A key concern is that 21% of respondents failed to identify phishing protection measures, despite phishing being the most common form of cyberattack. According to the UK Government’s 2024 Cyber Breaches Survey, 84% of businesses and 83% of charities have experienced phishing attacks, showing a worrying lack of awareness among professionals.
The study also found that malware was the most misunderstood topic, with 14.92% of respondents struggling with malware-related questions, compared to 13.31% on phishing and 6.85% on general cybersecurity principles. These gaps pose a critical risk, as a single uninformed employee can compromise an entire organisation’s security.
Rob May, Founder and Executive Chairman of ramsac, stressed that basic cybersecurity knowledge is an essential life skill, comparing it to safety habits like checking the road before crossing. He explained that common cybersecurity practices, such as recognising phishing attempts or avoiding unknown USB devices, are vital in preventing costly breaches.
The growing frequency of cyber threats highlights the need for continuous cybersecurity training and awareness. Professionals with access to sensitive data are prime targets for cybercriminals, making regular training, open communication, and system updates essential to reducing vulnerabilities. The study underscores the importance of strengthening the human firewall to protect businesses in an increasingly digital world.
Source: IFA Magazine
The European Cyber Intelligence Foundation is a nonprofit think tank specializing in intelligence and cybersecurity, offering consultancy services to government entities. To mitigate potential threats, it is important to implement additional cybersecurity measures with the help of a trusted partner like INFRA www.infrascan.net, or you can try yourself using check.website.