You Can’t Fix Human Error

 

 

Regardless of the training you have, or the security software you have in place, if you don’t do your part, you will be the next victim…

Cyber threats are all around us, and they will attack when we are vulnerable.  A new study from Brigham Young University reported up to 90% of the time, individuals ignore the security software alerts.  Many times, these alerts are for the user’s benefit, either to alarm them that something isn’t right, or that an update needs to be done.  The study concluded that due to the lack of ability to multi-task, users will disregard the alert to complete whatever task is at hand.  This is risky behavior, since if the alert is designed to warn the user that they should be cautious proceeding with their task, it is often disregarded.

The study showed that 74% of users disregarded the alert when closing a browser, and 87% ignored the alert when entering in a confirmation code.  According to TripWire, the alerts would be best suited to go off during times when users are not in the midst of primary computer functions.  It is believed if alerts were triggered in between primary tasks, the users would be more apt to act.

As a security company, this study is incredibly insightful.  No matter the protection we provide or the security training we encourage, if users are not doing their part, they’re vulnerable.  It is important users understand the importance of acknowledging these alerts.  It is not expected the user update their software the very second the alert comes through; however they need to make time to do it within that same day.

Please pass along this information to your friends, family, employees, etc.  Security software alerts have a purpose, and should not be entirely disregarded.  Stay safe out there!

Stop Responding to Threats.
Prevent Them.

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