The Role of Human Error in Cybersecurity Breaches

When it comes to cybersecurity, we often think of hackers, malware, and sophisticated cyber-attacks. However, one of the biggest vulnerabilities in many organisations lies within their own workforce. Human error in cyber security is responsible for the majority of data breaches, making it crucial for businesses to address this internal risk.

Cyber threats don’t always come from a faceless hacker or a complex malware attack; sometimes, the biggest risks lurk within the organisation itself. Imagine the security impact if even one employee accidentally clicked a malicious link or sent sensitive information to the wrong recipient. This everyday scenario is a real and present danger in today’s cybersecurity landscape, as human error in cyber security accounts for a staggering number of data breaches. In a world where every click counts, addressing these internal vulnerabilities has become just as crucial as defending against external attacks.

In this blog, we delve deeper into the ways human error in cyber security exposes organisations to risk, uncovering common pitfalls and strategies to turn this vulnerability into a powerful line of defence.

Are Your Employees the Biggest Threat to Your Organisation?

Research consistently shows that human error in cyber security plays a significant role in data breaches. According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report, human error contributes to 95% of all breaches. Errors can range from clicking on a phishing email, using weak passwords, or accidentally sharing sensitive data with the wrong person. These mistakes can compromise an organisation’s entire security framework.

Why are employees often the weakest link? It’s not simply due to a lack of awareness; human error in cyber security also stems from evolving tactics used by cybercriminals. Today’s phishing emails are more convincing than ever, while social engineering tactics exploit an employee’s trust, making it easier to gain access to systems.

Common Employee Cyber Security Errors

Falling for Phishing Scams

Despite numerous awareness campaigns, phishing remains a top threat due to how it exploits human trust and curiosity. According to the GOV UK Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2024, phishing is the biggest threat, affecting 84% of businesses. Even the most cautious employees can be tricked into clicking a malicious link or downloading an infected attachment.

Weak or Reused Passwords

Password security is one of the simplest, yet most overlooked, aspects of human error in cyber security. Employees often reuse passwords across multiple accounts or choose weak ones, creating easy access points for cybercriminals through credential stuffing attacks.

Poor Data Handling Practices

Mishandling sensitive information, such as saving files on personal devices or sending unencrypted data, exposes an organisation to breaches. Small errors in data handling can lead to significant data loss, demonstrating the role of human error in cyber security.

Lack of Awareness about Social Engineering

Social engineering relies on exploiting human trust. Attackers may impersonate colleagues or clients to manipulate employees into granting access or providing sensitive information. Without adequate training, employees may fall for these tactics, showing just how easily human error in cyber security can be triggered.

Reducing Human Error: Building a Security-Aware Culture

At Axians UK, we understand that mitigating human error in cyber security requires more than just technology. Building a security-aware culture across an organisation is essential. Here are some ways businesses can reduce these risks:

Regular and Engaging Cybersecurity Training

Employees need the knowledge and skills to identify and respond to threats. Beyond one-time training sessions, continuous education keeps staff updated on the latest tactics used by cybercriminals, significantly reducing human error in cyber security.

Phishing Simulations and Real-World Testing

Simulating phishing attacks helps to assess employee vulnerability and measure the effectiveness of training programs. Employees can learn from mistakes in a controlled environment, helping them recognize potential threats and avoid common human errors in cyber security.

Implementing Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Even if an employee’s credentials are compromised, MFA adds an extra layer of security, making it harder for attackers to access critical systems. From SMS-based codes to biometric verification, each MFA type can address vulnerabilities arising from human error in cyber security.

Clear Policies and Best Practices to Avoid Data Breaches

Having clear policies around data handling, password management, and remote work can reduce human error in cyber security incidents. Employees should understand expectations when managing sensitive information, ensuring a consistent approach to security.

Security Awareness  as a Defence Strategy

Viewing employees solely as the weakest link can be a mistake. With the right training, policies, and support, they can become one of the greatest assets in protecting against cyber threats. By prioritising human error in cyber security awareness and integrating it into your company’s culture, businesses can transform potential vulnerabilities into strengths.

The Bottom Line To Reduce Risk

A proactive approach that addresses human error in cyber security can make a meaningful difference. As businesses continue to face increasingly sophisticated threats, fostering a security-aware culture will help ensure that employees play a positive role in the organisation’s defence.

At the heart of reducing human error in cyber security is the need to cultivate a culture of cyber vigilance across the organisation. Axians works with businesses to embed cybersecurity into their daily routines, ensuring it becomes a fundamental part of the workplace culture. This means encouraging employees to actively engage with cybersecurity measures, recognise their role in the company’s protection, and understand that everyone—from executives to entry-level staff—shares responsibility for keeping systems secure. With a unified approach, organisations can transform their teams into a proactive line of defence against cyber threats.

How Can We Help?

Axians UK offers comprehensive cyber security services specifically designed to address the challenges of human error in cyber security. By focusing on building a security-aware culture within organisations. Our Managed Detection and Response (MDR) service provides 24/7 monitoring and swift incident response, empowering businesses to identify and neutralise threats before they escalate. With advanced threat detection, multi-factor authentication (MFA) setup, and secure data handling practices, Axians works as an extension of your team to mitigate vulnerabilities and strengthen your defences. This proactive approach helps organisations stay resilient, equipping employees with the knowledge and tools to safeguard against phishing, social engineering, and other forms of attack.

Here’s how we created a bespoke cyber security solution for Datanet