Human error: the weak link in cybersecurity

Despite technological advancements and massive investments in cybersecurity solutions, security breaches continue to occur. The main reason for this is that one of the most vulnerable elements in this field remains the human factor: user errors, negligence, and social engineering are just a few of the factors that make average digital users responsible for many security breaches. This month, we will explore why humans are often seen as the weakest link in cybersecurity and how this vulnerability can be mitigated.

Human nature and unintentional errors

Human error is one of the leading causes of cybersecurity incidents. According to numerous studies, between 80% and 95% of successful cyberattacks exploit human vulnerabilities rather than technical ones.

Neglect and lack of awareness

Many users fail to grasp the full extent of the risks posed by cyberattacks. A weak password, connecting to an unsecured public Wi-Fi, or neglecting security updates are all behaviors that compromise system safety, even though the user has no malicious intent.

One of the most common forms of negligence is reusing passwords across multiple accounts. When a password is compromised on one platform, it can be used to access other critical services, thereby exposing sensitive information. Furthermore, some users don’t bother to verify the authenticity of emails and links they receive, making phishing attacks easier to execute.
Failure to update software and operating systems is another major vulnerability. Cybercriminals frequently exploit known weaknesses, and not applying security patches in a timely manner increases the risk of intrusions. Similarly, using removable media (USB drives, external hard drives, or even phone chargers from unknown sources) without prior verification can introduce malware into systems.
An aggravating factor is users’ overreliance on technology. Many believe that antivirus programs and firewalls are enough to protect them, while constant vigilance and secure practices are essential to reducing risks. Therefore, ongoing awareness and training are crucial to combat these negligent behaviors and strengthen cybersecurity.

The dangers of « Shadow IT »

Employees often bypass their company’s cybersecurity rules, either out of convenience or due to a lack of resources. The use of unapproved software or unsecured personal devices is a common practice that exposes businesses to significant risks.

Shadow IT refers to all tools, software, and services used without the approval of an organization’s IT department: using unsecure online storage platforms, public messaging apps, or unapproved collaborative tools. These practices, often driven by a desire for productivity and flexibility, introduce significant security vulnerabilities.

Unapproved software and applications are not necessarily compliant with the company’s cybersecurity standards. They may contain unpatched vulnerabilities, facilitate data breaches, or be exploited by attackers.
The lack of centralized control prevents cybersecurity teams from monitoring access, detecting anomalies, and applying patches when necessary.
The use of personal devices (phones, tablets, laptops) for work-related tasks further exacerbates these risks. These devices may not always receive the necessary security updates, and their access to the company’s internal systems can serve as an entry point for cybercriminals.

To mitigate the impact of Shadow IT, it is crucial to educate employees about the risks it poses, establish clear control policies, and provide secure alternatives that meet the needs of employees.

Social engineering: an often underestimated threat

Cybercriminals exploit human psychology to obtain confidential information. This approach, known as social engineering, is often more effective than purely technical attacks.

Phishing and its variations

Phishing remains one of the most common attack methods. It involves deceiving users into believing they are interacting with a trusted organization (such as a bank, government agency, or company) in order to steal sensitive information.

Among the variations of phishing are:

Spear-phishing: A targeted attack aimed at a specific individual with personalized information, making the fraud more convincing.
Vishing (voice phishing): The use of phone calls to extract sensitive information by impersonating an official service.
Smishing (SMS phishing): The sending of fraudulent messages containing malicious links or requests for confidential information.

Exploiting human emotions

Cybercriminals know how to manipulate human psychology to control their victims. Some commonly used techniques include:

Fear: Alarmist messages (such as fake security alerts or threats of account closure) prompt users to act without thinking.
Urgency: Time-limited offers or demands for immediate action push victims to provide information without verifying its authenticity.
Curiosity: A fake document, an intriguing video, or a supposedly confidential file may contain malware.
Authority: Cybercriminals impersonate authoritative figures (such as CEOs, technical support, or government agencies) to intimidate their targets and extract sensitive information.

Attacks by pretext and manipulation

Social engineering also relies on elaborate scenarios to manipulate victims. Some of the most commonly used techniques include:

Baiting: Leaving infected objects (USB drives, CDs) in public places, hoping someone will use them, thereby introducing malware onto their computer.
Quid pro quo: Offering a fake service in exchange for sensitive information, such as a fake tech support request asking for remote access.
Insider attack: A trusted employee or contractor is corrupted to disclose confidential information.

Join us in mid-March for the continuation of our article. In the meantime, if you have a movie, series, software, or e-book to protect, don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our account managers. PDN has been a pioneer in cybersecurity and anti-piracy for over ten years, and we definitely have a solution to assist you. Happy reading, and see you soon!

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