What role do people play in modern cybersecurity?
In a constantly changing threat landscape, human behavior also plays an important role - on the one hand positively as a reinforcement in defense, on the other hand negatively as a door opener for cyber criminals. A difficult balancing act, but one for which there are effective solutions.
Security technologies are constantly evolving - and with them the tactics of cybercriminals who exploit vulnerabilities in machines and people to gain unauthorized access to systems. In the first half of 2023, the Sophos Cybersecurity Report found that compromised credentials were the main cause of 50 percent of all attacks. For companies, this means going one step further in the direction of data security beyond the implementation of security solutions.
In addition to the usual measures such as the use of multi-factor authentication (MFA), regular monitoring of vulnerabilities and updates plus training, companies should also have the following areas on their radar: innovative solutions for identity management, monitoring of user behavior and data loss prevention (DLP). The integration of AI-supported behavioral analyses is just as important as modern encryption techniques, as they can be the decisive step ahead in the race against cyber criminals.
A thorough security strategy requires a collaborative approach where individuals, businesses and communities work together to ensure a resilient cybersecurity culture. While it is important to have the right tools for cybersecurity, it has never been more important to consider the human aspect of cyber risk. An emphasis on training, awareness and technological innovation is at the heart of the shield against cyber threats. By educating an alert and informed workforce, organizations can significantly reduce risk and protect assets.
Understanding the human factor
Technological advancement and the growing adoption of CSaaS (Cybersecurity-as-a-Service) show: The most successful attacks require threat hunting, investigation and response led by people. They are at the center of cybersecurity, whether it's the IT team, a managed service provider (MSP) or even employees. Organizations need to consider these points and protect against any kind of risk from people who could open the door to cybercriminals.
A prime example is the recent attack on the MGM Resorts International hotel group. The cybercriminal group "Scattered Spider" was able to use fake phone calls to trick employees into providing login credentials and then deploy ransomware to disrupt operations. Through social engineering, the group was able to trick information workers into resetting all MFA technologies and impersonating company users.
Cybercriminals are increasingly taking advantage of people's trust, especially with the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. AI-powered, personalized scams are far harder to detect, even for the most prepared employees.
Protection against threats
User training remains an important element of a company's cyber defense. And it is everyone's responsibility to ensure that they do not accidentally give criminals access. Organizations should equip their workforce with basic knowledge and skills to detect and prevent attacker tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs).
It's no surprise that technology is increasingly taking center stage when it comes to operational data security, but it needs to be deployed responsibly by a competent user. With the increasing threats to organizations, many are turning to Managed Service Providers (MSP) to strengthen their security strategy. In today's threat landscape, the "one step ahead" tactic is increasingly difficult for internal teams to manage, so much so that currently 93 percent of organizations find even basic security measures a challenge. By working with an MSP, organizations can not only reap the benefits of next-gen solutions, but also tap into a wealth of knowledge and expertise that is essential to staying ahead of attackers. They can rely on dedicated threat hunters and security specialists to watch for threats around the clock.
Current threats require a collaborative approach
Accordingly, the human factor in cyber security remains an important component that can strengthen or weaken a company's security position. A more effective and complete defense against current threats requires a proactive approach that combines technological solutions and human understanding. Individual organizations and communities need to work together to promote best practices and ensure they have the necessary skills and knowledge that contribute to the overall security hygiene of the organization.
A proactive security strategy ensures that companies are prepared for the risks that can arise from the careless misconduct of individuals. Avoiding simple mistakes will be crucial, because overlooking them can end in disaster.
Source: www.sophos.de
