CytekOne's Guide to Human Risk Management

Introduction

Everyday, organisations face various risks that can impact their operations and bottom line. While many risks are caused by and can be addressed through robust systems and technology, a crucial aspect often overlooked in cybersecurity strategies is human behaviour. Human actions and choices can significantly impact an organisation's security posture. Using this blog post as a guide, we will explore the importance of human risk management and provide practical tips to mitigate human-related cybersecurity risks.

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It's Human Nature

Human risk refers to the potential vulnerabilities and threats that arise from human actions (or lack thereof) within an organisation. It encompasses a wide range of behaviours, including accidents and mistakes, lack of awareness, and even malicious intent. Human error remains one of the leading causes of security breaches, as even know, phishing and social engineering attacks against individuals remain one of the most effective means of cyberattacks against an organisation. This makes it imperative to incorporate effective human risk management into cybersecurity frameworks.

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Education: The Best Weapon Against Threats

Education and awareness are crucial components of human risk management. Ensuring that individuals within an organisation understand the significance of cybersecurity and the potential consequences of their actions is of the utmost importance. Regular training programs and awareness campaigns should be implemented to promote best practices, such as creating strong passwords, recognising phishing attempts, and exercising caution when sharing sensitive information. It should be taken care that because the subject matter is so important, it is imperative that the content is absorbed and applied. To that end, ensure that staff engage with the content in a way that is interactive and digestible, such as drills or scenario-based questions. Many will attest from personal experience that if what they're being taught is considered boring or disinteresting, they will not engage with it meaningly or retain the information.

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Lay Down the Law

It can be that the best way to prevent human-error is to create an environment where there is no room for human-error to afflict the organisation. Well-defined policies and procedures provide clear guidelines for employees to follow, minimising the chances of risky behaviour. For example, a strong password should both be complex enough to not be guessed but not so complex that it cannot be remembered. This ambivalence can seem more trouble than it's worth to the average staff member so they tend to disregard it, that decision allowing weakening the organisation security standing as a whole. By setting robust policies in relation to password management, it creates a mandate that employees must follow, taken typical human factors our of the equation. Other policies and procedures should include guidelines for internet usage, acceptable use, device security, and data handling. It is essential to regularly review and update these policies to keep pace with evolving threats and technology advancements.

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Limit Data Access: Not Everything is for Everyone

Limiting access to sensitive data and systems based on job roles and responsibilities is crucial in reducing human-related risks. Employing the principle of least privilege ensures that employees have only the necessary access required to perform their duties. This reduces the potential damage caused by insider threats and accidental data exposure.

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Technology Will Pick Up the Slack

While humans are a critical aspect of human risk management, every now and then, something may slip through the cracks. This is where technology can play a vital supporting role. Implementing advanced security technologies, such as intrusion detection systems, firewalls, antivirus software, and data loss prevention solutions, strengthens an organisation's overall cybersecurity posture. Automated threat intelligence systems can provide real-time alerts and insights, enhancing incident response capabilities. CytekOne's suite of managed services provide the zenith of technological capabilities, so that you know that even when human-error occurs, your business is in the right hands.

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Conclusion

In the cultivation of human risk management, it is also important to incite a sense of community amongst staff members. One person's actions can affect the many, so extra care should be taken when interaction with organisational technology. Make sure staff can recognise the signs of a cyberattack, and will promptly elevate any suspicious to a higher-up or the IT Team.

By acknowledging the significance of human behaviour and integrating human risk management into cybersecurity strategies, organisations can significantly reduce their exposure to vulnerabilities. Education, awareness, policies, access controls, and a culture of security all contribute to creating a resilient defence against cyber threats. With continuous monitoring, incident response plans, and the right technological solutions, organisations can proactively protect their valuable assets and maintain a strong cybersecurity standing in the digital age.