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In a time where data is as valuable as gold, the frequency of data breaches has become a concerning reality. While advanced hacking methods get more media attention, organizations are ramping up their cybersecurity measures. These measures often include evaluating system vulnerabilities, fortifying firewalls, scrutinizing email security, and optimizing identity and access management. However, one crucial component of the attack surface is frequently neglected: the human element. This oversight has led to a surge in threat actors exploiting human vulnerabilities, making it a top method for initial access into systems.
Let’s talk numbers.
Data breaches are more than just statistics; they represent a tangible threat to both organizations and individuals. The 2023 Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report reveals that 74% of data breaches involve human factors, such as errors, misuse of privileges, stolen credentials, or social engineering tactics. When focusing solely on social engineering, the report indicates that it played a role in 17%of breaches and 10% of incidents in 2022. Phishing, a specific form of social engineering, accounted for 6% of cases.
These figures underline a growing trend where threat actors specifically target users as a means to gain unauthorized access and initiate cyberattacks. Contrary to some opinions, humans are not the weakest link in the security chain. Much like firewalls or Managed Detection and Response (MDR) solutions, well-informed users can serve as a robust line of defense and an integral component of a comprehensive security ecosystem.
Mistakes are Hume but Might Lead to Data Breaches
Weak Passwords: Your pets name plus “1234”.The use of easily guessable or default passwords plays a great factor, making it easy for attackers using brute-force methods to crack weak passwords within a few minutes.
Phishing Scams: “Your package is held in customs. ”Most of us have seen mail like this before. We can be duped into clicking malicious links or downloading harmful attachments, often disguised as legitimate communications from known and trusted sources.
Misconfigured Security Settings: Even the most robust security systems can be rendered useless if not configured correctly. Simple errors like leaving ports open can provide an entry point for attackers.
Unauthorized Access: Not every employee needs access to all company servers and files. Employees accessing data without proper authorization can lead to internal breaches. This is often due to a lack of role-based access controls.
Inadequate Training and Awareness: If your team does not know the cybersecurity basics, they are a ticking time bomb. Simple mistakes like sharing passwords or using unsecured networks can lead to significant breaches.
Social Engineering: How Manipulation Grants Access to Your Data
One of the most infamous forms of human error comes from falling victim to social engineering tactics. Social engineering is the psychological manipulation of individuals to divulge confidential information or perform actions that compromise security. Unlike brute-force attacks that target system vulnerabilities, social engineering attacks target human vulnerabilities. A common scenario involves an unsuspecting user receiving an email that appears to be from their IT department, requesting access to specific assets or login information. Acting without due caution, the user clicks the link provided, thereby triggering a cybersecurity incident through a successful phishing attack. It is often used to steal login credentials, gain unauthorized access to applications, and serves as a component in various stages of a cyberattack.
Phishing messages often contain urgent calls to action, like verifying account information or updating passwords, and include links to fraudulent websites designed to capture sensitive data. The sense of urgency and familiarity with the supposed sender can cause employees to let their guard down, leading them to willingly provide information and not question the sudden request. Phishing is the most common cyberattack because it’s easy to perform and it works. Statistics show that in 2022, there were 300,497 phishing victims with a total loss of$52,089,159 in the U.S. alone.
Beyond the Digital Realm
But social engineering is not confined to the digital world and attacks go beyond phishing; it can also be done in a physical setting including shoulder surfing, tailgating or impersonation. Pretexting involves creating a fabricated scenario or identity to obtain information or access. Employees need to know why it’s considered bad security to be polite and hold the door open for someone they don’t know. For example, an attacker might pose as a maintenance worker to gain entry to a secure building. Tailgating is a tactic where the attacker simply follows an authorized person into a secure area. In both cases, the attacker exploits people's natural inclination to trust others or avoid confrontation, thereby gaining access to restricted areas where they can steal data or plant malware.
Whether it is via their inbox or offline users aren’t the weakest link, and they aren’t doomed to be an unmanageable part of the attack surface. All it takes is proper training to become part of the security environment and ultimately help reduce risk.
The Role of Technology
While technology can offer great solutions like multi-factor authentication (MFA), encryption, and automated monitoring, it can also become overwhelming for employees. For instance, overly complex security protocols can confuse your team, leading to mistakes that could compromise security. Some of the overwhelming complexity is shown in the statistics. According to the DCMS Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2022, only 37% of businesses have any requirement for two-factor authentication on user accounts.
Preventative Measures
Employee Training: If employees know how to identify and respond to a phishing email or other attack, the probability that an organization will fall victim to a damaging and expensive attack will be reduced. Cybersecurity awareness training offers organizations a valuable metric for assessing their vulnerability to cyberthreats, based on employee responses to the training. This insight into risk levels can guide both strategic planning and decisions on security investments.
Regular Audits: Companies are subject to a growing number of regulations, and security awareness training is a common requirement. Implementing a cybersecurity awareness training program may be essential to achieve the required compliance level.
Incident Response Plans: A well-defined and regularly updated incident response plan can guide the organization in the crucial moments following a breach.
Technological Safeguards: Employing advanced security solutions like firewalls, antivirus software, and data encryption can serve as additional layers of protection.
Summary
The numbers could be clearer, the human element is often the weakest link in an organization's security chain, but it doesn’t have to stay that way. While technological solutions such as MFA are essential, they are only part of the solution. An increased awareness and holistic approach that combines technology with human-centric strategies like training is the way forward to significantly reduce the risk of data breaches.
