The illusion of Cybersecurity - Why automation alone won’t protect us

Cybersecurity is a complex and technical term that many people without a technical background find intimidating. Cybersecurity discussions are often highly technical, making them difficult for many to understand. Cybersecurity is constantly evolving, with new threats and ever more complex scams appearing so frequently that keeping up feels almost impossible. The constant stream of warnings can also be overwhelming.

In addition to a lack of understanding and fatigue from constant warnings, many people have an overconfident belief that they would never fall for such scams, or they just simply downplay the risk of losing their data. They see the risk as so unlikely that they neglect their own security, even if they have the necessary knowledge and skills.

These are exactly the people who are drawn to the currently trending cybersecurity programs in the market, which promise that taking care of personal cybersecurity can be automated with just a quick credit card swipe and software installation. These programs claim to protect users from malware, ransomware, viruses, phishing, and other security risks. However, this tempting promise is a trap that could turn into a global issue.

Individual responsibility and understanding cybersecurity

Cybersecurity and its associated threats are discussed in the media frequently enough that everyone is aware of their existence. It is also entirely natural to seek the easiest and most effortless solution to a problem, and many cybersecurity service providers cater to this need with golden promises, so called “buy and forget” -solutions.

The real problem, however, is that cybersecurity is neither well understood nor taken seriously enough. Many people lack the knowledge or the motivation to manage their personal cybersecurity, information security, or digital footprint, and instead, they prefer to automate the process entirely. This reliance on automation creates a false sense of security, leading individuals to overlook basic yet crucial security practices. However, in a digitalized world, these issues should be taken just as seriously as similar threats in the real world. We all make sure not to leave our passport on a café table, share personal matters in the wrong or strange company, wander unnecessarily in suspicious or dangerous-looking areas, or blindly reach into a park trash can with a bare hand, where sharp objects or hazardous waste, such as used needles, could pose a serious risk.

The same mindset should apply online. Personal or login details should not be entered carelessly on untrusted sites, personal matters should be shared cautiously, and if a website looks suspicious, it probably is. Suspicious links and strange files should not be opened recklessly, even if they come from a seemingly familiar email address.

Different cybersecurity programs are useful tools for supporting one’s personal information and cybersecurity. Many can warn users about suspicious sites or downloads, but they do not eliminate the need for individual discretion and responsibility. It is also important to recognize that it is your own data and assets that are at risk due to your actions. Not only that, data is not limited to just personal identification details like addresses or phone numbers, it can also include sensitive information, private messages, photos, or irreplaceable memories, all of which careless actions could compromise or permanently lose.

How to strengthen workplace cybersecurity and avoid the risks of over-reliance on automation

As automation becomes more common in personal use, there is a risk that the same phenomenon and attitude will spread to work environments and workplace culture. In workplaces, ensuring appropriate cybersecurity is the company’s responsibility. The issue is no longer just employees' potential ignorance, carelessness, or laziness but also organizations' desire and need to save costs. However, cutting corners on cybersecurity is a risk no company should ever take.

Investing in cybersecurity tools is a good step for businesses, but it is only one of many necessary measures to ensure proper and comprehensive security. Particularly in targeted scams and attacks, technical cybersecurity tools are often much weaker than an employee’s ability to recognize phishing attempts or social engineering tactics.

Effective cybersecurity requires more than just technical solutions, it also demands strong cyber hygiene skills and an awareness of the risks that come with neglecting security policies. Cybersecurity awareness, regular training, and hands-on exercises are essential for embedding cyber-safe behavior into workplace culture. Organizations must ensure that employees grasp the importance of security measures not only for their own protection but also for the company’s safety. Employees must also acknowledge their personal role in maintaining cybersecurity by approving the cybersecurity guidelines to confirm their understanding of their responsibilities.

Creating clear cybersecurity user guidelines that are frequently updated and requiring users to interact with them periodically is essential. Organizations must clearly state both their own and employees’ responsibilities in threat management to ensure accountability.

Regular training and threat scenario exercises are a must and need to be as easily accessible as possible. Training sessions should be designed to keep employees engaged and regularly refreshed to reflect emerging threats.

It is important that employees are aware of the environmental risks around them, know how to protect information, and understand what kind of tasks can be handled in different locations, such as while working in a train or a coffee shop. Anyone working on sensitive matters in public spaces should always use privacy screen protectors. However, the most sensitive tasks should not be handled in public spaces at all, with or without a privacy screen.

A strong cybersecurity culture starts with establishing a clear and easily accessible process for reporting security incidents. Employees need to know exactly how and where to report suspicious activity without hesitation. Encouraging quick reporting helps prevent potential threats from escalating. Additionally, positive reinforcement should be used to acknowledge and reward employees who report security concerns, reinforcing the idea that vigilance is valued.

Fostering a workplace culture wheredouble-checking is encouraged can also help prevent security breaches. If an email seems urgent or unusual, employees should verify its legitimacy by calling the sender directly rather than responding immediately. The same goes for if there is any uncertainty, asking a colleague to review an email before taking action can help identify phishing attempts or other scams. Encouraging these practices normalizes healthy skepticism and makes employees more proactive in maintaining security.

Employees should also be reminded of the importance of software updates and required to install them regularly, for example, at the beginning or end of the workday if updates are available. Software updates also cannot be emphasized enough. Updates are always released for a reason, and keeping security updates up to date is crucial. Downloading updates may feel inconvenient, but most updates install while you make coffee or read the news. Updates can also be scheduled at preferred times, such as during lunch breaks or overnight.

Key measures to support technical cybersecurity solutions:

●    Annual cybersecurity and information security training sessions.

●    Regular hands-on cybersecurityexercises to equip employees with practical response strategies.

●    Continuous awareness-building and ensuring employees stay informed about the latest security threats and best practices through regular emails, newsletters, or other timely updates, rather than waiting for formal training sessions.

Implementing various privacy-enhancingpractices and tools, such as screen filters and USB data blockers when working in public spaces or charging devices in public rooms. Additionally, emphasizing the importance of maintaining good cyber hygiene.

Key Takeaways

The key takeaway from these posts is a warning against excessive cybersecurity automation and a reminder of both individual and organizational responsibilities in safeguarding information security. Cybersecurity is a vast and ever-evolving field that impacts everyone. Cybersecurity automation is a phenomenon where marketers exploit people's lack of knowledge, laziness, and indifference. Grand promises of ease and 'set-it-and-forget-it' security create an enticing illusion, yet no single application can provide complete protection on its own.

There are no shortcuts to cybersecurity, nor is it an area where cutting corners is an option. However, maintaining cybersecurity and protecting personal information does not have to be difficult, complex, time-consuming, or frustrating. Small, proactive steps can make a significant difference, and in many cases, the best defense against threats is the user’s own caution and judgment. Yet, to make informed decisions and act effectively, it is crucial to understand cybersecurity and its associated risks.