Are Your Employees Putting Your Business at Risk?
Would you leave your front door unlocked when you leave home? Of course not. But what if someone left a window open? Your security would be compromised, making it easy for intruders to get in. The same logic applies to your business.
You might have strong cyber security measures in place—firewalls, strong passwords, and updated software. But if your employees leave “windows” open through risky habits, all that protection is wasted. Employee cyber security risks are often the weakest link in an organization’s defenses.
The Hidden Risks of Employee Cyber Habits
With more employees working remotely, research shows that 4 out of 5 use personal devices—phones, tablets, or laptops—for work. While convenient, these devices often lack the security protections found on company-owned hardware. Weak passwords, outdated software, and unsecured Wi-Fi networks create an easy entry point for hackers.
Even more concerning, studies reveal that 40% of employees download sensitive customer data onto personal devices, increasing the risk of data breaches.
The Alarming Cyber Security Statistics
- Over 65% of employees admit they only follow cyber security rules “sometimes” or “never.”
- Nearly half reuse passwords across multiple work accounts.
- More than a third use the same password for both work and personal accounts.
Now imagine a hacker gaining access to an employee’s social media account—then using the same password to break into your business systems. It’s a disaster waiting to happen.
How to Strengthen Employee Cyber Security
The key to reducing employee cyber security risks is education. Most employees don’t break the rules intentionally; they just don’t realize the risks. Start with these best practices:
- Encourage employees to use a password manager to generate and store strong, unique passwords.
- Limit work access to secure, company-approved devices.
- Prohibit forwarding work emails to personal accounts.
- Provide regular security training to keep cyber threats top of mind.
Turn Employees Into Your First Line of Defense
Cyber security is everyone’s responsibility. By equipping your team with the right tools and training, you can transform them from your biggest risk into your strongest defense.
Need help educating your team on the latest threats? Get in touch today.
