Problems are becoming more advanced and common, and virtual threats are evolving at an unprecedented level. While businesses and individuals invest heavily in cutting-edge surveillance systems, one important risk remains — the human factor.
This was the main text by Kamla Hamilton, Senior Product Manager at C&, W Business, at the Ministry of National Security’s CyberSMART Conference at the AC Hotel on Wednesday, February 12.
Titled The Missing Link: Human Factor in Cybersecurity, Hamilton’s display shed light on how people behavior plays a pivotal part in online security.
” The human connection is the most common, most consistent element and the area that needs the most interest. The onus is on all of us to be that smooth line of defense in cybersecurity”, Hamilton stated.
Her demonstration was a part of Flow’s wider Safer Internet Day initiatives, which aimed to give people the tools they need to live in a more secure online world. Every person has a role to play in protecting electric places, from business rulers to security experts to regular users, she emphasized.
For leaders, security has become a goal by fostering a society of security awareness. This includes investing in tools and training, rewarding good safety behaviour, and enforcing responsibilities. Without administrative buy-in, she noted, security measures danger being seen as optional more than necessary.
Hamilton also referenced the importance of ‘ Operational Defenders’, the IT and security team on the frontlines. Their knowledge needs to be strengthened through ongoing training and capacity building. They may also do normal tests, probe for vulnerabilities, and apply user-friendly protection policies and guidelines. Nevertheless, she stated that there must be a powerful ally in the business. Successful cybersecurity requires cooperation between departments, strategic risk assessments, and a workplace that understands the basics of online threats.
” The more educated people are, the fewer risks exist within an business”, Hamilton added.
Regular people, which form the bulk of the’ people factor’, can move the needle most towards a safer online storage, Hamilton more shared. Every day users make decisions that affect their electric protection, whether it’s a pupil using common WiFi, a family sharing personal information online, or a retirement falling for a phishing scam.
“Cybercriminals exploit people tendencies—curiosity, intensity, and trust—to mislead people into clicking harmful links or providing sensitive information. By being more careful, questioning cautious requests, and using strong credentials, individuals can substantially reduce computer risks”, said Hamilton.
In conclusion, Hamilton shared with the audience that the theme could have very properly been Human Factor: The Invisible Link, and not the missing link. People are manifest and essential in the cyberworld, but more attention and a strategic approach are required, she said.
Our best protection is an educated and strategic society, as virtual threats continue to evolve. Together, we can develop a more resilient electronic Jamaica where people, businesses, and areas thrive properly online”, Hamilton concluded.