Insights: Addressing the human factor in cybersecurity

Human error is no longer just a minor vulnerability, it’s increasingly recognised as one of the leading causes of cyberattacks.

A recent CISO report revealed that chief information security officers (CISOs) in the UAE are particularly concerned, identifying human risk as their primary cybersecurity challenge for at least the next two years.

Cutting-edge cybersecurity technology is essential, but it’s not a silver bullet. A single lapse in judgment, a misplaced click, or an easily guessed password can render even the most sophisticated defences useless, exposing an organisation to the ever-present danger of cyberthreats.

This highlights the urgent need for organisations to prioritise security awareness training and implement robust security protocols to mitigate risks.

Imagine your home, equipped with the latest smart security system, from motion detectors to cameras, fingerprint locks, and more.

A mobile application that allows you to monitor everything. You settle into a sense of impenetrable security. No one, you think, could breach this fortress.

But then, one morning, a simple mistake changes everything. You’re in a rush, and in a moment of human fallibility, you leave the front door slightly ajar. That tiny oversight is all it takes. Someone’s in, slipping past advanced defences as if they weren’t there to begin with. Once inside, the intruder has free rein over the house, despite all the security systems in place. They are rendered useless because of a single flaw — a small, human mistake.

This simple example demonstrates a harsh truth – even the best cybersecurity infrastructure can be crippled by a single lapse in human vigilance.

We need to keep in mind that cybersecurity, as a chain, is strong as the weakest link. Routine errors such as weak passwords, or those stored incorrectly, using outdated software, careless handling of data, and allowing unauthorised individuals access to company devices can easily unravel even the most sophisticated defences.

What a cybersecurity framework depends on

A truly resilient cybersecurity framework transcends reliance on cutting-edge tools alone. It hinges on a workforce empowered with knowledge and vigilance, making cybersecurity awareness and training not just important, but essential for several key reasons.

The first is the undeniable impact of comprehensive training. It significantly mitigates the risk of data breaches and phishing attacks. While quantifying the precise number of breaches prevented by training is challenging, the potential cost savings are undeniable.

Data breaches can cost organisations millions, making universal cybersecurity training a prudent and cost-effective investment. A robust training programme, coupled with meticulous tracking of cybersecurity incidents, provides a clear picture of its effectiveness and underscores its critical role in safeguarding organisational assets.

The second is how knowledge and training go beyond preventing immediate threats, they cultivate a powerful cultural shift within organisations: the embrace of people-centric security. This approach transcends the blame game often associated with human error and instead empowers employees as the first line of defence.

By equipping them with the knowledge, tools, and vigilance to identify and avoid risks, organisations foster a collective sense of responsibility, transforming potential vulnerabilities into a formidable human firewall.

Traditionally, employees were and are seen as the weakest link, prone to phishing, scams, and other cyber threats, casting them as liabilities.

However, people-centric security challenges this view. Instead of blaming employees when they fall victim to a phishing attack, this approach emphasises the need for education, teaching them to recognise suspicious emails, designing systems that are more user-friendly, and providing regular, practical training.

It also involves considering the concerns and feedback of the employees to make security protocols more intuitive. Allowing them to become proactive agents of cybersecurity, rather than remaining reactive targets.

Thirdly, cybersecurity training ensures regulatory compliance and builds trust many industries, especially in the Middle East, including in the UAE, are subject to strict cybersecurity regulations that require organisations to implement proper security measures and training.

Non-compliance can lead to hefty fines, legal consequences, and loss of business. By maintaining a strong cybersecurity training programme, organisations can ensure they meet these regulatory standards.

Moreover, customers and partners are more likely to trust businesses that prioritise security training, confident in the knowledge that their data is in safe hands. This fosters stronger business relationships and enhances an organisation’s reputation in a competitive market

Why training is key

Finally, cyber training helps reduce response times and improves recovery efforts. In the unfortunate event that a cyber-attack occurs, trained employees are more likely to recognize the breach early and take prompt action, limiting damage. A well-informed team can follow established incident response protocols, minimise downtime, and ensure faster recovery.

This approach also mitigates the long-term impact on an organisation’s reputation. When employees know exactly what to do in case of a cyber incident, the organisation is better prepared to handle the aftermath and resume normal operations.

Leading technology companies are stepping up as crucial allies in the fight against cybercrime, recognising that robust cybersecurity requires collective effort They are taking a proactive approach by offering comprehensive and recurrent training initiatives designed to empower organisations and individuals alike. These programmes must include the gamut — from foundational awareness sessions to highly specialised technical and incident response training, equipping participants with the knowledge and skills needed to combat the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats.

A notable example is the CyberNode initiative, launched in partnership with the Dubai Electronic Security Center (DESC), which focuses on developing a specialised cyber workforce. This initiative not only enhances cyber readiness but also supports Dubai’s broader vision of digital transformation and economic growth.

Through projects such as the Cyber Innovation Park, these efforts are fostering innovation and ensuring that the city’s critical infrastructure remains protected from the fast-evolving landscape of cyber risks – by building a cybersmart society.

Cybersecurity’s true power lies not just within firewalls and algorithms, but in a workforce empowered to be its human shield. Investing in their knowledge and vigilance is the ultimate weapon against cybercrime.

The writer is the managing director of Cyber Solutions, Thales in the Middle East.

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