Telia’s Report Highlights Urgent Need for Human-Centric Cybersecurity Measures Amid Surge in Attacks

Telia’s Report Highlights Urgent Need for Human-Centric Cybersecurity Measures Amid Surge in Attacks

(IN BRIEF) Telia’s newly released “Buckle Up” report reveals that while cyberattacks have surged by 466% over the past year, only 37% of companies are adequately prepared to handle them. The report emphasizes that human error, rather than technology, is now the main target for cybercriminals. It identifies key vulnerabilities, including the careless use of AI tools and social engineering attacks. To address these challenges, Telia outlines five strategies for businesses, focusing on fostering a security culture, simplifying security practices, and promoting continuous learning among employees. The report urges companies to prioritize employee training and awareness to build a resilient defense against cyber threats.

(PRESS RELEASE) STOCKHOLM, 1-Oct-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — Telia has released its latest “Buckle Up” report, highlighting the urgent need for companies to strengthen their defenses against rising cyber threats. Despite a 466% surge in cyberattacks over the past year, only 37% of companies are adequately prepared to handle these attacks, as reported in Q1 2024. The report stresses that technology alone is no longer the primary vulnerability; instead, the “hackable human” has become the primary target for cybercriminals.

Drawing on best practices from well-prepared organizations, the report outlines five critical actions that businesses can take to improve their resilience. It emphasizes the importance of building a strong security culture by focusing on employee training, awareness, and fostering a secure digital environment.

Patrik Hofbauer, President and CEO of Telia Company, remarked:
“The cybersecurity landscape is evolving rapidly, with attacks becoming more sophisticated. Our research shows that while companies invest in technology, the human element often remains the weakest link. It’s essential that organizations prioritize training and awareness to foster a strong security culture. Neglecting this is akin to driving a car without a seatbelt – a dangerous gamble that could lead to devastating consequences.”

Telia’s report identifies three key factors contributing to human vulnerability, amplified by the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). The growing use of AI tools, often without proper caution, creates new opportunities for cybercriminals. Furthermore, AI has enabled faster, more personalized phishing attacks, while the increasing overlap between personal and professional lives provides criminals with easy access to personal data through social media.

To help businesses address these risks, the report recommends five cultural patterns observed in resilient organizations:

1. Cultivate Psychological Safety: Encourage a workplace culture where employees feel safe reporting security issues without fear of retribution.
2. Increase Awareness and Vigilance: Provide ongoing education to create a sense of “mild paranoia,” ensuring that employees see security as a priority.
3. Simplify Security Practices: Make security protocols easy to follow by embedding them into daily workflows, reducing friction for employees.
4. Incorporate Diverse Perspectives: Engage various experts, including behavioral scientists and ethical hackers, to identify security gaps from different angles.
5. Commit to Continuous Learning: Emphasize that cybersecurity is an ongoing process, using real-life simulations and regular training to keep security top-of-mind for employees.

Ultimately, the report calls for leadership buy-in to create a culture where security is everyone’s responsibility, with employees playing an active role in co-creating a robust defense strategy.

About the report

Buckle Up is based on a mixed research methodology that combines primary, quantitative and qualitative data from multiple sources. The research was done during the spring in 2024. Sources include 13 in-depth interviews with security experts at large enterprises and organizations across various industries in the Nordics and Baltics, 9 in-depth interviews with cyber- and digital security experts, roundtable gatherings with 15+ cross-functional specialists within Telia, data and insights from leading industry reports and articles and data from the Telia Digital Index 2024.

*Telia Digital Index 2024

Media Contact:

+46 771 77 58 30
irene.krohn@teliacompany.com

SOURCE: Telia Company