Cybersecurity Myth Part #4

Myth #4: “Cybersecurity Is All About Technology”

The Misconception:

The first thing most business owners think about when the term “cybersecurity” is mentioned is that it includes very complex technology systems, advanced encryption methods, and IT professionals who fight cyber threats using all sorts of cutting-edge tools. The outcome of this is the belief and misconception that cybersecurity is an IT issue that can be solved by investing in the latest software, hardware, and professional expertise. Many business owners assume their network is safe because they have bought high-end security systems and technology; thus, they can check cybersecurity off their list of concerns.

The Reality:

While technology is important to cybersecurity, it is only part of the solution. Human behavior tends to be the weakest link. Recent studies indicate that 88% of data breaches can be traced to human error. Examples of this type of human error include employees falling for phishing emails, using poor passwords, or downloading malicious attachments by accident. In fact, many cyberattacks, like phishing, spear phishing, and social engineering attacks, target the end-user rather than the technical vulnerabilities themselves.

Cybercriminals know that tricking a human into divulging sensitive information is far easier than breaking through a well-protected firewall or encrypted system. In other words, while technology plays an important role in detecting and mitigating threats, human behavior is too often deciding whether an attack will be successful.

How Cybercriminals Take Advantage of Human Error:

Cybercriminals use several tactics that manipulate human weaknesses:

• Phishing Attacks: These are fraudulent emails or messages designed to trick people into clicking malicious links, providing login credentials, or sharing sensitive information. Although very well-recognized by most people, phishing remains one of the most successful cyberattacks because it leverages trust and habits.
• Spear Phishing: An attack in which hackers build messages with specific names, either individuals or organizations. Attackers gather information about their targets, such as job titles and recent business activity, to make the emails appear more authentic and increase the chances of the victim falling prey.
• Social Engineering: Social engineering attacks fool people into taking particular actions or revealing confidential information. For example, an attacker could call their target, impersonating a trusted coworker, a vendor, or even an IT staff member, and ask their target to compromise security measures or divulge sensitive information.

All of these tactics highlight the importance of focusing on the human element of cybersecurity. The most advanced technical defenses can be bypassed the moment an employee clicks on or hands over the keys to the kingdom.

What It Means for Businesses:

If businesses depend on only technology to defend against cyberattacks, they leave themselves open. In other words, the best defense against cyber threats is a combination of technology and employee awareness. Here’s why both are essential:

• Technology is not foolproof: Firewalls, antivirus programs, and file encryption are essential game components, but they cannot remove every threat. Should it happen to an employee that they click on a malicious link or download an infected file, even the best systems can be circumvented.
• People are the first line of defense: Generally, cybercriminals attack employees because they understand very well that humans can be influenced or tricked. The best way to protect your organization is to train your team to know what common attack vectors look like.
• Human errors will occur: You cannot eliminate human error altogether, but you can reduce the risk by creating an organizational culture of security awareness. Regular employee training on recent threats and practices reduces mistakes resulting in a data breach.

How to Build a Stronger Cybersecurity Posture:

What follows are some of the major ways in which businesses can address the human factor in cybersecurity:

1. Multifactor Authentication: MFA must be enabled in those areas for which such an option is available. MFA introduces another layer of security, thereby forcing the use of more than just a password to verify one’s identity. Thieves who gain access to login credentials will still be unable to access sensitive systems.
2. Regular Audits and Testing: Establish periodic reviews of your company’s cybersecurity posture through penetration testing and security audits. Such exercises may facilitate the detection of weaknesses in technology and employee practices that need to be fixed before an attacker can exploit them.
3. Password Best Practices: Have employees use strong, unique passwords for every account. Require password managers to make it easier and even more secure. Weak passwords are one of the easiest ways for cybercriminals to get into any system. Thus, this step cannot be overlooked.
4. Security Awareness Training: Train employees to recognize phishing attempts, social engineering tactics, and other forms of cyber threats. Email training should be given in great detail, especially for emails that ask for sensitive information or have attachments. Programs should be implemented which provide near-reality phishing attack training. Employees will thus be prepared to try out their expertise in a controlled environment.
5. Reporting Suspicious Activity: A simple, straightforward reporting procedure to be followed by employees for reporting suspicious emails, messages, and activities. Let them know it is always better to err on the side of over-reporting than to miss a potentially serious attack. The ability to catch threats early through a proactive approach will save a small mistake from escalating into a full breach.

Final Thoughts:

Do not fall into the trap of thinking that technology alone can solve cybersecurity. Human error accounts for the highest rate of data breaches, and unless addressed, your business may remain in jeopardy of attacks, no matter how strong your technology may be. Technology coupled with security awareness allows firms to defend against sophisticated and opportunistic attackers.

For the protection of your business, remember that cybersecurity is everybody’s concern. Be observant, continue to train your team, and make sure that both your technology and people are prepared to face the changing faces of cyber threats.

Let us know if you have any questions about this article or if you have additional items that could be included in this list.