If you had to guess, what would you say is your business’s top cybersecurity risk right now?
An outdated firewall, maybe?
Perhaps that server that’s been slowing down all month?
Well, research suggests it’s actually your staff.
According to IBM’s 2024 research, three in four (74%) chief information security officers now list human error as their top cybersecurity risk. And given that 68% of breaches in 2024 involved a non-malicious human element, that belief is well-founded.
Human error in cybersecurity continues to threaten the efforts organizations like yours are taking to stay secure. With new CMMC requirements taking effect and cyber threats targeting smaller organizations at record rates, addressing this is now mission-critical for business survival.
The Top Human Error Patterns Threatening Your Cybersecurity
Phishing and Social Engineering Vulnerabilities
Phishing remains the most successful attack vector because it exploits human psychology. Employees fall victim when attackers create convincing emails that appear to be from trusted sources. Modern phishing attacks also use AI to craft even more believable messages that create urgency before critical thinking kicks in.
Effective phishing prevention requires ongoing security awareness training that goes beyond basic “don’t click suspicious links” advice. Teach employees to recognize social engineering tactics, verify unusual requests through separate communication channels, and report suspected attacks immediately.
Password-Related Human Error
Weak password habits create easy entry points for cybercriminals. It’s all too common for employees to reuse passwords, choose guessable combinations, or write them in unsecure locations. The human tendency to prioritize convenience over security drives poor password behavior that ultimately ends up compromising organizational security.
Bar, constantly nagging employees to strengthen their passwords, how do you tackle this? Simple – take the responsibility out of their hands.
Implement appropriate password policies within user-friendly password management solutions. That way, staff never have to come up with, remember, or store a complex password themselves.
(Ask professional cybersecurity services in Fredericksburg to help you find a good password manager for your team.)
Poor Software Update and Patch Management
Software update notifications are super easy to dismiss, especially when you don’t know how important they are for cybersecurity. Employees tend to postpone updates due to inconvenience, forgetfulness, or the belief that updates are only ever cosmetic. The result? Key business systems are left vulnerable to known exploits.
Between 2023 and 2024, the rate of cybercriminals exploiting this kind of vulnerability almost tripled. We wouldn’t be surprised if it increased further between 2024 and 2025. While it takes organizations an average of 55 days to remediate 50% of critical vulnerabilities, attackers exploit them within days.
So, next time you see a pop-up prompting you to update your software, don’t ignore it. Click ‘update now’ if it’s convenient, and if not, schedule the update for a time you won’t be disturbed.
How to Reduce Human Errors in Cybersecurity
1. Implement Automated Security Controls
Technology solutions prevent many errors from becoming security incidents.
- Multi-factor authentication blocks access even when employees fall for phishing
- Automated patch management ensures critical updates occur without individual action
- Email security filters catch phishing attempts before reaching inboxes
- Endpoint detection tools monitor suspicious activity and automatically isolate compromised systems
Together, these tools provide wide safety nets that protect your business from human error in cybersecurity.
2. User-Friendly Security Tools
Security tools that are difficult to use get disabled by frustrated employees. Choose solutions that integrate smoothly into workflows. As we mentioned, password managers are a good example. They auto-fill credentials, reducing friction while improving security.
Not sure which tools your team is avoiding? Ask them, and make it clear they’re not going to get in trouble for being honest here. Regular user feedback helps identify pain points that lead to unsafe workarounds.
3. Move Beyond Check-the-Box Training
Traditional annual training fails to create lasting behavioral change. That isn’t surprising – how much attention do you pay when you’re 90 minutes into a PowerPoint presentation on a topic that doesn’t interest you or seem to be relevant to your job at all?
Effective cyber training for employees requires practical skills, regular reinforcement, and real-world application through monthly micro-learning modules and simulated phishing exercises.
Don’t forget to customize security awareness training based on employee roles. Accounting staff need different training than your IT personnel. Tailored content further helps employees understand how cybersecurity applies to their specific job functions. Make it relevant, and people will remember it.
Building Resilient Security Through Human-Centered Approaches
Human error in cybersecurity will never be completely eliminated, but you can dramatically reduce its impact. Combine effective security awareness training with technology solutions that support good behaviors while limiting mistake consequences.
If you’d like to reduce risk by empowering your team, get in touch to arrange cybersecurity awareness training for your staff.
