The Human Risk Factor: Are Employees Compromising Your Cybersecurity Efforts?

While the threats businesses faced were purely physical not so long ago, things have changed a great deal since then. Nowadays, CCTV isn’t enough to keep any company safe, because business computers alone allow hackers, phishers, and viruses to enter systems regardless. 

In fact, we’re living in an age where computer breaches stand to cost anywhere from $1.25 million to $8.19 million. It’s hardly surprising, then, that seeking top-notch, 24/7 cybersecurity from companies like www.koshsolutions.com is now a pressing priority. This is, by far, the best way to achieve the peace of mind you need to provide secure services to your customers. 

But, is a reliable cybersecurity focus in itself enough? While there’s no denying the value of such services, countless businesses still fall foul to hackers. Why? Because their biggest risk factor is in-house, and it comes in the form of their employees. 

Employee mistakes are responsible for the vast majority of data breaches. This is why employers tend to put stringent personal-usage restrictions on business desktops. But, even that might not be enough to protect you if your team is also making the following rookie mistakes. 

One password to unlock them all

Using one password for every business application is, undoubtedly, easy. Sadly, it also makes things easier for hackers. Hence why different passwords for all applications are so important, as is discussed further on www.farmprogress.com. The trouble here is that you won’t typically know employee passwords to realize this is happening. Hence why your workplace guidebook should also highlight the need for a different password for every single application. 

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The lure of insecure networks

If your employees often work during their commutes or while they’re out on a coffee break, there’s also a significant risk that they’re signing into insecure networks. In this instance, your cybersecurity efforts will be null and void. Worse, these tend to be public connections that anyone can get online with, including hackers. Again, writing a ban on public wifi networks into your workplace policy can help. Then, you might want to think about VPNs, which allow your team to stay connected to your safe in-house network, no matter where they are. 

Failure to update

A failure to update computer programs can also pose a security risk within your business. This is because the latest version of any program is made with recent and upcoming security risks in mind. By comparison, older programs are often vulnerable in certain areas, meaning hackers might be able to gain access despite in-house security measures. Sadly, with an ongoing workload, this is a mistake that many employees make. Hence why you should either take care of updates for them or ask them to do so at the end of the working day.

Cybersecurity is a matter with many facets, and it can sometimes feel overwhelming to keep an entire workplace safe. But, with the help of a reliable security service behind, it is possible, especially after you take the time to deal with internal issues like these.