The Rising Prevalence of Cybersecurity Mistakes
As cyber attacks become more frequent and their consequences more severe, users are facing an array of new cybersecurity risks. However, despite the constantly changing threats, many of the most effective defenses remain unchanged. These include fundamental precautions such as creating robust passwords and steering clear of malicious links. Yet, many individuals continue to take unnecessary risks, often for the sake of convenience.
This infographic, courtesy of Niccolo Conte from Visual Capitalist, illustrates the most common cybersecurity errors made in 2023, based on data provided by Proofpoint.
Common User Errors in Cybersecurity
Here, we list the most frequent risky behaviors exhibited by individuals online in 2023, according to a survey of 7,500 end users from 15 different countries:
A staggering 71% of respondents admitted to making a cybersecurity mistake, with the majority acknowledging they did so knowingly.
The most frequently reported error was using a work device for personal activities, closely followed by reusing or sharing a password. These actions were primarily driven by convenience, the desire to save time, or a sense of urgency.
The third most common mistake was connecting to public WiFi networks without using a virtual private network (VPN). This behavior is risky because it exposes users to unsecured networks, which can allow cybercriminals to intercept sensitive information such as login credentials and personal messages.
By employing a VPN, users can prevent malicious actors from stealing personal information by creating an encrypted tunnel that conceals their location and other personal data.
Professional Perspectives on Cybersecurity Risks
While the above data focuses on the most common risks taken by users, the same report from Proofpoint also provides insights into the professional perspective on the most dangerous risks.
Based on a survey of 1,050 security professionals, clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources was considered the most risky behavior. Downloading an infected file can expose users to computer viruses and malware that can mine a computer or device for personal data.
Furthermore, reusing passwords was identified as the second most significant security threat, followed by accessing inappropriate websites.
In conclusion, there is a significant overlap between the most common cybersecurity mistakes and the most frequent risks taken by users. This correlation underscores how many respondents may not fully comprehend the extent of the risk they expose themselves to, and the importance of utilizing basic tools to avoid financial losses and other undesirable outcomes.
What's Your Take?
Cybersecurity is a complex and ever-evolving field, and it's clear that even the most basic mistakes can have significant consequences. What do you think about these common cybersecurity mistakes? Do you find yourself falling into these traps? Share this article with your friends and start a conversation about the importance of cybersecurity. And don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, delivered to your inbox every day at 6pm.
The Rising Prevalence of Cybersecurity Mistakes
As cyber attacks become more frequent and their consequences more severe, users are facing an array of new cybersecurity risks. However, despite the constantly changing threats, many of the most effective defenses remain unchanged. These include fundamental precautions such as creating robust passwords and steering clear of malicious links. Yet, many individuals continue to take unnecessary risks, often for the sake of convenience.
This infographic, courtesy of Niccolo Conte from Visual Capitalist, illustrates the most common cybersecurity errors made in 2023, based on data provided by Proofpoint.
