The Human Factor in Cybersecurity: Building a Culture of Security

Take a closer look at the human factor of cybersecurity and how it plays out in the realm of business in the article below....
The Human Factor in Cybersecurity: Building a Culture of Security
Written by Brian Wallace
  • As the number of attacks rises and threats become more potent, the social aspect of cybersecurity rises. New data obtained by IBM Security indicates that the probable price tag of aggressive infringements, on average, is $3.4 million. Hence, organizations have to move from simple security measures to involving employees in cybersecurity. Let’s examine the role of employees in preventing cyber threats. 

    The Role of Employees in Cybersecurity

    Employees are the focal points for improving the security of the various digital properties of the firms. They are usually the first line of defense against such threats. Data also reveals that people are generally unaware that they are in the middle of an attack. This leads to providing login credentials, clicking on an email message that, in effect, invites the virus in, or misplacing a flash drive that contains vital organizational information. 

    This is why addressing the issue and offering employees improved cybersecurity learning is essential. If employees understood how to guard against or minimize such attacks, the occurrences of them would decline considerably. The use of the right data broker removal service is an important step in removing personal data from search sites, data brokers, and other online data sites. 

    Data Privacy and Employee Responsibility

    Data privacy is a significant component of cybersecurity. This type of program is directly related to the vocational imperative idea of ​​employees’ duties. The staff must understand why data sharing is not allowed. They should also remember some organizational guidelines that act as a policy when protecting information. This cuts across access control, encryption, and compliance with reasonable security management practices. People are an organization’s assets; more often than not, lack of security is due to the lack of knowledge. Therefore, each organizational member has responsibilities for data protection.

    Social Engineering Attacks and Phishing

    Phishing is an example of a social engineering attack that’s still very much in practice. It targets a person’s weaknesses and has proven to be very effective. The attack often happens through phishing when a person is duped into surrendering important data or granting rights to the wrong individual. Obtaining information about possible dangers relating to such attacks and protecting behavioral patterns is necessary. There are several things that organizations can do to minimize risks associated with these exploiting strategies. They should train employees in multi-factor authentication, verifying emails, and undergoing regular training to improve the organizational stance against phishing schemes.

    Building a Strong Security Culture

    Security culture involves formal and informal organizational change approaches, which help enhance the sociotechnical security system. Other types of security awareness training include refreshing employees on new threats and what should be done about them. Sound incident management practice has the potential to enable swift and appropriate incident management in the unfortunate event that it happens. Maintaining open communication channels between the employees, management, and IT sector helps prevent security breaches and enables quicker reporting.

    Closing Off

    Skillful employee interference plays an essential role in protecting the organization’s digital assets. Together, awareness, responsibility, and compliance are the right mix that contributes to building a robust security culture within an organization. Organizations must promote a security culture based on employees’ interests and employees’ prevent threatening situations for protecting data. Security breaches can be prevented if employees are trained regularly and efficiently. 

    Get the WebProNews newsletter delivered to your inbox

    Get the free daily newsletter read by decision makers

    Subscribe
    Advertise with Us

    Ready to get started?

    Get our media kit