• Home
  • About Me
  • Fav Books
  • Contact
Gary The Geek Blog – Geeky Techy Loser Stuff!

Gary The Geek Blog - Geeky Techy Loser Stuff!

Gary The Geek Blog - Geeky Techy Loser Stuff!

Website design services
  • The Internet
  • Marketing
  • Graphic Design
  • Web Dev
  • Web Design
  • Social Media
  • Technology
  • Miscellaneous

Why Employee Behavior Matters in Cybersecurity

July 10, 2018 by Gary

The popular perception of hackers is exactly backwards. We think of cyberattacks as complex and highly technical. But often they use basic scams and schemes that have existed for centuries. Rather than trying to bypass sophisticated defenses they simply aim to trick users.

This is why employee behavior matters in cybersecurity. The vast majority of attacks will be authorized by members of your own team. They are not trying to be malicious. They have simply been fooled into visiting a corrupted website or downloading a malware attachment.

The tactics that hackers use are very hard to spot and very easy to be convinced by. That is why an astounding 90 percent of all cyberattacks are caused by human error or behavior. Hackers attack this target aggressively because they know it’s so effective. As a result, half of all companies now carry a cybersecurity insurance policy.

Human error is impossible to stop, but the problem does not have to persist. Once companies recognize the issue there are ways to actively improve and correct employee behavior:

  • Make Training Mandatory an Ongoing Exercise – Unsafe behaviors are a problem at every level and in every department. No one should be exempt, and training should be continuous to keep everyone sharp. 
  • Look Past Compliance – Effective cybersecurity is about more than complying with regulations like HIPPA or PCI. Make sure that all aspects, including compliance, are covered in training. 
  • Keep Things Simple – For cybersecurity training to stick it needs to be simple and memorable. Avoid using technical jargon or complex demonstrations. Focus on providing actionable tips and advice. 
  • Explain Reporting Procedures – A major focus of training should be how, when, where, and why to report threats. In general, training should stress speaking up about threats instead of keeping them secret. 
  • Make It Personal – Every employee has a stake in the company cybersecurity. A breach could put their jobs at risk or even expose their personal data to hackers. Emphasizing the personal connection makes each employee more committed to the effort. 
  • Monitor the Users – Tracking how employees use technology reveals how safe or unsafe their actions really are. Monitoring usage and filtering it though a basic analytics program reveals potential red flags. Then companies can correct the behavior before it causes an issue. 
  • Reconsider Access Controls – If employees don’t have access to data they largely can’t compromise it. Users should have the information they need for work but be locked out of everything else. 
  • Be Constructive Not Critical – If employees are punished for unsafe behaviors they will begin covering up mistakes. Rather than focusing on network security they focus on their own security.
  • Offer a Reward – Effective cybersecurity must be a priority for all businesses. Once teams or individuals begin practicing safer behaviors, offer reward or recognition. Employees will stay committed to the effort if they feel like there is an incentive.

Employees are the biggest weakness when it comes to cybersecurity. But they are also the greatest strength. The companies that focus on the human element of cybersecurity tend to enjoy the best protection.

Enjoy my blog?

  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Pin
0shares

Filed Under: Miscellaneous, The Internet

About the Webmaster

Hello, my name is Gary, a 31 year old Tech Loving marketer passionate about home tech and coffee.

I'm a Programmer for hire working with small to medium businesses.

I network in Warrington, Liverpool and Manchester in the North West, England.

This website is my online notebook dedicated to tech, marketing and finance.

Read about me!

Tech in Brief!

Tweet Chat Image

Join #techinbrief - the weekly small Tech chat Tuesday at 9pm GMT

This is discussion based - not a promotional spam fest. If you want to learn and share, please log on to twitter and search for our hashtag!

Follow me on social.

Email Subscribe

Your email will NOT be shared with anyone.
Read the privacy policy
Are you human? (Spam check)
  • Latest Tech Posts!

    • Common CAD Mistakes in PCB Design
    • Exploring Government IT Tenders and Contracts
    • How to Reach Your Target Audience Within Your Budget
    • 5 Key Areas You Need to Focus on Internally During a Technology Audit
    • Android And iOS Games To Play With Your Friends At The Next Party
    • 4 Smart Gadgets For The Modern Vaper
    • Is Your Website Mobile-Friendly: Here are 10 Reasons It Should Be?
    • 5 Tips for Improving Your Marketing Campaign Strategy
    • Keeping You Busy for Hours on End: What Are the Main Types of Casino Games to Consider Including in Your Repertoire?
    • How to do Digital Marketing the Safe Way

    Useful Geek Stuff

    History of Google algorithm updates

    Categories

    Looking for Something?

    Primary Navigation

    Home
    About Darren
    Good Books
    My Tools
    Blog Posts
    WordPress Meetup
    Consulting Services
    Contact Me

    Secondary Navigation

    The Internet
    Marketing
    Graphic Design
    Website Development
    Website Design
    Social Media
    Technology
    Miscellaneous Thoughts

    Derby & Nottingham Area

    Company Name
    Office 897
    109 Vernon House
    Friar Lane
    Nottingham
    NG1 6DQ

    Website Design Service

    Information about small business web design .

    Call Me

    Tel: +44 (0) 115 7112 3210
    Tel: +44 (0) 7912 897 243

    Email Me

    example@gmail.com

    Let’s Connect

    Twitter
    Google +
    YouTube
    Soundcloud
    RSS

    Subscribe to Blog by Email

    Subscribe to Blog By Email

    Social Calendar

    UK Small Business Twitter Chats
    #SmallBizHour on Twitter
    Derby & Nottingham Meet Ups

    Copyright © 2019 · Magazine Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in