If you want to counter this, then correcting technical deficiencies or misconfigurations of the PC and the network environment is a relatively simple measure.
Most company computers today have a firewall activated, the latest updates are installed and backups are made. At least the basis for secure work is laid.
Are misconfigurations then of any importance at all? Of course, something like this can be exploited by cybercriminals if they were to gain access to the company network.
Weak IT security skills among employees are another reason why they get hacked. The demands on employees’ security know-how have increased considerably in recent years, as today an employee must have knowledge in around 20 IT security domains.
This starts with anti phishing best practices, such as recognizing phishing emails, using secure passwords, being able to correctly interpret Internet addresses, and knowing what business or even private consequences a successful cyber attack can have.
For example, if the employee activates a malicious Excel macro in a downloaded spreadsheet, they need to understand the potential security implications that they are introducing into the system.Â
Yes, the challenge of training the entire workforce in IT security has become significant!
And then we come to the most dangerous reason why employees are hacked:Â Human behavior patterns.
From the perspective of cybercrime prevention, personal behaviors such as gullibility, ignorance, unreflective sense of duty, overconfidence, carelessness, and so on are the greatest risks that can lead to a successful cyber attack.
It is not without reason that 91% of successful hacks start with a careless colleague.
Companies and the management are struggling with technical weaknesses, a lack of IT security knowledge and, above all, with outdated behavior patterns among employees.
In view of this, it is clear what is being done about it: You train and increase the awareness of your staff. And this is best done with a so-called cybersecurity awareness program, time, and with the help of an appropriate solution.
It makes sense: Over 87% (Source: Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2022) of IT security specialists state that without sensitized employees, a decent level of security cannot be maintained in the company.
