Nigerian CommunicationWeek

Report shows Most Cyber Breaches are Caused by Human Error

Check Point® Software Technologies Ltd, a provider of cybersecurity solutions globally, marks Cybersecurity Awareness Month by highlighting the need for each and every individual to prioritise cybersecurity, in both their business and personal lives, in order to fend off the ever-increasing risk of cyberattack.

For companies, cyber risks are increasing all the time. In fact, according to Check Point Research (CPR), attacks increased by 59% compared to last year. Here in Africa, the weekly average of impacted organisations in 2022 is 1 out of 21, with an organisation on the continent being attacked on average 1,896 times per week in the last six months.

A recent World Economic Forum report revealed that 95% of cybersecurity problems are caused by human error, and if you add the global cyber skills shortage to the mix, then you have the perfect storm for a cybercriminal. The 2021 (ISC)² Cybersecurity Workforce Study showed that we are lacking almost three million cybersecurity professionals worldwide.

In light of this, some organisations have started to implement cyber initiatives for their employees. For example, Santander, a multinational financial services company, recently launched an incentive scheme whereby employee responses to phishing attacks are considered as part of the overall company bonus policy.

Check Point Software has also implemented various training initiatives to boost cybersecurity skills in the workforce across Africa. In Kenya, together with Strathmore University, Check Point SecureAcademy runs free training sessions with lecturers and students.

And since 2021 in Johannesburg, together with Get Informed and local partners, Check Point Software has been offering cybersecurity training courses and internships to under-privileged youth in the community.

Having people and staff that are well trained in cyber hygiene is one of the best foundations for good cybersecurity, and so, for Cybersecurity Awareness Month, Check Point Software provides some useful information to help companies identify attacks.

To avoid becoming a victim of phishing, malware and ransomware, Check Point recommends:

“Cybersecurity Awareness Month is an important time to not only raise awareness of cyber-safety but to drive real action among individuals. Most cyberattacks occur because of human error so it is in our hands to improve cybersecurity, both at home and at work. This is an essential activity in which we all have a part to play,” says Pankaj Bhula, Regional Director for Africa at Check Point Software. “The term ‘If you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem’ fits perfectly when it comes to cybersecurity and users.”

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