How to avoid making these most common human errors
and keep your organization protected

The Most Common Human Error Exploits

Misconfiguration, misdelivery, publishing errors, and neglecting cybersecurity principles are the most common forms of human error in cybersecurity [view source]. In particular, 58% of workers claim to have accidentally emailed the wrong person at work [view source]. This is a serious human error that can result in data loss and theft.

The World Economic Forum estimates that 95% of cybersecurity incidents are caused by human mistake [view source]. This underscores the need for firms to provide their staff with cybersecurity training and instruction in order to reduce the likelihood of human error in this area.

Security in the digital realm functions much like a superhero, warding off threats to your computer and private data. But, even superheroes, and especially those working in cybersecurity, are not immune to making mistakes. Human error exploits occur when someone working in cybersecurity makes a mistake or forgets to execute a necessary step.

Preventing Common Human Errors

Many cybersecurity vulnerabilities are the result of human error, but we can improve our defenses by studying past failures and using the lessons we’ve learned. Here are some recommendations for avoiding cybersecurity vulnerabilities caused by human error:

Be careful with emails. Keep in mind that emails can easily be intercepted. Don’t open attachments or click on links in unknown emails, even if they appear to be from someone you know. Make sure it’s actually them by verifying their identity with them first.

Update your software regularly. Be sure to update your computer’s operating system and anti-virus software whenever they become available. This can make it harder for malicious actors to uncover exploitable flaws.

Use strong passwords. Passwords like “password” or “123456” are too simple and will be cracked easily. Instead, make sure your password is at least 12 characters long and has a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters.

Keep an eye out. Be wary of anything that looks odd or suspicious. Please notify a cybersecurity professional immediately if you discover anything suspicious.

Protect Your Business Against Human Error Exploits

With these safeguards in place, businesses can better protect themselves from cyber attacks that exploit human error.

Training and Awareness: Employees can learn the value of cybersecurity and how to recognize and avoid vulnerabilities that rely on human mistake if they are provided with regular cybersecurity training and awareness initiatives. << SEE TRAINING SERVICES >>

Strict Access Control: The danger of human error exploits can be mitigated by enforcing stringent access control measures, such as the use of strong passwords, multi-factor authentication, and restricting access to sensitive data to only those who have a legitimate need for it.

Regular Updates and Patches: Maintaining up-to-date software and security systems is an important step toward reducing the likelihood that security flaws may be exploited by malicious actors.

Monitoring and Logging: Having a system in place for monitoring and tracking makes it easier to spot suspicious behavior and react swiftly to potential risks.

Backup and Recovery: Having a backup and recovery mechanism in place can help firms bounce back from cyberattacks and human error.

Implementing Automated Systems: Using automated systems can lessen the likelihood of vulnerabilities caused by human error by eliminating the room for human error in otherwise normal processes like updates, patches, backups, and monitoring.

The risk of cyberattacks caused by human mistake is greatly reduced, and sensitive information is better safeguarded, if firms adopt these practices.

The Most Common Exploits Cyber Criminals Use

Cybercriminals rely on a wide range of vulnerabilities caused by human error to launch attacks. Phishing, spear phishing, and pretexting are three of the most typical.

- Phishing: By impersonating a reputable institution, such a bank or a well-known firm, an attacker can fool a victim into divulging personal information or visiting a malicious website through a phishing attack.
- Spear-phishing: Spear-phishing is a more sophisticated form of phishing in which the sender targets a specific person or group of people by using information acquired from their social media accounts, websites they frequent, or other publicly available data.
- Pretexting: A sort of social engineering known as “pretexting” involves the attacker fabricating a scenario in which the victim would act in a way that would benefit the attacker. A hacker may pretend to be from tech support in order to trick a user into disclosing sensitive information or downloading malware.

Successful cyber attacks can be attributed to a wide range of human faults. There are two main types of mistakes that can be made: those that are the result of a lack of expertise and those that are the result of poor judgment.

Skill-based errors occur when workers make mistakes because they lack the information, experience, or instruction to complete a given activity successfully. Inappropriate handling of sensitive information can occur if, for instance, a worker is unaware of the proper protocols for dealing with crucial data and passwords.

Employees that have the required information, abilities, and training yet make poor decisions owing to reasons like stress, weariness, or complacency are making decision-based errors. An example of such a risky action would be a worker who, while being aware of the consequences, continues to use a simple password or stores it in an insecure way.

Human error can take many forms, and it’s crucial that businesses understand the risks connected with each so they can prepare accordingly. Implementing explicit security standards, offering ongoing training for staff, and deploying monitoring software can all help to keep sensitive information safe.

Classic examples of human mistake vulnerabilities include using passwords that are easy to guess or that are repeated, neglecting to apply software updates and upgrades, and inadvertent data leaks caused by the misuse of sensitive information. Companies can protect themselves from these assaults by implementing multi-factor authentication and encryption, giving their employees with security awareness training, and publishing transparent policies and procedures for the protection of vital data.

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Aumakua Technical Solutions, LLC. (ATS) is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned (SDVOSB), Minority-Owned, and Native Hawai’ian Owned Small Business based in Maryland.

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