Are Your Employees an Unintentional Security Risk for Cyber Attacks?

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Tips For Reducing Security Risks Due to Human Error

It is estimated that more than half of security breaches are the result of human error.

In most cases, a hacker is allowed access to information by an employee via phishing attempts; manipulating them to provide confidential information; or to simply click on a link to update software or virus protection that appears to be legitimate. In the past year, some hackers have created fake but convincing emails that appear to be from Microsoft, but are in fact loaded with malicious software intended to get you to provide information that will allow access to your email.

How secure are we from internet predators? If businesses are not educating employees on how to recognize and avoid potential attacks, endpoint security may not be enough.

A few ways to reduce the impact of human error are:

• Strong password requirements and a required periodic change of passwords;
• Consider two step verification;
• Teaching employees to constantly look out for suspicious emails or verification requests;
• Be wary of public wi-fi networks and social media;
• Always remember to log out rather than simply closing the browser; and
• Monitor user activity.

It is also essential to have a process in place when employees leave. Email and administrative access passwords should be changed.