The human factor is a primary vulnerability for cyber penetrations

#Cybersecurity in the #DigitalEra has become crucial . _ With the increase in #cyberthreats , maintaining the integrity of information and systems has become extremely essential . However, #cybersecurity is not just a technical issue, but rather depends greatly on the human factor .

Cybersecurity is a set of principles and practices that aim to protect information and systems from manipulation, interference, theft, or destruction by illegal third parties . It affects many aspects of our lives, whether in the personal, professional or social sphere. Losing data or being exposed to cyber attacks can cause huge financial losses, affect the reputation of companies and institutions ( ¹ ) whether governmental or private, and weaken the trust they have from customers and business partners. It may also threaten the privacy, security and rights of individuals .

Cyber ​​threats have many facets, which increase with the increase in technological development , and make the challenges of maintaining a safe cyberspace a more complex task. In addition  to the common threats of viruses, ransomware, and phishing messages, there are #social_engineering techniques that are used to access the information sought by #cybercriminals. Deep fake technology has recently spread as a new tool to achieve their goals and harm those vulnerable to targeting.

Cyber ​​threats are unlawful attempts to seize information, influence user behavior, or damage systems. According to recent estimates, the impact of #cybercrime is expected to reach  $ 10 trillion this year ( ² ), exceeding the GDP of all countries in the world except the United States and China . This is due to the increase in #cyberthreats and the increased use of #technology .

How can we protect ourselves from #cyberthreats?

Protection from #cyberthreats starts with security awareness. The human factor is the greatest weakness in the security chain. According to the latest statistics, human error causes more than 90% of cybersecurity attacks ( ³ ). This means that most of these attacks can be avoided by improving security awareness and promoting good practices .

Here are some tips to improve safety awareness :

• Stay informed of the latest developments and threats in the field of #cybersecurity, and follow the advice and guidance of reliable sources .
• Use long, complex, and unique passwords for each account, and do not use the same password for more than one account, and also do not share passwords with anyone, and change them periodically .
• Use two-factor verification, which requires entering an additional code next to the password when logging in, by sending the code to your email or phone number .
• Keep anti-virus software updated, and scan the device periodically to ensure it is free of any malicious software .
• Beware of e-mail messages from unknown or unreliable sources, and do not enter personal or financial information on fake pages.

So, in the age of #technology, #electronic_security remains necessary. While #technological_development plays a major role in protecting institutions, awareness of electronic dangers is considered the essential element for maintaining the integrity of information and systems. By working together to promote this awareness, we can reduce the risks of #electronichacks and keep our digital world safe .

1. Human Error Drives Most Cyber ​​Incidents. Could AI Help? (hbr.org)
2. Human Error Drives Most Cyber ​​Incidents. Could AI Help? (hbr.org)
3. More than 90% of cyberattacks are made possible by human error (techxplore.com)