Founded in 2004 as an initiative of the European Commission under the “Safer Internet” program, SID aims to promote safer and more responsible use of the internet.
Until the late 1990s, online security was primarily seen as a technical issue rather than a social one. It was only with the widespread adoption of the internet and the direct involvement of people in the network that it became clear how crucial it was to build a digital security culture. The dawn of the new millennium, with the explosion of home internet usage and the first major global threats, highlighted the urgency of addressing these issues.
The human factor in cybersecurity
As cyber threats evolve rapidly, the human factor remains one of the most critical variables in cybersecurity. Even the most advanced digital infrastructures can be compromised by a simple human error, such as clicking on a suspicious link, sharing corporate credentials, or downloading infected files. According to the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC, 2023), over 70% of breaches in Switzerland stem from human factors rather than technical weaknesses in systems. This data highlights how user awareness and behavior are essential for protecting information.
Human error is one of the most exploited vulnerabilities by cybercriminals, who know very well that it’s easier to deceive a person than to breach a highly protected system. Many of the most successful cyberattacks rely on social engineering strategies, manipulating users to obtain sensitive information. Some of the most common examples include:
- Phishing: fraudulent emails that appear to come from trusted sources, tricking the recipient into revealing passwords or company data.
- Credential theft: often facilitated by the use of weak or reused passwords across multiple accounts.
- Pretexting: a technique in which an attacker impersonates an authority figure or colleague to obtain sensitive information.
- Baiting: the use of infected devices, such as USB drives left unattended, to lure victims into connecting them to their computers.
- Vishing (also known as voice phishing): attacks through phone calls, where an attacker impersonates a company member or a supplier to obtain sensitive information.
Security Awareness: training as the first line of defense
To effectively protect data and systems, companies must invest in Security Awareness, making it a cornerstone of their defense strategy. It’s not enough to provide employees with theoretical knowledge; it is essential to foster a security culture that makes them aware of the risks and enables them to adopt preventive behaviors.
An effective training program must be interactive and continuous, with practical simulations, periodic tests, and regular updates on new threats. Phishing attack exercises, for example, help improve the ability to recognize fraud attempts before they cause harm. Additionally, the use of gamification — integrating playful elements into training courses — enhances engagement and information retention.
The companies most attuned to this issue have long adopted a Zero Trust approach, where no user or device is trusted by default. This means that training must emphasize the importance of continuous verification, the use of secure credentials, and the adoption of tools such as multi-factor authentication (MFA).
Another crucial aspect of Security Awareness is the speed of response. In addition to preventing errors, employees must be ready to act promptly in the event of a threat, reporting suspicious activities and responsibly applying company security policies. Only through continuous training and awareness can every employee be transformed into an effective ally against cyber threats.
The role of 4IT Solutions
Cybersecurity is not just a matter of technology, but of awareness and prevention. Even the most advanced solutions become ineffective if users are not trained to recognize threats. Investing in Security Awareness means building a digital culture where every individual, from employees to management, becomes the first line of defense against cyberattacks. Companies that train and raise awareness within their teams significantly reduce the risk of breaches, protecting not only their data but also their reputation and customer trust.
Contact us to discover how we can support your company in strengthening security through awareness and ongoing training.
