In a world dominated by technology, it’s no surprise that small businesses are constantly battling cybersecurity threats. What might surprise you, though, is that your younger, tech-savvy employees may be your organization’s biggest vulnerability.
The Stats That Startled Us
A recent survey, spanning 6,500 employees across the globe, painted a revealing picture. The study found that employees under the age of 40 are more likely to overlook crucial cybersecurity practices. Here’s a quick breakdown of the surprising (to us, anyway) findings:
- 34% of the younger workforce admitted to using their birthdates as passwords, compared to just 19% of their older colleagues.
- 38% of the younger generation reused the same passwords across multiple devices, exposing themselves (and their employers) to considerable risk.
- Shockingly, 23% of these younger employees chose not to report phishing attempts, deeming them unimportant.
Facing Reality
Now, you might think that young, tech-savvy employees would fully grasp the severity of cybersecurity threats. But the study suggests otherwise. While 23% acknowledged the critical nature of ransomware and 22% recognized the danger of phishing, the overall attitude towards cybersecurity still leaves much to be desired.
The Training Gap
Why this divide in cybersecurity awareness? A significant number of surveyed organizations do not provide mandatory cybersecurity training. From the US to the UK, Netherlands to Japan, and many more, the numbers paint a clear picture: employees of small and medium-sized businesses are not receiving the training they need to keep your company safe from cyberattack.
What Can We Do?
So, are we justified in blaming our younger workforce for their lax cybersecurity practices when organizations aren’t doing enough to equip them with the necessary skills? It’s a shared responsibility.
It’s high time we stop treating cybersecurity as an afterthought. We should invest in regular cybersecurity awareness training for all employees, not just the tech team or executives. Let’s create a culture of cybersecurity that empowers every single employee to be a shield against digital threats.
Remember, it’s not just about safeguarding your business; it’s about creating a safer digital world for all of us. Embrace the change, bridge the gap and fortify your organization’s defenses against the ever-present cybersecurity threats.
Ian Robertson
