The human factor is a significant aspect of information security threats. Research consistently shows that a substantial portion of security incidents can be attributed to human actions, either intentional or unintentional. Here are some key insights:
Human Error: Studies often suggest that human error is a leading cause of security breaches. For instance, a 2023 report from the Ponemon Institute indicated that human error was involved in approximately 23% of data breaches. This includes mistakes like misconfigured security settings or accidental data exposure.
Insider Threats: The same report and other research typically highlight insider threats (both malicious and negligent) as a major concern. Insiders, whether employees or contractors, can unintentionally or intentionally compromise security. Estimates suggest that insider threats account for about 30-35% of all data breaches.
Phishing and Social Engineering: Human susceptibility to phishing and social engineering attacks is also a critical concern. According to various studies, phishing attacks alone can contribute to a significant portion of breaches. For example, the 2024 Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report noted that phishing was involved in around 36% of breaches.
Security Awareness: The effectiveness of security awareness training can mitigate human-related threats. Reports from organizations like KnowBe4 highlight that effective training can reduce the likelihood of falling victim to social engineering and phishing attacks by a notable percentage.
In summary, while exact percentages can vary based on the source and specific context, it’s clear that human factors represent a substantial portion of information security threats. Addressing these threats often involves a combination of robust security policies, regular training, and fostering a culture of security awareness.
Companies are now adopting Information Security Standards like ISO 27001 to foster trust with customers and partners, but also because it addresses not only the technology side but also the people side of Information Security best practices.
