The human factor in cyber security: Empowering your team.

Ever heard the saying, "a chain is only as strong as its weakest link."? In cyber security, that link isn't always your firewall or encryption. It's often your employees.

While technology plays a big part in keeping your business safe, the human element is where things can go either really right or seriously wrong. In fact, almost 90% of data breaches are caused by someone’s mistake.

We explain why your team is key to cyber security, how little habits can cause large problems, and how you can turn your team from a potential risk into your best defence.

How actions can lead to cyber security risks

It’s easy to forget how our daily habits can invite cyber threats. Think about all the emails your team sends, the files shared across departments, and the passwords reused for convenience. These simple actions can open the door for cybercriminals without anyone realising it.

For example, employees might email sensitive documents without a second thought, sometimes from personal devices or unsecured networks – especially if they're stressed or pushed for time. It's quick and easy, but it's also a data breach waiting to happen.

Then there’s the password problem. It can be tough to remember a unique password for every account, so it’s tempting (and simpler) to reuse them across various platforms. But if one system gets hacked, attackers can use it to break into other areas of your business.

And don’t forget those accidental data leaks. We’ve all had that sinking feeling where we’ve emailed the wrong person by mistake, but any casual email containing sensitive info, even between teams, can expose confidential data, costing you financially and damaging your reputation.

Mistakes will always happen, but with the right training, your team can learn to spot and prevent potential slip-ups before they snowball.

Find out more in common cybersecurity mistakes employees make (and how to avoid them)

Training your business in cyber security

No matter how strong your firewall is, it won’t protect you if your employees aren’t sure how to spot the various threats out there. That’s where good cyber security training comes in.

It’s important that your team know what to do when they spot something suspicious, like a phishing email. Scams are getting sneakier and more sophisticated, and email filters can’t catch everything. But by creating a culture where people are encouraged to flag anything unusual rather than brushing it off as someone else’s problem, you can stop potential threats before they cause problems.

And if things do go wrong, make sure you’ve got a clear response procedure in place. Speed is everything in a cyber attack, so everyone should know exactly what to do if they detect a breach. A defence strategy that includes things like an incident plan, crisis management or proactive network monitoring can all help you stay safe.

Read about what training you can deliver to your staff to increase cyber security.

Employee responsibility

Cyber security isn’t just an IT issue. It’s everyone’s responsibility. While technology might be doing the heavy lifting behind the scenes, it can’t do the job on its own. Every email sent, every file shared, and every link clicked can undermine those systems if people aren’t careful.

It’s not just about knowing the tech. It’s realising each small action can have a significant impact. By making the real consequences clear – for both the business and your team – you can turn what might seem like a distant, abstract risk into a genuine threat that needs to be taken seriously.

However, always remember this isn’t about scare tactics. The key is to give your team the awareness, confidence and trust to make smart choices. When people understand the “why” behind cyber security, they’re more likely to engage and take ownership. And when that collective responsibility kicks in, it becomes one of your strongest security assets.

People are often the missing piece in a cyber security strategy. From the way they handle file sharing to password practices, their actions can make all the difference. Cyber security training isn’t just a precaution – it transforms your team into a proactive first line of defence that helps keep your business safe.

To find out more on improving cyber security in your own business, get in touch with our V-Hub advisers for expert 1-2-1 support today.