Cyber security is not just a technical issue; it’s a human one. As cyber threats evolve, the human factor remains the most vulnerable aspect of any organisation’s security posture. According to the 2024 Verizon Data Breach Report, human error was a contributing factor in 55% of data breaches. This statistic underscores the importance of cultivating robust cyber security hygiene practices among employees to mitigate human risk effectively.
Organisations need to focus on the human aspect of cyber security and create a culture that prioritises security. This blog post will explore the concept of cyber security hygiene and provide actionable practices to reduce human risk.
Understanding Cyber Security Hygiene
Cyber security hygiene refers to the routine practices and procedures that individuals and organisations follow to maintain a secure digital environment. By embedding these practices into daily routines, organisations can significantly reduce the likelihood of human errors leading to security incidents.
The Importance of Cyber Security Hygiene
Human errors, such as clicking on phishing links or neglecting software updates, can have catastrophic consequences for an organisation. A study by IBM in 2024 revealed that phishing was the most common attack vector, involved in 27% of breaches. Despite the cost of a data breach decreasing in 2023, there has been a 5% increase in 2024, with the average cost reaching £6.05 million within the financial services industries, followed by Professional Services at £5.51 million and the Technology sector at £5.4 million. Implementing good cyber security hygiene practices can mitigate these risks by promoting awareness and encouraging proactive behaviour among employees.
Key Practices for Reducing Human Risk
Regular Security Awareness Training
Security Awareness Training is the cornerstone of effective cyber security hygiene. Employers need to educate employees about the latest threats, safe online behaviours, and the importance of reporting suspicious activities.
It’s important to customise Security Awareness Training content for each user. This customisation should be based on their level, role, and responsibilities to make the training more effective.
The MetaCompliance platform adapts to an organisation’s cyber security landscape and user preferences to create an enhanced learning experience for employees. Our flexible training solution provides valuable insights about the workforce to allow for continuous improvement and identify areas which may require further support.
Phishing Simulations
Phishing attacks are among the most prevalent and damaging cyber threats. Conducting regular phishing simulations helps employees identify and avoid phishing attempts. Research from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in 2022 highlighted that organisations conducting frequent phishing simulations saw a significant reduction in susceptibility to phishing attacks within a year. MetaCompliance’s phishing simulation software enables the execution of realistic phishing templates, providing valuable insights into employees’ preparedness and areas needing improvement.
Importance of Policies
Implementing strong security policies is crucial to set clear expectations for employee behaviour and establish accountability. Comprehensive policies serve multiple functions such as providing a framework for consistent behaviour, helping to mitigate risks, and ensuring regulatory compliance.
Many industries are subject to regulations that require specific security measures. Therefore, the implementation of strong security policies helps ensure that the organisation meets those regulatory requirements, avoiding potential fines and legal issues.
Additionally, security policies should be regularly reviewed and updated to address emerging threats and vulnerabilities. This proactive approach helps maintain a robust security posture and adapts to the evolving cybersecurity landscape.
Regular Software Updates
Keeping software up-to-date is critical in preventing exploitation of known vulnerabilities. Ensure that all systems, applications, and devices are regularly updated with the latest security patches. Automated update mechanisms can help maintain this practice without relying solely on user intervention.
Secure Use of Cloud Services
As organisations increasingly rely on cloud services, securing these environments is paramount. Ensure that cloud services are configured correctly, and employees are aware of best practices for using cloud applications securely. Regular audits and assessments of cloud configurations can help identify and rectify potential security gaps.
Policy Management and Compliance
Clear and enforceable security policies are essential for maintaining cyber security hygiene. MetaCompliance’s platform offers automated policy management, ensuring that policies are consistently communicated, acknowledged, and adhered to by all employees. This automation saves time and creates a comprehensive audit trail for regulatory compliance.
Incident Reporting and Management
Prompt incident reporting and effective incident management are crucial for minimising the impact of security breaches. Employees should be encouraged to report any suspicious activities or potential security incidents immediately. Despite this, as reported by GOV.UK, 50% of high-income charities, 55% of medium-sized and 73% of large businesses actually have an incident response plan in place.
Furthermore, external reporting of breaches remains uncommon, with 34% of businesses reporting their most disruptive breach outside of their organisation. MetaCompliance provides automated incident management reporting, enabling real-time monitoring and response to threats, ensuring that organisations remain compliant and protected.
Vendor Risk Management
With many organisations relying on third-party vendors, managing vendor risk is critical. Ensure that vendors comply with your organisation’s security standards and conduct regular assessments of their security practices.
Secure Mobile Device Usage
With the rise of remote work, mobile devices have become essential tools for employees. However, they also pose significant security risks. Encourage employees to use secure Wi-Fi connections, enable device encryption, and use VPNs when accessing company resources remotely. Regularly updating mobile device software and applications is also crucial to protect against vulnerabilities.
Building a Security-Conscious Culture
Creating a security-conscious culture is an ongoing process that requires commitment from all levels of the organisation. Leadership must prioritise cyber security and model good practices. Regular communication about the importance of cyber security and recognition of employees’ efforts can reinforce positive behaviours.
Conclusion
Human risk is a pervasive challenge in cyber security, but with the right strategies and practices, it can be effectively managed. By promoting robust cyber security hygiene and leveraging tools like MetaCompliance’s comprehensive platform, organisations can significantly reduce the likelihood of human errors leading to security breaches.
To further enhance your organisation’s cyber security hygiene, download our: 10 Ways to Improve Staff Cyber Security Awareness.
