The Human Element in Cybersecurity: Why People Still Pose the Biggest Risk

Cybersecurity tools have come a long way. Today’s systems can detect anomalies in real-time, block known threats, and even use machine learning to adapt to new attack patterns. But even the smartest tech can’t stop someone from clicking a malicious link.

That’s the real problem. Many think of cybersecurity as firewalls, antivirus software, and automated alerts. What they often overlook is the human side. In most cases, it’s not the system that gets compromised first. It’s the person using it.

In 2024, three out of four CISOs ranked human error as their top cybersecurity concern. And it’s not always carelessness. Sometimes, it’s a split-second mistake, a lack of awareness, or a missed step under pressure.

As your go-to source for all things cybersecurity, we’re here to help you build a stronger, more people-aware defense strategy. In this post, we’ll look at how human behavior and workplace culture contribute to breaches and how to reduce that risk.

Why Most Cyberattacks Start with a Person

The logic is simple. Hackers don’t need to force their way in if they can convince someone to let them in. It’s quicker, easier, and far more effective. Here are a few of the most common ways this happens:

Phishing Emails

Phishing remains one of the most effective tools in an attacker’s toolkit. They’re crafted to look like they’re coming from a trusted source, like a manager, vendor, or internal department. All it takes is one click on a malicious link or a shared login, and the attacker can access internal systems and move around unnoticed.

Weak or Reused Passwords

Many employees still rely on passwords that are short, predictable, or used across multiple accounts. An attacker only needs to crack one of them (or buy it on the dark web) to penetrate a much larger network. From there, they can escalate privileges, harvest more data, and spread laterally across your environment.

Unsecured Devices and Networks

Remote and hybrid work have stretched the traditional security perimeter. Employees now log in from personal devices and use public Wi-Fi while on the go. Without the proper device protections, VPN access, or endpoint controls, these connections leave companies exposed to threats outside their IT team’s direct oversight.

Insufficient Security Training

Some employees simply don’t know what to watch for. Perhaps they’ve never been trained to spot social engineering. Or they’ve forgotten the rules because they only heard them once during onboarding.

It’s Not Just Behavior. It’s Culture.

We also believe cybersecurity is as much a business culture issue as it is a technical one. Here’s why:

Fear of Blame

Many employees hesitate to speak up after clicking a suspicious link because they fear being blamed. But every minute that passes gives the attacker more time to move through the system and cause far more damage than they might have otherwise.

Unclear or Inaccessible Policies

When security protocols are buried in dense documents or scattered across different platforms, it’s easy for employees to feel lost. If the steps aren’t clear and accessible, they may not know how to report a threat or whom to contact when something feels off.

Speed at the Expense of Security

Teams trying to hit tight deadlines might bypass multi-factor authentication, reuse passwords, or share login credentials just to keep projects moving. While these shortcuts may save time, they can also create severe security gaps.

Thinking Security is Just IT’s Job

If cybersecurity is seen as something only the IT team handles, everyone else checks out. People assume it’s not their problem, so they stop paying attention. This attitude makes it easier to miss warning signs, ignore best practices, and fumble the response when something goes wrong.

What Businesses Can Do

There’s no value in pointing fingers. The real work lies in building a workplace where people know what to watch for, feel safe reporting issues, and treat security as part of how they work.

It starts with you: how you lead, how you communicate, and how you support your team. Here are six practical steps you can take:

Step #1: Keep Training Regular and Relevant

Don’t treat security training as a one-time thing during onboarding. Make it part of your year-round rhythm. Share quick refreshers, use real-life examples, and make sure the content reflects the risks your team faces. The more familiar people are with threats, the faster they’ll spot them.

Step #2: Run Phishing Drills

Test your team with fake phishing emails so they can practice spotting them in a safe environment. These drills show who’s catching threats and where people may need more support. Over time, they’ll get sharper, and you’ll get a better handle on where to focus your efforts.

Step #3: Make It Safe to Speak Up

If someone clicks something they shouldn’t, they need to feel safe saying so. Set up an easy, no-blame way for people to report suspicious activity. It could be a short form, a direct contact, or even an anonymous option.

Step #4: Explain the Why Behind the Rules

Security updates don’t need to be long or technical. Keep things simple. Use short emails, graphics, or quick team huddles to explain what’s changing and why. When your team understands the reason behind a policy, they’re more likely to stick with it.

Step #5: Make Security Easy to Follow Up

Don’t rely on willpower. Set things up so the secure choice is the default. You can use password managers, require two-factor authentication, or turn on screen locks. If it’s easy and built into the way your team already works, they’ll be much more likely to stay on track.

Step #6: Lead by Example

Your team watches what you do. If you talk about security, follow the rules yourself, and treat it like a shared responsibility, they will also. Take the same training, follow the same policies, and show this is part of how you run the business.

The ROI of a Security-Minded Culture

Investing in people is one of the most effective ways to strengthen your security posture. It also pays off in other ways.

A workforce that feels informed and trusted is more engaged. Employees who know how to spot threats are more confident and efficient. And once security is baked into daily habits, there’s less need for cleanup after the fact.

Consider the cost of just one breach. On average, a data breach costs businesses nearly $5 million, and that’s not including the long-term reputational damage or lost productivity. Compared to that, proactive training and communication are a small price to pay.

Cybersecurity Starts with Your People

The human element in cybersecurity isn’t going away. No matter how sophisticated your tools are, people will still make mistakes, get tricked, or work around rules. However, this doesn’t make you powerless.

You can create a culture where security is part of the routine, where your team knows what to look for, feels supported when something goes wrong, and takes action quickly. Pair that with a strong cybersecurity partner, and your defenses become much harder to break.

At BoxIT, we help businesses strengthen both their systems and people. Whether you’re looking to improve your training or simply make cybersecurity less overwhelming for your team, we’re here to support you.

Let’s build a better strategy together. Contact us to get started.