Let’s start with a simple question: Do you lock your front door when you leave the house?
Of course you do.
But what if you came home and discovered someone had left a window open? You might as well have left the front door unlocked, right?
Now, think about your business.
You’ve likely invested in strong cyber security – secure passwords, firewalls, multi-factor authentication, and regular software updates. But if your employees are unknowingly leaving security gaps open, all those protections could be for nothing.
And the truth is, most businesses don’t realise that their biggest cyber security risk isn’t hackers – it’s their own employees.
The Hidden Risks: How Employees Accidentally Create Security Gaps
With the rise of remote and hybrid work, employees are using personal devices more than ever for work-related tasks. Research shows that four out of five employees use their own phones, tablets, or laptops for business purposes. While it’s convenient, it also introduces security risks.
Unlike company-issued devices, employees’ personal devices often:
- Have weak passwords that are easy to guess.
- Run outdated software that lacks security patches.
- Connect to unsecured public Wi-Fi networks (like coffee shops and airports).
This is a dream scenario for cyber criminals looking for an easy way into your business.
And it gets worse…
Shocking Cyber Security Stats That Should Concern You
- 40% of employees admit to downloading customer data onto personal devices, putting sensitive business information at risk.
- More than 65% of employees say they only follow cyber security rules “sometimes” or “never.”
- Nearly half of employees reuse passwords across multiple work accounts, and over one-third use the same passwords for both work and personal accounts.
Now imagine this: A hacker gains access to an employee’s personal email or social media account. If they’re using the same password for their work accounts, your entire business could be exposed in minutes.
This isn’t just an IT issue – it’s a serious business risk.
How to Turn Your Employees Into Your Strongest Cyber Security Defence
The good news? Your employees don’t have to be your weakest link. With the right training and policies in place, they can become your first line of defence against cyber threats.
Here’s how to do it:
- Educate Your Employees on Cyber Security Risks – Most employees don’t intentionally break security rules – they just don’t understand the risks. Regular cyber security awareness training can help them recognise threats like phishing scams, weak passwords, and the dangers of using unapproved devices.
- Create Clear and Simple Security Policies – Complicated security policies get ignored. Instead, create simple, easy-to-follow guidelines that cover:
- Password hygiene – Use a password manager to generate strong, unique passwords for each work account.
- Device security – Only access work systems from secure, company-approved devices.
- Email security – Never forward work emails to personal accounts or download sensitive data onto personal devices.
- Implement Stronger Security Measures
- Enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA) – Require employees to verify their identity using a second method (such as an authentication app or text code) before accessing company systems.
- Use endpoint security solutions – These tools help protect personal and company devices from malware, data breaches, and unauthorised access.
- Restrict access to sensitive data – Limit access based on job roles so that employees can only view and edit the data they absolutely need.
- Reward Good Security Practices – Encourage a security-first mindset by celebrating employees who follow best practices. If someone reports a phishing email or takes proactive steps to protect company data, recognise their efforts. A culture of cyber security awareness helps keep everyone engaged and accountable.
Don’t Let Your Business Become a Target
Cyber security is not just the responsibility of IT teams – it’s everyone’s responsibility. By giving your employees the knowledge, tools, and training they need, you can transform them from a security risk into your strongest defence.
If you need expert guidance on training your team or improving your business’s cyber security strategy, get in touch with us today.
