A substantial 26% of cyber incidents in businesses over the last two years have been found to be the result of intentional security protocol violations by employees. This figure closely rivals the 20% attributed to external hacking attempts.

The findings come from Kaspersky’s latest study, which explained that, contrary to prevailing beliefs that human error is the primary cause of cybersecurity incidents, the reality is more nuanced. 

Seeking insights from IT security professionals in SMEs and enterprises globally, the research aimed to understand the diverse impact of various individuals on a company’s cybersecurity posture. 

It discovered that intentional policy violations by employees, spanning both IT and non-IT staff, played a significant role in cyber incidents. Notably, IT security officers, other IT professionals and non-IT colleagues were identified as sources of breaches, contributing to 13%, 12% and 4% of incidents, respectively.

Examining individual employee behavior, the study revealed that 22% of incidents resulted from the deliberate use of weak passwords or failing to change them promptly. Additionally, 18% were linked to staff visiting unsecured websites, while 25% occurred due to neglecting system software or application updates.

Unsolicited services or devices were identified as significant contributors to intentional policy violations, with 14% of companies experiencing incidents due to unauthorized systems for data sharing. Particularly concerning was the finding that 20% of malicious actions were committed by employees for personal gain, with the financial services sector notably reporting 34% of such incidents.

Highlighting the necessity of a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy, Alexey Vovk, who leads information security at Kaspersky, emphasized the significance of fostering a culture of cybersecurity within companies.

“As the numbers are alarming, it is necessary to create a cybersecurity culture in an organization from the get-go by developing and enforcing security policies, as well as raising cybersecurity awareness among employees,” Vovk explained. 

“Thus, the staff will approach the rules more responsibly and clearly understand the possible consequences of their violations.”

Source : Info Security

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In the pursuit of a fulfilling career, one often yearns for a job that not only offers financial security but also nurtures a healthy work-life balance. While such opportunities may seem elusive, tech giant Google has emerged as a beacon of hope, renowned for its employee-centric leave policies that set a benchmark in the corporate world.

Every company has its own set of rules and regulations, often dictating the number of leaves allocated to employees. However, the stark reality in many organizations is that these well-deserved leaves often go unutilized due to the relentless demands of the job. In contrast, Google stands out with its remarkable benefits, luring aspiring professionals to join its ranks.

Google’s leave policies extend far beyond the ordinary, offering an array of enticing benefits. Among these are paid leaves, vacation days, provision of complimentary food and snacks within the workplace, reimbursement for internet and mobile phone expenses, and the flexibility for employees to work remotely for up to four weeks annually. This unwavering commitment to work-life balance has positioned Google as an employer of choice.

Beyond the customary national and festival holidays, Google provides an array of specialized leaves to cater to employees’ diverse needs. These include casual leave, sick leave, adoption leave, maternity leave, and paternity leave, among others. Notably, Google employees are entitled to a generous quota of 15 paid leaves each year. These accrued leaves are deposited into their leave balance account after completing one year of service, affording them the flexibility to utilize these as per their requirements.

Google’s benevolence further extends to granting six casual leaves annually, which employees can avail of when attending to personal matters. These leaves, however, are accessible only after the completion of the probationary period.

Additionally, Google extends the privilege of six sick leaves each year, emphasizing the importance of employee well-being. In a recent enhancement, Google now offers an extended allocation of 20 paid vacation leaves annually, up from the previous 15 days. It is important to note that the extent of paid time off (PTO) varies depending on the employee’s job title and length of service with the company.

Furthermore, Google adopts a hybrid work model, wherein employees have the flexibility to work from home for several days each week. This approach, designed to accommodate diverse needs, reinforces Google’s commitment to fostering a balanced and harmonious work environment.

Source : News 18

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