Human threats are one of the biggest risks to cyber security. While organisations invest heavily in secure systems, people can unintentionally or deliberately create vulnerabilities. These threats fall into four key categories: human error, malicious employees, disguised criminals, and poor cyber hygiene.
Human Error (Unintentional Threats)
Human error is one of the most common causes of security breaches. Even when systems are secure, simple mistakes made by users can expose sensitive data or disrupt operations.
One key risk involves file properties, also known as metadata. Files can contain hidden information such as the author’s name, location, or revision history. If this information is not checked before sharing, sensitive or internal details may be accidentally exposed. Another risk comes from confirmation boxes. These prompts are designed to prevent mistakes, but if users click through them without reading, they may delete important data or send information to the wrong recipient. A lack of staff training also increases risk, as employees may not recognise phishing attempts, may misuse systems, or may fail to follow security procedures correctly.
To reduce these risks, organisations should ensure that users check file properties before sharing documents and take time to read confirmation prompts carefully. Regular cyber security training is essential to help staff recognise threats and use systems correctly. Promoting a culture of careful and thoughtful system use can significantly reduce the likelihood of human error leading to a security incident.
Malicious Employees (Insider Threats)
Malicious employees, also known as insider threats, are individuals within an organisation who intentionally cause harm. Because they already have authorised access to systems, they can pose a significant risk if they choose to misuse that access.
These individuals may steal sensitive data such as customer information, delete or corrupt important files, or exploit their access rights to carry out unauthorised actions. The damage caused can be severe, as insiders often understand how systems work and where valuable data is stored.
To reduce this risk, organisations must act quickly if suspicious behaviour is identified. Suspected individuals should be removed from the premises immediately, and their user accounts should be suspended to prevent further access to systems. Applying the principle of least privilege is also important, ensuring that employees only have access to the data and systems they need for their role. Monitoring user activity can help detect unusual behaviour early, allowing organisations to respond before serious damage occurs.
Disguised Criminals (Social Engineering)
Disguised criminals are individuals who attempt to gain access to an organisation by pretending to be legitimate visitors, such as contractors, delivery drivers, or IT staff. This type of threat is a form of social engineering, as it relies on manipulating people rather than exploiting technical weaknesses.
If successful, these attackers may gain access to secure areas, allowing them to steal devices or sensitive documents. They may also install malware on systems, creating further security risks that are harder to detect later.
To prevent this, organisations must enforce strict visitor control procedures. All visitors should be accompanied at all times to ensure they cannot access restricted areas unsupervised. Staff should also check and verify identification before allowing entry. The use of visitor badges and sign-in logs helps track who is on-site and provides accountability, reducing the risk of unauthorised access.
Poor Cyber Hygiene (Everyday Behaviour)
Poor cyber hygiene refers to weak day-to-day security habits that increase an organisation’s vulnerability to attacks. Even small oversights in how systems are used can create opportunities for unauthorised access, data breaches, or the spread of malware.
Common issues include failing to lock computers when they are left unattended, which allows others to access systems without permission. Writing down passwords is another risk, as they can be easily found and misused. Reusing weak passwords across multiple accounts makes it much easier for attackers to gain access if one account is compromised.
To reduce these risks, users should always lock their devices when not in use and avoid sharing or writing down passwords. Strong, unique passwords should be used for every account to limit the impact of a potential breach. Password managers can help store and generate secure passwords, making them easier to manage. Enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of security, ensuring that even if a password is compromised, unauthorised access is still prevented.