How to fortify your security with your workforce

Cyber incidents are still on the rise

In an era dominated by digital transactions and interconnected systems, the frequency of cyberattacks continues to rise at an alarming rate. According to a report by Cybersecurity Ventures, global damages from cybercrime are projected to reach $10.5 trillion annually by 2025, up from $3 trillion in 2015. This exponential increase in damages emphasizes the critical need for organizations to fortify their defenses against evolving threats.

In our previous webinar we discussed how to combat this alarming trend. We were joined by Sjoerd van den Bedem, IT Manager at Northwave Cybersecurity, who dove into how businesses can fortify their security infrastructure and empower their employees with secure productivity tools.

If you missed this webinar, you can now watch at your leisure.

The human factor in data breaches

Surprisingly, a significant portion of data breaches can be attributed to human error. The Verizon 2023 Data Breach Investigations Report revealed that 74% of breaches involve a human element, ranging from accidental disclosures to deliberate actions. This underscores the importance of a well-trained and security-aware task force in preventing incidents that can compromise sensitive information.

The actions and decisions of individuals within the workforce can significantly impact the overall security posture of an organization. Let’s have a look at this in detail.

Insider Threats:

One of the primary ways in which the workforce can compromise business security is through insider threats. Employees, intentionally or unintentionally, may pose a risk by mishandling sensitive information, engaging in malicious activities, or falling victim to social engineering attacks. Disgruntled employees or those susceptible to external manipulation can become inadvertent conduits for unauthorized access.

Lack of Security Awareness:

Insufficient knowledge about cybersecurity best practices among the workforce can contribute to vulnerabilities. Employees may unknowingly download malicious software, click on phishing links, or use weak passwords, thereby providing entry points for cybercriminals. Establishing a comprehensive and ongoing cybersecurity training program is essential to address this issue.

Negligence and Carelessness:

Human error remains a significant challenge to business security. Inadvertently leaving devices unattended, misconfiguring security settings, or failing to apply updates promptly can expose organizations to threats. Cultivating a culture of vigilance and accountability is crucial to minimize the impact of human errors.

Remote Work Challenges:

The rise of remote work introduces new dimensions to business security challenges. Inadequate home network security, the use of personal devices for work-related tasks, and the potential for unsecured communication channels can create vulnerabilities. Employers must adapt security policies to accommodate the remote work paradigm and ensure the workforce is well-informed about the associated risks.

Access Control and Privilege Management:

Poorly managed access controls and privileges within an organization can lead to unauthorized access and data breaches. Inadequate monitoring of employee access, failure to revoke permissions promptly upon employee departure, and lax enforcement of the principle of least privilege can contribute to security lapses.

How to empower your workforce to fortify your security?

The primary obstacle hindering individuals from maintaining security and compliance is often the barriers we inadvertently impose to ensure their safety. It is essential to shift our approach and provide the workforce with tools that not only safeguard their activities but also empower them to navigate seamlessly through their tasks. By recognizing and addressing the inherent challenges within current security measures, we can create a more user-friendly environment that encourages adherence to best practices without compromising efficiency. Our webinar will discuss in detail how businesses can support their workforce with the right tools rather than restraining them.

Sjoerd van den Bedem, IT Manager at Northwave Cybersecurity, will explore how businesses can make sure that their workforce is not the major factor in data breaches but the fortification of their security infrastructure. Our objective is to offer concrete insights into the hurdles confronted by organizations and the tactics employed to proactively manage risks and avoid data breaches. Additionally, we will explore the correlation between Compliance and Security, examining how organizations can maintain a secure environment without compromising productivity.

You can now watch the video at your leisure.