Small Business Talk For Coaches With Cathy Smith

How the human element of cybersecurity could be affecting your business


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In episode 202 of the Small Business Talk Podcast, host Cathy Smith had a chat with Caitriona Forde from Cait IT about the human element of cybersecurity and its implications for businesses.

The focus of the discussion was on how human error contributes significantly to cybersecurity breaches. Caitriona mentioned that recent statistics showed that almost 90% of cyber incidents stem from human error, with each cyber incident involving some human element. The conversation highlighted the fact that while businesses heavily invest in improving their technology, the security aspect is often overlooked.

One issue discussed was the handling of passwords, and the dangerous practice of sending passwords or sensitive information like bank details and credit card numbers through emails. Caitriona also spoke about how an individual's unfamiliarity with technology could lead to security vulnerabilities, citing an instance where she helped a woman set up a password manager.

Caitriona highlighted that businesses face the challenge of employees carrying out risky behaviours, which the business owners may not be aware of. She further noted that staff could unknowingly implement unsecure workarounds, especially when their bosses are unavailable, leading to businesses being hacked.

The conversation then turned towards the fear of reporting mistakes in the workplace. Caitriona mentioned how creating a safe space for employees to report errors could help prevent cyber incidents. She gave an example of simulated phishing campaigns that show how easily employees can fall for scams, emphasising the need for a slower, more careful approach in a fast-paced work environment.

Towards the end of the discussion, they spoke about the difficulty in identifying malicious activities, even when things look perfect. Caitriona mentioned how hackers are getting better at drafting convincing emails and warned of the rise of AI, which has given hackers an edge in creating better phishing emails.

Overall, the podcast episode highlighted the crucial role that human behaviour plays in cybersecurity and emphasised the need for more proactive and secure practices in the workplace.

Listen to Small Business Talk episode 202 brought to CATCO Enterprises for this conversation.

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Small Business Talk For Coaches With Cathy SmithBy Cathy Smith

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