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Organizations usually depend on cyber security experts and/or out-of-the-box software to keep systems safe from cyber threats. There is a wide array of tools and people to ensure online safety, including tech support, firewalls, password managers, multi-factor authentication, and antivirus software. Depending on your budget and your industry’s compliance requirements, the list of these resources can be quite extensive.
With all the technological advancements, we often forget that we also have a crucial role in maintaining the security of our systems and networks. Whether at home or in the office, it is our responsibility to safeguard the confidential data in our possession. Cyber security is everyone’s responsibility.
It’s important to protect our data online, not just because of external threats but also because we can be a threat to our own data if we are not careful.
Are You Putting Cyber Security at Risk?
95% of cyber attacks are caused by human error, making individuals the primary threat to their own security. As our CEO Sheri Donahue says, “Hackers only have to get lucky once. You have to be right 100% of the time.”
It’s important to understand how you can put yourself at risk. This can be as easy as clicking on harmful links, opening attachments from unknown senders, or accidentally sharing sensitive information. A single wrong click can cause a lot of damage if your devices and systems are not properly protected.
Social engineering attacks are a threat that uses human psychology to trick people into revealing confidential information or taking actions that can compromise security. These attacks exploit people’s emotions to make them act against their better judgment.
Even people aware of the risks can easily fall victim to social engineering attacks, as it only takes one moment of weakness to give away sensitive information or make a mistake that can have serious consequences.
It’s important to remember that sometimes, individuals who have been granted access to a network can steal from it. Insider threats can come in both intentional and unintentional forms, and the latter can still result in significant harm, such as data theft, operational disruption, and financial losses for the organization.
How Human Behavior Can Positively Impact Cyber Security?
As individuals, our actions can damage or protect the private information stored on our organization’s systems and network!
Reporting suspicious activity to the appropriate person or team can help them to identify and respond to attacks early, preventing significant damage.
We play a vital role in protecting private data by staying informed and alert through Security Awareness Training. This knowledge enables people to identify and track potential threats, ultimately preventing attacks from being successful.
Good cyber hygiene is essential in protecting organizations from cyberattacks by taking steps to mitigate online threats.
Hopefully, this has helped you better understand how important it is to keep your entire organization secure from intentional and unintentional threats. As they say, “It takes a village,” and that’s just as true in the digital landscape. Together, we can make the Internet a safer place.
If you are still looking for a New Year’s resolution, how about prioritizing the safety and security of your organization? Commonwealth Sentinel can be your partner in risk reduction. Our comprehensive services range from software and hardware solutions to training and policy implementation. Click here to sign up for a FREE security consultation or Contact us at (502) 320-9885 or learn how we can help you achieve peace of mind.