across the organisation
6. Perform Regular Security Audits
Audits help identify vulnerabilities before they can be exploited:
- Conduct both internal and external security audits
- Include technical assessments and policy reviews
- Address findings promptly and thoroughly
- Use audit results to inform training and policy updates
7. Implement Least Privilege Access
Limiting access rights for users to the bare minimum necessary for their work can significantly reduce the impact of human error. Have you considered:
- Regularly reviewing and updating access permissions?
- Implementing role-based access control?
- Using the principle of least privilege for all systems and data?
If human error were eliminated, 19 out of 20 breaches might not have occurred
8. Encourage Strong Password Practices
Password hygiene remains crucial, even as other technologies advance. Here’s how to promote it:
- Enforce strong password policies
- Provide password managers to help employees create and store complex passwords
- Educate employees on the importance of unique passwords for each account
81% of hacking-related breaches leverage stolen or weak passwords.
- Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report
9. Utilise Email and Web Filtering Tools
Advanced filtering tools can catch many threats before they reach employees:
- Implement robust email filtering to block phishing attempts and malicious attachments
- Use web filtering to prevent access to known malicious websites
- Regularly update and fine-tune filtering rules
10. Develop and Practise an Incident Response Plan
No matter how strong your defences are, incidents can still happen. That's why having a solid incident response plan is crucial:
- Develop a clear, step-by-step incident response plan
- Assign roles and responsibilities for incident response
- Conduct regular drills to ensure everyone knows their role
- Review and update the plan based on lessons learned from drills and actual incidents
💡 Fact: 87% of organisations face negative outcomes due to low compliance maturity or reactive compliance practices. Being proactive with a well-practised incident response plan can significantly reduce the impact of security incidents. (Compliance Trends for 2023)
Conclusion
Human error remains a significant challenge in cyber security, but it’s not insurmountable. By implementing these ten strategies, you can significantly reduce your organisation’s vulnerability to human-induced security breaches. Remember, cyber security is an ongoing process that requires continuous attention, education, and adaptation.
Take action today to strengthen your organisation's human firewall. Invest in comprehensive security awareness training, implement robust security policies, and empower your employees to be your first line of defence against cyber threats. By doing so, you'll not only protect your business but also build a more resilient and security-conscious workforce.
Learn more on why employees are an insider threat to your business, how to build a security-savvy culture, and where to get started. Download our comprehensive guide today:
