A recent State of Small Business Survey by Verizon, revealed that 43% of small businesses are worried AI tools will expose them to cybersecurity risks—yet, only 45% provide employees with cybersecurity awareness training. Dawn Carrington, a cybersecurity culture change and awareness expert, has warned this is putting them at increased risk of cybersecurity attacks.
United States, 18th Oct 2023, King NewsWire – Verizon’s new State of Small Business Survey, released on Thursday, 12 October, revealed that 43% of US small businesses are worried AI tools will expose them to cybersecurity risks—yet, only 45% provide employees with cybersecurity awareness training. Dawn Carrington, a cybersecurity culture change expert and advisor to the UK government, has warned this is putting them at increased risk of cybersecurity attacks.
Dawn says:
“90% of cyber attacks start with a human being, such as phishing attacks according to CISA, which work by employees clicking a link, downloading something malicious, or being socially engineered by hackers. Phishing is also how a good proportion of ransomware is delivered.
“It is therefore crucial for businesses of every size to safeguard themselves by investing in their cybersecurity culture.
The survey results also indicate misplaced priorities among small businesses. Whilst many are quick to adopt new technologies and internet bandwidth upgrades, such as AI, only around half have implemented new security systems and training.
“The priority is protecting IP and customer data, which can be done by implementing evidence-based and cost-efficient initiatives to bolster cybersecurity culture – and essentially activate their ‘human’ firewall.”
Some of the most effective strategies for strengthening your security culture include assessing your current culture, ensuring new employees are inductions in your policies, mandatory cybersecurity awareness training and introducing a network of security champions in your organisation.
Dawn concludes:
“Prevention is far better than the cure; the cost of implementing these cybersecurity training measures pales in comparison to the potential financial losses and reputational damage that result from security breaches.”
https://www.verizon.com/about/news/verizon-state-small-business-survey-ai-challenging-economy
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