Educating people about Cybersecurity
The problems associated with Cybersecurity have changed considerably in recent years: today, a company’s or organisation’s infrastructural component is not as targeted as the human factor. In fact, attackers have realised that the easiest way to gain access to computer systems and to obtain data, information and much more, is through those who constantly use technology tools, often without due caution: people. The issue of cybersecurity can therefore no longer be approached from a technological standpoint alone (Technology-Centric approach), since, due to the digital explosion and the Internet, it is people who are constantly exposed to the dangers of the Internet. Using a People-Centric approach to Cybersecurity, on the other hand, means recognising that the human factor plays a key role in improving a company’s cybersecurity. Making people aware of the threats to which they expose themselves and the company and providing them with the right tools to protect themselves, means transforming a potential vulnerability into an effective defence. “Give a fish to a man, and you feed him for a day. Teach him how to catch fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.” (Chinese proverb)
How to protect yourself against cybercrime
The computer techniques that target exclusively users and are used by hackers to obtain company data or to extort money are defined with the term Social Engineering, as they aim to exploit people’s reckless and careless behaviour using psychological persuasion and by leveraging human weaknesses (a beginner’s guide to Social Engineering can be found at this link). Examples include phishing emails, which may prompt you to confirm your login credentials for your email or bank account, or USB flash drives with malicious content intentionally left in a company’s parking lot. Hackers use many techniques to persuade their victims to perform tasks that are ill advised and/or dangerous for the company. Being aware of these techniques and knowing how to recognise them is the first step to avoid falling victim to them and exposing yourself and your company to the serious dangers of cybercrime. But how can you raise awareness and train your employees about the risks present on the Internet, and make them more attentive to the issue of cybersecurity? The partnership between Intuity and Skilla – Amicucci Formazione has given rise to the Cybersecurity training pill, an eLearning course on how to defend yourself against cybercrime and avoid falling victim to scams on the Internet. This video tells the story of Vito, and how a seemingly regular work day can prove to be rather dangerous. You’ll be sure to love the ending! Eliana Cerato and Paolo Sardena Intuity