What Is Human Error In Data Breaches?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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When discussing human error in cyber security, what is meant by the term is slightly different from its use in more general terms. In a security context, human error means

unintentional actions – or lack of action – by employees and users that cause, spread or allow a security breach to take place

.

Is phishing a human error?

Scammers count on human error when they plot a phishing attack. But human error can also cause other

security issues outside of phishing

. Generally speaking, two kinds of user mistakes put data at risk, and it’s worth educating your users about both. Phishing falls under the category of social engineering scams.

What percentage of data breach is human error?

Human error has a well-documented history of causing data breaches. According to a CybSafe analysis of data from the UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), human error was the cause of approximately

90 percent

of data breaches in 2019. This is up from 61% and 87% the previous two years.

Is human error a vulnerability?

2. Human error accounts for

an extraordinary percentage of data breaches each year

. So, even when companies can attract enough talent, networks are still rife with vulnerabilities. Hackers are standing by, all too eager to exploit them.

How human error can be prevented in information security?

The easiest and most reliable way to secure data access is to deny all access by default. … If users can only access data required for their work, you can prevent

accidental data leaks and data deletion

caused by employees who aren’t supposed to work with certain sensitive data in the first place. Monitor your employees.

What is the number one cause of data breaches?

Researchers from Stanford University and a top cybersecurity organization found that approximately 88 percent of all data breaches are caused by

an employee mistake

. Human error is still very much the driving force behind an overwhelming majority of cybersecurity problems.

What are the types of human error?

There are three types of human error:

slips and lapses (skill-based errors), and mistakes

. These types of human error can happen to even the most experienced and well-trained person. Slips and lapses occur in very familiar tasks which we can carry out without much conscious attention, eg driving a vehicle.

How do you get rid of human error?

  1. Educate Yourself. One of the first steps to preventing errors is gathering knowledge. …
  2. Invest In Training. Detailed training is one of the most effective human error reduction tools. …
  3. Review Critical Safety Practices Often and Thoroughly. Finally, initial training is not enough.

How do you explain human error?

Definition. Human error refers to something having been done that was “

not intended by the actor

; not desired by a set of rules or an external observer; or that led the task or system outside its acceptable limits”. In short, it is a deviation from intention, expectation or desirability.

How often are humans wrong?

So just how normal is human error? In fact, research suggests that regardless of the activity or task being conducted, humans make

between 3-6 errors per hour

.

What is the most common cause of a security breach?


Hacking attacks

may well be the most common cause of a data breach but it is often a weak or lost password that is the vulnerability that is being exploited by the opportunist hacker. Stats show that 4 in 5 breaches classified as a “hack” in 2012 were in-part caused by weak or lost (stolen) passwords!

What are human vulnerabilities?

Human vulnerabilities essentially

derive from feelings, behaviours and instincts that have helped humans survive since time

immemorial. Unfortunately, these behaviours are so intrinsically linked to human nature that they are very often exploited in various social engineering type scams and attacks.

What is the concept of human security?

As noted in General Assembly resolution 66/290, “human security is

an approach to assist Member States in identifying and addressing widespread and cross-cutting challenges to the survival, livelihood and dignity of their people

.” It calls for “people-centred, comprehensive, context-specific and prevention-oriented …

Is human error a symptom of deeper issue?

Human Error is a Systems Problem

“Human error… is not a cause of failure, alone, but rather the

effect or symptom of deeper trouble

in the system. Human error is not random; it is systematically connected to features of people’s tools, the tasks they perform, and the operating environment in which they work.”

How can employee errors be prevented?

  1. Human Error and IT Security Breaches. …
  2. Block All Web Browser Downloads. …
  3. Isolate Emails from Customers. …
  4. Never Open Email Attachments. …
  5. Always Double-Confirm. …
  6. Audit Permissions Every Month.

What are the two main causes of data breaches?

  • Cause #1: Old, Unpatched Security Vulnerabilities. …
  • Cause #2: Human Error. …
  • Cause #3: Malware. …
  • Cause #4: Insider Misuse. …
  • Cause #5: Physical Theft of a Data-Carrying Device.
David Evans
Author
David Evans
David is a seasoned automotive enthusiast. He is a graduate of Mechanical Engineering and has a passion for all things related to cars and vehicles. With his extensive knowledge of cars and other vehicles, David is an authority in the industry.