One bad click can cost our businesses millions. “Work From Home” created the ‘perfect storm’ for cybercriminals.

Small enterprises, financial, and healthcare were the first ones hit. But, software, manufacturing, legal, governments and many other industries are now at risk, too.

Unfortunately, there is no quick fix. Security technologies are far behind the attackers. BUT we can reduce the risk by improving our awareness, skills and engagement.

1. Awareness: Understand the consequences of an attack and the importance of your decisions

2. Skills: Understand what an attack looks like and how you should respond

3. Engagement: Want to take action to stop an attack

Photo by Mike Szczepanski on Unsplash

“The challenges were so quick I was able to do them in the time it took me to sip an espresso.” – IT Security Manager

Each of these initiatives requires planning, effort and time. You also need to make sure you have the right resources to address them. The problem is that many security awareness programs don’t dedicate enough budget, resources or time to ensure success. But investing in these people-oriented initiatives will pay off.

The attack is ultimately technical. The impact is ultimately financial. But the solution STARTS with people… right now.

Scott Wright is CEO of Click Armor, the gamified simulation platform that helps businesses avoid breaches by engaging employees to improve their proficiency in making decisions for cyber security risk and corporate compliance. He has over 20 years of cyber security coaching experience and was creator of the Honey Stick Project for Smartphones as a demonstration in measuring human vulnerabilities.