Shadow IT refers to the use of information technology systems, devices, software, applications, and services without explicit approval from an organisation's IT department. While it sounds sinister, and has certain implications, it is not always done maliciously or with the intent of breaching security. It encompasses a wide range of digital activities where employees leverage unapproved tools to be more productive or achieve specific goals.

Software as a Service (SaaS) applications have become widespread and indispensable for businesses of all sizes, and for good reason. The convenience, flexibility, and scalability mean teams can access the essential tools and data from anywhere around the globe. This convenience and accessibility, however, does pose its own set of challenges when it comes to security risks.

Human risk management (HRM) has become a more established category in recent years. This development signals a crucial shift towards enabling security teams to accurately quantify and manage workplace risks. With the rise of HRM, a variety of new technologies have also emerged on the market. However, how do you navigate the sea of buzzwords and shiny promises to pick the solution that's right for you?

I've spent over 35 years as a trainer in various capacities, so it might surprise you to hear me say that training alone isn't enough to change behaviours—particularly when it comes to security. This isn't just my opinion; it's a conclusion from our State of Human Risk Management in 2024 Report. To understand why training isn't the full solution, we need to delve into the field of human error. Mistakes—errors caused by wrongly applied knowledge—can often be corrected with training.

October 1st marks the start of Security Awareness Month. A global campaign launched two decades ago to improve cyber security awareness and equip people with the knowledge and resources they need to be secure online. But what impact has this campaign truly had in the workplace? Yes, it spotlights the issue and boosts high-level awareness of threats like phishing.

As American poet Nikki Giovanni wisely observed, "Mistakes are a fact of life. It is the response to error that counts." This rings particularly true in the world of cyber security. Even the most vigilant individuals can make mistakes—after all, we’re only human. What truly matters is how we respond. Imagine a platform that automatically detects risky security behaviours, alerting employees and nudging them to fix their mistakes before they escalate?

The field of AI has been around for decades, but its current surge is rewriting the rules at an accelerated rate. Fuelled by increased computational power and data availability, this AI boom brings with it both opportunities and challenges. AI tools fuel innovation and growth by enabling businesses to analyse data, improve customer experiences, automate processes, and innovate products – at speed. However, as AI becomes more and more commonplace, concerns about misinformation and misuse arise.

Need help with a task while you’re out of the office? Sharing your login details with a colleague can seem harmless. However, this seemingly innocent act can lead to unintended consequences, especially if you’re using the same credentials across multiple platforms. Imagine the implications if those shared credentials grant access to your company's network. That's why it's crucial to prioritise security over convenience, and prevent password sharing.