What is Human Error in Cyber Security?

In today’s digital scenario, cybersecurity threats are always present, with one of the most significant risks coming from an unlikely source–employee errors and omissions within a company. Human error is a leading cause of security breaches, making it essential for organizations to mitigate these risks quickly and effectively. 

Did you know that 95% of data breaches are due to human mistakes?

Unbelievable, right? According to a study by IMB, human errors like falling for phishing scams, mismanaging passwords, and mishandling sensitive data constitute 95% of those cyber security failures. Recognizing the impact of these errors is the first step towards tackling them effectively.

Eye-Opening Stats About Human Error In Cyber Security:

  • 37% of organizations are somewhat or very concerned about their cyber resilience, with only 27% being completely confident in it. (LinkedIn Poll by CompTIA) 

  • 42% of companies have cyber insurance, leaving 58% without it, and 32% not interested in cyber insurance at all (LinkedIn Poll by CompTIA) 

  • 69% believe cybersecurity is improving, but this is down from 80% in 2020, indicating rising concerns (CompTIA) 

  • 47% of intrusions in cyber security are a result of having weak or no credentials in place in the first half of 2024. (Google Cloud’s Thread Horizons report) 

  • 62% of Managed Service Providers (MSPs) are very concerned about being targeted by cyberattacks (Sophos) 

  • 24% of businesses have been significantly impacted by a cyberattack (CompTIA) 

  • 49% of companies practice security monitoring as their top security measure. 

  • Cybercrime costs have risen by 10% in the past year, with the average cost of a data breach in the U.S. being $9.44 million (CompTIA) 

  • Cybercrime is predicted to cost $10.5 trillion annually by 2025 (Cybercrime Magazine) 

  • 98% of cybercrimes rely on social engineering (CompTIA) 

  • There will be an estimated 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs by the end of 2025 (Fortune) 

What Is Considered a Human Error in Cyber Security?

Human error is any unintentional action (or lack of action for that matter) performed by an employee that compromises cybersecurity. Human error can be divided into 2 categories:
  • Skill-based errors
  • Decision-based errors

Skill-Based Errors

These occur when employees perform tasks incorrectly due to either lack of skill or lack of attention. Untrained employees tend to overlook some protocols just because they don’t understand those measures or what’s the reasoning behind them; or they were not paying attention and just clicked on something like “that annoying pop-up window” without reading.

Decision-Based Errors

These happen when employees make poor decisions due to insufficient information or poor judgment. It’s a similar case than skill-based errors; however, most times trained employees may fail to follow security protocols because they may think that it’s too soon to run another update or would rather do something more urgent, which are both signs of poor judgement.

Common Cybersecurity IT Errors in Business

Some of the most common IT errors in business are:

Incorrectly Sending Sensitive Information

Employees may accidentally send confidential data to the wrong recipients, from something as insignificant as a mistyped email address to mistakenly selecting the wrong contact. This can lead to unauthorized access to confidential data.

Mishandling Passwords

Using weak, easily guessed, reused, or improperly stored passwords across multiple platforms makes systems vulnerable to unauthorized access. Once a password is compromised, attackers can access multiple accounts and sensitive information.

Neglecting to Update or Patch Systems

Not applying updates and patches leaves systems open to manipulation through known vulnerabilities, leading to significant security incidents, as outdated software can leave systems vulnerable to attacks.

Working Remotely from Insecure Networks

Remote work introduces another risk factor when employees use unsecure or public Wi-Fi networks. Not using proper security measures such as VPNs, can expose sensitive data to cybercriminals. Sometimes it’s as easy to avoid as bringing an extra internet cable with you to connect to a router and your work’s VPN.

Clicking on Malicious Emails (Phishing)

Phishing attacks trick employees into sharing sensitive information or downloading malware. These are hard to detect because they often mimic legitimate communication.When someone falls for a phishing scam, they can accidentally provide attackers with access to sensitive information.

Neglecting Physical Security

Leaving devices like laptops and smartphones unattended or unsecured can result in not only the loss of the device but also in data breaches.Also, failing to secure physical documents that contain sensitive information in them can potentially expose the company to unauthorized access and information leaks.

What Causes Human Error

Opportunity

Don’t leave doors open for mistakes! Lack of proper security measures creates opportunities for employees to make errors, whether intentional or accidental. Simple oversights not enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA) or forgetting to encrypt sensitive data can provide easy access points for cyber criminals.

Environment

Chaos breeds confusion… and breaches! A stressful or disorganized work environment can lead to higher rates of mistakes. When employees are overwhelmed or distracted, they are more likely to overlook security protocols, misconfigure settings, fall for phishing scams, which could increase the risk of security incidents.

Lack of awareness

Ignorance is vulnerability. Employees who are not aware of cybersecurity best practices are more likely to make errors that compromise security. Awareness programs and regular training are essential to educate staff about recognizing threats like phishing emails, using strong passwords, and maintaining proper data handling procedures.

Human Error and IT Security Best Practices

Create a Strong Security Culture

Establishing a strong security culture begins with the organization’s leadership demonstrating a commitment to cybersecurity. Leaders should actively engage in and promote security practices, setting a positive example for employees to follow.This includes communicating regularly the importance of cybersecurity, recognizing and rewarding secure behaviors, and integrating security into the company’s core values and everyday operations.

Regular Employee Training

Regular and comprehensive training programs are essential to ensure that employees are equipped with up-to-date knowledge about emerging threats and the latest security protocols. Training should be interactive and engaging, covering topics such as recognizing phishing attempts, proper password management, and the safe handling of sensitive information. By continually updating training materials and conducting frequent sessions, organizations can maintain a vigilant and informed workforce.

Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

MFA requires users to provide two or more verification factors to gain access to a system or application, significantly reducing the risk of unauthorized access. This can include a combination of something the user knows (like a password), something the user has (like a mobile device), and something the user is (like a fingerprint). Encouraging the use of MFA across all critical systems can greatly enhance an organization’s security posture.

Continuous Systems Testing and Monitoring

Proactive and continuous testing and monitoring of IT systems are vital to identifying vulnerabilities and preventing security breaches. This involves conducting regular security audits, vulnerability assessments, and penetration testing to uncover and address weaknesses.
Additionally, real-time monitoring tools should be employed to detect suspicious activities and anomalies, enabling quick responses to potential threats. Establishing a robust incident response plan ensures that any security incidents are managed effectively and efficiently.

Leverage Technology to Detect and Prevent Errors

This involves deploying automated security solutions such as intrusion detection systems, endpoint protection platforms, and security information and event management (SIEM) systems. These technologies can help in identifying and mitigating threats in real-time, reducing the dependency on human intervention and minimizing the risk of errors. Automation can also streamline routine security tasks, ensuring consistent application of security policies and freeing up IT staff to focus on more strategic initiatives.

Ready to Enhance Your Cybersecurity Measures?

Reducing human errors in cyber security is critical to protecting your organization. By combining education, technology, and a supportive culture, companies can significantly mitigate the risks ´posed by employee mistakes.

Choosing a provider that helps you implement these strategies effectively is essential. BTI specializes in providing comprehensive IT and cybersecurity solutions tailored to your business needs.

From employee training programs to advanced security technologies, BTI offers the tools and expertise necessary to enhance your cyber security defenses.  Contact us today to safeguard your business against potential threats and ensure a secure future.