Are Your Employees Unknowingly Helping Hackers?
Let’s put it this way—do you lock your front door when you leave home? Of course, you do. But what if you came back to find a window left wide open? That would make all your security efforts pointless, wouldn’t it?
Now, think about your business.
You’ve likely invested in strong cyber security—using firewalls, complex passwords, and up-to-date software. But if your employees unknowingly leave a digital “window” open, all those defences could be useless.
This isn’t about blame—it’s about awareness. The reality is that your employees could be your biggest cyber security risk without even knowing it.
The Risk of Personal Devices
With more people working remotely, studies show that four out of five employees use their own phones, laptops, or tablets for work. It makes sense—it’s convenient. But there’s a catch.
Personal devices often don’t have the same level of security as workplace systems. Weak passwords, outdated software, and unsecured Wi-Fi connections create the perfect opportunity for hackers.
And here’s where it gets even more concerning…
Two in five employees admit to downloading customer data onto their personal devices. That means sensitive business information is leaving your secure environment and could be exposed to cyber threats.
If that’s not alarming enough, consider this: Over 65% of employees admit they only follow cyber security rules “sometimes” or even “never.” This includes forwarding work emails to personal accounts, using unsecured hotspots, or ignoring security guidelines when using AI-powered tools.
Passwords Are a Major Weak Point
Almost half of employees reuse passwords across multiple work accounts, and even worse—over a third use the same password for both work and personal logins.
Now, imagine a hacker gaining access to an employee’s personal social media account. If they’ve used the same password for work, your business systems could be compromised in minutes.
What Can You Do?
The key is education.
Your employees aren’t intentionally ignoring security protocols—they often just don’t understand the risks. By raising awareness, you can help them recognise that small, everyday habits—like reusing passwords or working on public Wi-Fi—can put your entire business at risk.
Make security guidelines clear, simple, and easy to follow. A few essential rules to implement include:
- Using a password manager to generate and store strong, unique passwords for work accounts.
- Accessing work systems only on secure, approved devices.
- Never forwarding work emails to personal accounts.
Regular training is also essential. Keep cyber security front of mind with ongoing awareness sessions, and recognise employees who demonstrate good security practices—whether it’s reporting a suspicious email or suggesting ways to protect sensitive data.
Cyber Security is a Team Effort
By giving your employees the right tools and knowledge, you can turn them from a potential security risk into your strongest line of defence.
Want to improve your team’s cyber security awareness? Get in touch with us today—we’ll help you put the right strategies in place to protect your business.
