Employee cyber security risks are often overlooked, but they can be your business’s biggest threat. Think about your home security for a moment. You wouldn’t leave your front door unlocked, would you? But what if someone left a window open? Suddenly, all your security measures mean nothing.
Now apply that to your business. This is why you need to be aware of the top employee cyber security risks.
You may have invested in firewalls, strong passwords, and the latest software updates, but if your employees unknowingly expose vulnerabilities, your security efforts could be undone in an instant.
The Biggest Employee Cyber Security Risks
With remote work now commonplace, four out of five employees use personal devices for work. This brings convenience but also opens the door to cyber threats. Here’s how:
1. Unsecured Personal Devices
Employees often use personal laptops, tablets, and smartphones for work, but these devices rarely have the same security measures as company-issued hardware. Weak passwords, outdated software, and unsecured Wi-Fi connections create an easy target for cybercriminals.
2. Storing Business Data on Personal Devices
A shocking 40% of employees admit to downloading customer or business data onto personal devices. This information is now outside your security infrastructure, making it vulnerable to theft or misuse.
3. Ignoring Cyber Security Policies
Over 65% of employees admit they don’t always follow company security policies. This includes forwarding work emails to personal accounts, bypassing company-approved security protocols, and ignoring AI data handling guidelines.
4. Reusing Weak Passwords
Nearly half of employees use the same password across multiple work accounts. Worse still, over a third use the same password for both personal and work logins. If a hacker cracks one, they gain access to everything.
5. Falling for Phishing Scams
Phishing remains one of the top ways cybercriminals breach businesses. A single employee clicking on a malicious link can compromise an entire organisation’s data.
6. Connecting to Unsecured Networks
Employees working remotely often connect to public Wi-Fi in coffee shops, hotels, and airports without realising the risks. Without a VPN, their internet traffic is exposed to potential cyber threats.
7. Mishandling AI and Cloud-Based Tools
With AI tools becoming commonplace, many employees unknowingly input sensitive business data into platforms that lack adequate security measures. This creates compliance risks and potential data leaks.
How to Strengthen Employee Cyber Security
The best way to tackle these risks is through proactive education and clear security policies. Here’s how:
✔ Require the Use of a Password Manager – Ensure employees use unique, complex passwords stored securely. ✔ Only Allow Secure, Company-Approved Devices – Reduce the risk by enforcing device security policies. ✔ Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) – An added layer of security significantly reduces cyber threats. ✔ Deliver Regular Cyber Security Training – Keep employees informed on emerging threats and best practices. ✔ Encourage Employees to Report Suspicious Activity – Recognising and responding to threats early can prevent serious breaches.
Cyber Security is a Shared Responsibility
Your business’s cyber security is only as strong as its weakest link. By equipping employees with the right knowledge and tools, they can transform from a security risk into your first line of defence.
Want to strengthen your team’s cyber awareness and defences? Get in touch today.
