Cyber breaches are becoming a regular fixture in the news—whether it’s major attacks on London hospitals or breaches at local businesses. As cybercrime becomes more and more prolific, many organisations overlook the most critical area. There's a well-known saying, “A chain is only as strong as its weakest link,” and when it comes to cyber security, the weakest link is most often the humans - people.
Toro’s latest blog by Cyber Security Consultant Connor Conlan-Coke discusses the importance of Cyber Security training and how you can turn your people into your greatest defence tool.
Human Error: The Root of Most Cyber Breaches
While sophisticated hacking groups certainly exist, the majority of cyber breaches are surprisingly straightforward. 82% of breaches are caused by human error.1 This includes everything from clicking on phishing emails to mishandling sensitive data or failing to follow basic security protocols not to mention insider threats, which also need to be considered carefully. Without the right cyber security training, employees may unknowingly open the door to cybercriminals, putting the entire business at risk. Sadly, 60% of small businesses that fall foul of a serious cyber-attack, don’t survive, due to loss of revenue, fines, and damage to reputation and brand, with others sufferings serious setbacks and loss in profit.2 It therefore stands to reason, that cyber security training should be on every organisation’s agenda when it comes to combatting the current cyber security threat landscape.
Social Engineering - A Growing Threat
One of the most dangerous tactics cybercriminals commonly use is social engineering. This doesn’t rely on technical hacks but on manipulating people and exploiting human nature to trust. Take the example from the summer of 2023, when MGM Resorts and Caesars Palace—two of the most secure businesses in Las Vegas—were hit by a devastating attack. Despite their strong security systems, a social engineering attack allowed hackers to breach their defences within minutes, resulting in millions of dollars in losses.
But how did this happen? Social engineering takes advantage of the fact that humans are not binary. Unlike machines that operate on a yes or no black and white basis, people can be influenced by emotions, trust, and persuasion. Hackers use this to their advantage, exploiting human behaviour to bypass security systems. A simple example may be giving up your seat on a bus for less abled person. You make an assessment in your mind and your action is based on the result of that mental assessment. I’m sure if a young abled fit & healthy person got on the bus, the outcome may be different (not that all visibilities are visible, we appreciate). As we are aware, however, in business there are policies and procedures in place to mitigate these tactics. The question is, can the hacker persuade & convince the person on the other end of the phone to disregard those policies? Here is a good example of hacking that's worth reviewing after reading this blog This is how hackers hack you using simple social engineering (youtube.com)
The Rise of Vishing and AI
One particularly concerning method of social engineering is vishing, or voice phishing or voice impersonation, where attackers use phone calls to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information or they pretend to be someone else on the call.
With the rise of AI, these attacks are becoming even more sophisticated. Cyber criminals can now use AI tools to create realistic voice simulations or scripts that mimic trusted individuals, making their approach even more convincing
For example, a well-crafted AI-generated voice could impersonate a company executive, requesting sensitive information or access in a way that feels authentic. This heightened realism can make it incredibly challenging for employees to discern genuine requests from malicious ones. If they’re not adequately trained to identify these tactics, the damage can be catastrophic.
Imagine a hacker calling your IT department, pretending to be a vendor, building rapport, and slowly gaining access. Once they get in, the damage can be catastrophic.
Strengthening Human Defences Through Cyber Security Training
So, how do businesses defend against this human vulnerability? The answer lies in repetitive, consistent cyber security training and testing. Training employees to recognise social engineering tactics and respond appropriately is one of the best defences you can have. Just as regular drills improve performance in any discipline, regular cyber security awareness training equips staff to identify and resist manipulation and builds the confidence to report suspicious behaviour without worry of repercussions or feeling silly, greatly reducing the likelihood and the impact of a breach.
By embedding cyber security awareness into your organisation’s culture, you not only strengthen individual defences but create a unified, company-wide approach to handling potential threats effectively. When employees understand the risks and know how to respond, they become an active part of the defence system rather than the weakest link.
The Business Benefits of Cyber Security Training
1. Prevent Phishing and Data Breaches
Phishing and data breaches often go hand in hand. With proper training, employees can spot phishing attempts and block these threats before they cause harm. Understanding the signs of a phishing scam and knowing how to report it can prevent sensitive data from being exposed.
2. Personal and Professional Security
Cyber security training doesn’t just benefit your business—it can also help employees protect their personal data. When staff apply what they’ve learned at work into their personal lives, it strengthens both your company’s and their own security. This creates a ripple effect, contributing to a safer online environment overall.
3. Keeping Ahead of Legislation
With constantly evolving cyber security regulations, it’s crucial for businesses to stay ahead. Training can help organisations understand upcoming changes and adjust their practices to remain compliant, avoiding fines or disruptions to operations.
4. Boosting Security Posture
Embedding cyber security into your business processes creates a culture of best practice security. Just as athletes follow strict training regimens to achieve peak performance, regular cyber security training builds discipline and awareness throughout your team.
5. Protecting Your Reputation
A data breach can do more than financial damage—it can ruin your company’s reputation. Cyber security training not only helps prevent breaches but also strengthens your reputation as a trusted, secure business. A strong security posture can deter malicious actors and build customer confidence.
6. Streamlining Operations
Cyber security isn’t just about defence—it’s also about efficiency. Training helps identify areas where your business can improve processes, implement safer practices, and adapt to new threats. These improvements can boost your operations and enhance client trust.
7. Enhancing Sales and Strengthening the Supply Chain
Competition is fierce, and businesses are always looking for an edge. Demonstrating your commitment to cyber security can be the deciding factor in securing contracts or partnerships. Clients and suppliers want to know they’re working with a company that takes security seriously, and cyber security training helps embed this principle from the ground up.
8. Combatting Vishing Through AI Awareness:
As vishing attacks become more prevalent and sophisticated due to AI technology, it's crucial for employees to understand how to identify and respond to these threats. Training should include specific examples of vishing tactics and the potential use of AI-generated voices to deceive. By equipping employees with the knowledge to recognize these threats, businesses can significantly reduce the risk of successful vishing attacks, ensuring that employees can verify identities and requests before taking action.
Remember, your people hold the keys to your critical assets. Don’t leave them untrained and unprepared—invest in cyber security training and build a more resilient, secure future for your business and your teams.
To find out more email cyber@torosolutions.co.uk.
2. https://www.forbes.com/sites/emilsayegh/2022/08/16/businesses-shutting-down-business/