Human error is the weak link in the firm’s cyber security defense mechanism. But, how can you deal with such errors and can online cyber security training courses reduce employee errors? Let’s find out in this blog.
We all make mistakes, even those sitting at the helm of affairs. But, a small mistake can result in a million-dollar loss for a business. Don’t believe us; look at the finding of the IBM report, according to which the average cost of human errors in cyber security breaches was $3.3 million in 2020. This data clearly shows the need to train employees within the firm to prevent cyber security breaches resulting from human error.
Another study by IBM shows that human error is the main cause of 95 % of cyber security breaches. If we remove the error by humans completely, 19 out of 20 cyber breaches will be eliminated.
So, the question is why human errors cause breaches and why employees need cyber security training to improve cyber security behavior within the organization.
What is the Role of Human Error in Cyber Security?
From a cyber security point of view, unintentional actions by employees and even users that result in a security breach can be termed human error. And, by unintentional actions, we mean downloading a malware-infected attachment to using a weak password. To make matters worse, end-users also deal with the constant threat from hackers because of their weak decision-making. That’s why it’s essential to train employees through top-rated online cyber security courses. In the course, employees will learn about safe cyber security practices and how to deal with bad actors.
Types of Human Errors and Real Examples of Human Error in Business
Human errors are of different types, but we can broadly categorize them into two different types: skill-based and decision-based errors. The difference between the two lies in whether or not the person at the helm of affairs knows how to perform the right action.
Skill Based Errors
It consists of slips and lapses that occur when performing familiar activities. In such errors, the end-user knows what action to take but fails to do so due to a temporary lapse, mistake or even negligence. The reasons for skill-based errors include distraction or a small lapse of memory.
Decision-Based Errors
Taking the wrong decisions based on a decision-based error. There are various reasons for decision-based errors, such as incomplete knowledge, incomplete information about a situation, or wrong decision-making due to inaction.
To reduce human errors, businesses can rely on cyber security training courses. School.infosce4tc provides a wide range of cyber security courses, including training on real projects to help employees learn the crucial skills to reduce cyber-attacks due to human errors.
Common Examples of Cyber Security Breaches due to Human Error
Email Misdelivery Can be a Major Cause
Did you know in 2018, email misdelivery was the 5th most common cause of cyber security breaches? And continues to be a major cyber security threat even today. Wrong emails lead to data loss and even loss of reputation for a business. An example of an email misdelivery threat was when NHS practice revealed the email address of 800 patients who visited the HIV clinics. The error occurred because the employee sent an email notification to HIV patients where they accidentally entered the patient’s email address in the To field instead of the BCC field.
Not Following Proper Password Hygiene
Passwords are the first line of defense but can become the biggest cause of cyber-attack. A recent study showed 61 % of breaches are caused by stolen user credentials. Here are a few reasons why passwords are the most common human error in cyber security breaches.
- Most people use common passwords like 123456 or their name
- 45 % use the same passwords for different platforms
- Sharing passwords
- Using the same password for a long time
Fill in the Incomplete Patches
Cyberattacks are mostly caused by system vulnerabilities. Cybercriminals use loopholes to access the network and data. Software developers fix the issue and send the patch to all users whenever such attacks are discovered. A patch must be created to prevent further attacks immediately. A small delay will help cyber-attacks to compromise systems and steal data.
A real example is of the Equifax attack in 2017, wherein the company failed to create a patch for a software security vulnerability. As a result, hackers gained access to the personal information of 140+ million Americans and 8,000 Canadians.
Poor Access Control
Poor access control allows bad actors to create havoc in the enterprise network. Cyber-attacks have increased over the past few years; hence, it’s essential to provide cyber security online training to employees. Through the course, employees will learn to mitigate and prevent cyber-attacks. Also, employees must follow the least privilege principle where users will have limited access. LLP minimized the chances of a breach.
How to Reduce Cyber Attacks Caused by Human Error?
- Develop a user trust approach to cyber security
- Use secure gateways and implement software-defined parameters
- Monitor every online activity
- Use two-factor authentication and biometric security
- Implement machine intelligent security solutions to alert users of potential threats
- Impart training to employees through cyber security courses.
Cyber Security Courses to Prevent Cyber Attacks Caused Due to Human Error
- Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing Course
- Cyber Security workshop
- Cyber Security Bundle
- CompTIA Security+
Enroll in our IT cyber security certification training bundle to learn everything about attacks and ways to prevent them. These courses will give you an upper hand over others who only have bookish knowledge and fail to implement it to prevent threats in the real business environment.