Cyber ​​risk in focus: How careless employees endanger companies

Cyber ​​risk in focus: How careless employees endanger companies

Deutschland - How many times have you thought that cyber security is only one topic for the IT department? Many employees in companies have inadequate knowledge of network security, which is alarming in times of increasing cyber threats. These thoughts can have serious consequences, because an incorrectly set click can be enough to bring an entire company into an imbalance. According to Süddeutsche warn IT security companies and authorities for years in the cyber area, but many employees are still to leave the security of the IT department. A fatal mistake!

The Federal Office of Information Technology (BSI) notes that the security awareness of the employees even seems to be relieved. The human factor thus becomes one of the greatest challenges in cybersecurity. Technical security solutions are just as good as the people they serve. This means that carelessness and lack of risk awareness can lead to IT security breakdown. An example of this is the popular attack by *social engineering *. This method uses psychological tricks to get confidential information, with Phishinging the most widespread technology.

take the factor human seriously

What can companies do to better prepare their employees for the dangers? A elementary security measure is awareness that is supposed to create a problem awareness of cyber security. The goal is to bring about a change in behavior in dealing with IT systems. According to BSI , awareness programs should be developed at eye level and practice. Man is viewed as a "security factor" and not as a security gap-it is part of the solution, not the problem.

Effective awareness training enables employees to ensure more cyber security and opens up the opportunity to proactively prevent security incidents. This also includes the design of a better interface between man and machine. Schools are required here by providing helpful tips and information to employees. This includes thematic materials such as "safe handling of photos at work" to support the everyday life of employees.

strategies against cyberfahrren

In the course of these efforts, it turns out that awareness training and an increased security awareness can significantly minimize cyber attacks. The Zero-Trust model in particular is becoming more important. It requires authentication for every access to company equipment or services. Employees have only access to files for which they are also entitled, which offers effective protection for company data and at the same time reduces ransomware damage.

Other important points for safe digital everyday life are:

• Password security: Use of strong passwords and avoiding reuse.
• E-mail security: Sender, Subject and Annex Before Opening.
• Inadequately secured online accounts are frequent entry points for cybercriminals.

The private use of IT systems also requires personal responsibility. Regular automatic updates and antivirus programs should not be neglected. A careless handling of phishing emails remains a main focus for cyber attacks-here it is important to be proactive and vigilant in order not to become the victim of these creeping attacks.

Overall, strengthening security culture in companies is an important task, if not a necessity. We are all asked to actively work for a safe digital future. Let us take the opportunity to change our behavior and to take cyber crime out of the sails. Because we are all part of the solution!