Your team members are helping the hackers!

Yes, you read that right. 😲 The biggest threat to your organisation’s cybersecurity might not be a shadowy figure in a hoodie halfway across the world, it could be sitting right next to you in the office. Before you panic, let’s be clear, most employees aren’t malicious. But through carelessness, lack of awareness, or simple human error, they can become unwitting accomplices to cybercriminals!

The human factor: Cybersecurity’s weakest link

Despite billions spent on firewalls, encryption, and endpoint protection, one vulnerability remains stubbornly persistent: people. According to numerous cybersecurity reports, 95% of data breaches involve human error*. That includes:

• Clicking on phishing emails
• Using weak or reused passwords
• Falling for social engineering scams
• Mishandling sensitive data
• Ignoring software updates

These aren’t just minor slip-ups, they’re open doors for hackers.

How it happens

Why it happens

Most employees aren’t trying to sabotage the company. They’re just trying to get their work done – fast! Security often feels like a barrier rather than a benefit. If training is boring, policies are confusing, or tools are clunky, people will find workarounds. And that’s when the trouble starts.

What you can do about it

Make security everyone’s job
🔐 Cybersecurity isn’t just IT’s responsibility. Everyone from interns to executives needs to understand their role in protecting company data and networks.

Invest in engaging training
🎮 Ditch the dull PowerPoints. Use interactive simulations, gamified learning, and real-world scenarios to make training stick.

Foster a culture of security
🗣️ Encourage employees to report suspicious activity without fear of punishment. Celebrate good security behaviour.

Simplify security tools
⚙️ Make it easy for people to do the right thing. Use password managers, single sign-on, and automatic updates.

Test and improve
🧪 Run regular phishing simulations and security audits. Use the results to identify weak spots and improve your defences.

Your team can be your greatest asset, or your biggest liability when it comes to cybersecurity. The choice is yours. Empower them with the right knowledge, tools, and culture, and they’ll become your first line of defence instead of your weakest link.

Because the truth is, if you’re not training your team to protect your data, you might as well be training them to help the hackers.

Cyber Essentials
What you need to know

Do you know what the five security protocols are?

Find out in our comprehensive guide on Cyber Essentials providing you with all the information you need, from what Cyber Essentials is, to the key benefits of having it!

Download today

*Source: The State of Human Risk 2025 | Mimecast

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Jig Mehta

Is a Digital Marketing Manager at Select Technology, he has been part of the team for over 5 years, and has a keen interest in technology, whether its technical specs, cybersecurity or AI!

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