With worldwide spending on information security exceeding $114 billion, it’s clear that businesses are investing heavily in cybersecurity. However, even the most robust cybersecurity systems can be undermined by a simple post-It note. That’s why the concept of a secure human firewall is gaining increasing importance.
The consequences of a cybersecurity breach can be severe for businesses. According to Deloitte, 30% of consumers stated that they would cease their association with a business that suffered a cybersecurity breach, even if they were not directly affected. Aviva reports that following a breach, 60% of customers contemplate switching their provider, and 30% actually follow through with it. To avoid such detrimental outcomes, businesses must establish strong guardrails and mitigate vulnerabilities that may lead to potential cyber-attacks.
The rise of remote working has further emphasized the critical need for human firewalling. A recent report from the National Cyber Security Centre highlighted that UK businesses have lost a staggering £374 million in 2021 due to cyber breaches linked to staff working from home. Of the respondents in the study, 82% identified technology issues or behavior related to remote working as the root cause of the breaches they experienced.
When it comes to cyber threats, there are several key ones to watch out for. Phishing attacks, pretexting, baiting, quid pro quo attacks, and tailgating. The menace of malware and ransomware continues to pose significant risks to organizations.
To bolster the human firewall and provide individuals with an extra layer of security against cyber-attacks, multi-factor authentication (MFA) or two-factor authentication (2FA) play vital roles. Visiting compromised websites poses a significant risk to device security, as malware infections often occur when users click on malicious pop-ups or ads. Educating employees about the workings of malware, how it gets installed, and how to handle such situations is a crucial aspect of building a strong human firewall.
In an increasingly interconnected and digitally-driven world, the human element remains a critical factor in cybersecurity. By investing in cybersecurity training and cultivating a culture of vigilance, businesses can fortify their human firewall and significantly reduce the risk of successful cyber-attacks. The combination of technological defenses and human awareness holds the key to achieving robust online safety in today’s threat landscape.