Human error is one of the biggest sources of data risk, whether it comes from a coworker in the office or someone working remotely. Cybercriminals target people because tricking a human is often easier than breaking into a secure system, and most employees have no idea their habits are dangerous. By understanding the seven most common mistakes workers make, companies can move from reacting to breaches to preventing them.
Key Takeaways
- Most cybersecurity breaches stem from unintentional human error rather than malicious insider attacks.
- Reusing passwords across multiple accounts makes credential stuffing attacks incredibly easy for criminals.
- Ignoring software updates leaves devices wide open to known vulnerabilities and exploits.
- Working on public Wi-Fi without a VPN exposes sensitive company data to anyone on the same network.
- Consistent microlearning is significantly more effective at changing behavior than annual compliance sessions.
1. Falling for Phishing and Social Engineering
Phishing now mimics real internal requests, which makes it easy for well-intentioned employees to respond without verifying the sender. Regular phishing attack simulations training builds recognition skills that help workers spot urgent or authority-based scams before they click. Beyond email, attackers also use texts and phone calls, so understanding social engineering risks at work encourages people to slow down and verify suspicious requests.
2. Poor Password Hygiene
Password fatigue drives risky habits, and reusing the same login across personal and work accounts can expose an entire company when one site is breached. Simple formats like “CompanyName2025” make it even worse, as predictable patterns are easy to guess. We see weak password habits in the workplace put networks at risk, which is why encouraging password managers and multi-factor authentication matters more than enforcing constant resets.
Related: How Impactful Is Interactive Cyber Security Training
3. Ignoring Software Updates
Delaying software updates feels harmless, but those patches often fix security flaws attackers already know how to exploit. Hackers look for outdated systems because they can target weaknesses before users apply the fix. Updating is not an annoyance; it is essential maintenance that protects the entire organization.
4. Using Unapproved Software (Shadow IT)
Shadow IT happens when workers use unapproved apps or devices because the tools feel faster or easier, and they rarely think about where company data goes. This creates blind spots, since IT teams cannot protect information they cannot see, and a breach in one of those third-party tools can put your whole organization at risk. Clear policy workflows for security compliance help guide employees toward approved tools and reduce the urge to bypass the system.
Related: Employee Training For SOC-2 Compliance
5. Working on Unsecured Public Wi-Fi
Remote work has normalized the idea of working from anywhere, including coffee shops, airports, and hotels. Employees put data at risk when they connect to public Wi-Fi without a VPN, since these networks are easy targets for attackers who can intercept traffic. Even cafés with passwords offer little protection because anyone nearby can access the same network. Teaching staff to use VPNs or mobile hotspots instead is a crucial layer of modern cybersecurity.
6. Neglecting Physical Security
Cybersecurity isn't just digital; it is physical too. A common mistake is leaving a laptop unlocked and unattended, even for a minute. It takes seconds for someone to plug in a malicious USB drive or snap a photo of sensitive data on the screen. "Tailgating," where an employee holds the door open for someone they don't recognize, allows unauthorized people to walk right into secure office areas.
This complacency extends to how we handle devices in public. Leaving a laptop in the car, even if hidden, or working on sensitive documents on a plane where a neighbor can "shoulder surf" are major risks. We tend to focus so heavily on firewalls and antivirus software that we forget the physical device is the key to the castle. Simple habits like locking screens (Win+L or Cmd+Control+Q) every time you step away must become muscle memory.
7. Believing "I Am Not a Target"
Perhaps the most dangerous mistake is the mindset that "I'm just a junior employee" or "Our business is too small to be targeted." This complacency leads to lax behaviors. Attackers often target smaller organizations or lower-level employees specifically because they are seen as the weak link in the organization. They use these accounts as a stepping stone to get to bigger targets that often have higher-level access.
Security is not just the IT department's job; it is everyone's responsibility. When employees disengage from security training because they think it doesn't apply to them, the organization becomes vulnerable. A continuous gamified cybersecurity awareness platform keeps security top of mind without boring everyone. By making security part of the daily conversation rather than an annual lecture, you combat the apathy that leads to breaches. Many of the cybersecurity mistakes employees make stem from a lack of consistent reinforcement.
Building a Security-First Culture
Fixing these seven mistakes requires more than a memo or a scary seminar. It requires a shift in how the organization views security. When employees feel that security protocols are obstacles to their work, they will bypass them. When they understand that security is a core part of quality work, they become your best defenders.
Protect your organization by empowering your team with fully managed security awareness training that fits into their workflow.
Conclusion
The landscape of cybersecurity is shifting constantly, but the human element remains constant. Employees will always be the primary target for attackers because they are human, prone to error, and often distracted. By addressing these top seven mistakes—ranging from poor password habits and phishing susceptibility to physical security negligence—you can significantly lower your risk profile.
It is time to move away from the blame game. Don't just punish mistakes; build systems that prevent them. Equip your team with the knowledge and the tools they need to recognize threats. When your employees are aware, alert, and supported, they stop being your biggest risk and start being your strongest firewall. The goal is to build a habit of security that happens automatically, every single day.