Have you ever hit “send” on an email and immediately regretted it?

The consequences of such a simple mistake can be enormous, especially when the email contains sensitive information.

This scenario became a reality for Anthropic, when a simple human error led to the unintended leak of consumer data.

Let’s explore how one small oversight can have significant implications for an organisation’s reputation, and how your organisation can avoid making a similar mistake.

Understanding the Anthropic data breach

Understanding the breach

In January 2024, Anthropic, an AI startup known for its Claude family of large language models (LLMs) and chatbots, faced a cybersecurity incident due to human error.

The breach began when a contractor sent an unprotected email to a third party containing sensitive customer data, such as customer names and open credit balances.

The breach did not include banking or payment information.

Once the breach was discovered, Anthropic swiftly initiated an investigation to assess the extent of the incident and identify the underlying causes.

Anthropic stated this was an isolated incident caused by human error and not a representation of vulnerabilities within Anthropic’s systems.

However, the consequences of the breach were significant, as sensitive customer information had been compromised.

The company promptly emailed their database to confirm only a ‘subset’ of customers were affected and provided guidance on how to avoid potential phishing attacks, such as:

• Requests for payment
• Requests to amend payment instructions
• Emails containing suspicious links
• Requests for credentials or passwords

Reflecting on the breach

The Anthropic incident highlights how a small human error can lead to significant consequences.

Despite advances in technology, human error remains a major cause of data breaches. Professor Jeff Hancock’s study found that 88% of data breach incidents result from employee errors.

Notably, even large companies like Anthropic, often seen as tech leaders, can experience human error data breaches.

This challenges the belief that only smaller, less resourceful companies are vulnerable.

Such breaches can harm a company’s reputation and customer trust, especially when seen as preventable.

Anthropic’s swift apology and proactive steps to inform customers about potential scams show a commitment to addressing the issue and preventing future incidents through thorough investigation.

The Anthropic incident serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing human error in cybersecurity and taking immediate action to maintain trust and prevent future breaches.

The consequences of human error in data breaches:

• Reputation damage: Breaches can tarnish a company’s reputation, leading to a loss of trust and credibility.
• Loss of customer loyalty: Customers may take their business elsewhere, resulting in a decline in loyalty.
• Financial losses: Breaches incur costs for investigation, notification, and security measures, leading to financial losses.
• Regulatory compliance issues: Non-compliance with regulations can result in fines and reputational damage.
• Operational disruption: Breaches disrupt normal business operations, requiring resources for resolution.
• Legal consequences: Companies may face lawsuits and penalties for negligence in data protection.

How you can prevent human error data breaches

Employee training

Provide comprehensive cyber awareness training on data security protocols, including identifying phishing emails with simulations, proper handling of sensitive information, and adherence to company policies and procedures.

Regular awareness programs

Conduct regular awareness programs to keep employees updated on the latest cybersecurity threats and best practices for data protection.

Strong password policies

Enforce strong password policies, including regular password changes and multi-factor authentication, to add an extra layer of security.

Data encryption

Encrypt sensitive data both in transit and at rest to prevent unauthorised access in case of a breach.

Access controls

Implement access controls to limit employee access to sensitive data only to those who need it for their job roles.

Incident response plan

Develop and regularly update an incident response plan to outline steps to be taken in the event of a data breach, including communication protocols and actions to mitigate the impact.

Regular security audits

Conduct regular security audits to identify vulnerabilities and address them promptly.

Create a culture of security

Foster a culture of security within the organisation, where employees understand the importance of data protection and feel comfortable reporting potential security incidents.

How Bob’s Business can help your organisation

At Bob’s Business, we provide engaging solutions to help organisations reduce the risk of human error data breaches.

Our training and awareness programmes are designed to equip employees with the knowledge and skills necessary to identify and prevent cybersecurity threats.

To further help organisations address the growing threat of QR code phishing, we are offering a free QR code phishing campaign to test staff vulnerability!

Simply interact with the bot below to get started.

There’s no denying that, when it comes to technology, the only real constant is change.

From the days of backing-up to floppy disks to saving our data to the cloud, cyber technology has undergone a wholesale revolution!

It’s also true that new generations of employees have risen to positions of responsibility within organisations, bringing new perspectives and varying levels of technical literacy and expertise to executive boards.

With each generation experiencing a different tech era, however, the question is: how does that affect your cybersecurity, and should you adapt your training accordingly?

Join us as we share everything you need to know.

Cybersecurity training from Gen X to Gen Z

Technology differences across generations

Gen X

Born between the early 1960s and the early 1980s, Generation X witnessed the transformative journey into the digital era. They embraced the advent of personal computers and experienced the early days of the internet.

Gen Xers became adept at navigating a landscape that seamlessly blended analogue and nascent digital experiences. Their technological journey laid the groundwork for the profound changes that would follow.

Millennials

Spanning the early ’80s to mid-’90s, Millennials emerged as pioneers of the mobile era. Their formative years coincided with the rapid rise of smartphones and the explosion of social media platforms.

This tech-savvy generation adapted swiftly to the shifting landscape, seamlessly integrating mobile devices into their daily lives. Millennials became the architects of a more interconnected world, shaping how businesses engage with technology and each other.

Gen Z

Known as the ‘digital natives,’ Generation Z was born between the mid-1990s and early 2010s. Unlike their predecessors, Gen Zers took their first steps in a world dominated by smartphones and instant connectivity.

Growing up in an age of unprecedented access to information, they possess an innate understanding of digital platforms, making them agile navigators of the ever-evolving technological landscape. Gen Z’s perspective is shaped by a constant flow of information, influencing how they interact with businesses and consume technology.

Generational cybersecurity challenges

Understanding the different tech eras that each generation grew up in highlights why tailored training can be beneficial.

Generation X

A cautious approach:

Having grown up in the pre-digital era, they have a unique approach to technology. Their introduction to the internet occurred when the internet was far more of a ‘wild-west’ than later generations found it, resulting in a more cautious attitude towards technology. This caution significantly influences their approach to suspicious links and privacy settings.

Dependency:

Unlike more recent generations, they might not depend solely on smartphones for everyday convenience, which can reduce their vulnerability to specific digital risks.

Email-oriented communication:

Having witnessed the rise of email communication, Gen X often rely heavily on email for professional and personal interactions. This reliance makes them susceptible to phishing attacks targeting email platforms.

Desktop-centric work:

Gen Xers will likely be more familiar with desktop-based work environments than later generations. This familiarity may make them less vulnerable to certain cyber threats more common in mobile-centric settings.

Millennials

Social media:

Millennials, being early adopters of social media, might share significant amounts of personal information online. This openness can make them targets for social engineering attacks and identity theft.

Data shows millennials are responsible for more than a third of phishing and identity theft incidents.

App-driven lifestyle:

With the creation of mobile apps, millennials tend to handle various tasks through applications. This app-driven lifestyle exposes them to risks related to app permissions, potentially compromising their data.

Research has shown Millennials show susceptibility to online dating scams, with a staggering 44% falling victim, for example – through the use of the Tinder app.

Remote work trends:

Millennials, with a higher inclination towards remote work, face cybersecurity challenges related to securing home networks, sharing sensitive information digitally, and adapting to new digital collaboration tools.

Gen Z

Poor password practise:

Research suggests that Generation Z is more likely than older generations to use the same password for both professional and personal accounts, possibly due to the convenience of managing multiple accounts and devices.

IT updates:

Gen Z tends to overlook mandatory IT updates, possibly due to their constant interaction. The constant flow of notifications makes it easy to miss updates. (58% for Gen Z, 42% for millennials and 31% for Gen X.)

Visual and video content consumption:

Gen Z’s preference for visual and video content can lead to exposure to malicious content on various platforms.

Online multiplayer gaming:

With a significant presence in online multiplayer gaming, Gen Z faces unique cybersecurity risks associated with gaming platforms, including potential exposure to scams and phishing.

Web browser habits:

Additionally, research shows Gen Z often accepts web browser cookies on their work-issued devices (48%), surpassing the rates of millennials (43%), and Gen X (31%).

Adapting training methods

A one-size-fits-all approach to cybersecurity training may not be optimal. Tailoring training methods to align with the learning preferences of each generation ensures more effective education and compliance.

Practical examples for Gen X:

Given their unique journey from the analogue to the digital age, Gen X individuals appreciate practical, real-world examples. They’ve seen the evolution from some of the first cyber threats to today’s sophisticated attacks.

Including case studies and scenarios that resonate with their experiences helps highlight the relevance of cybersecurity in their day-to-day lives.

Interactive workshops for millennials:

Millennials, having grown up in the age of smartphones and social media, thrive on interactive learning experiences. Consider conducting workshops that encourage active participation, discussions, and real-world scenarios.

Concise and visual materials for Gen Z:

Gen Z consumes information through visual mediums. Utilise concise and visually appealing materials, such as infographics, short videos, and interactive content. This approach aligns with their preference for quick, visual information, making cybersecurity concepts more accessible and engaging.

Common cyber threats

While each generation faces specific challenges, common cyber threats require all generations to be vigilant and aware.

Employees should efficiently recognise suspicious emails, links, or messages regardless of generation.

Additionally, malware doesn’t discriminate based on age.

Ensure all employees understand the importance of efficient antivirus software and regular system updates.

Emphasise the significance of strong, unique passwords across all generations. The adoption of good password practices is essential to protecting accounts.

How Bob’s Business can help your organisation

At Bob’s Business, we’re dedicated to building training experiences that fit the needs of every generation.

From our innovative, engaging and practical eLearning training to our phishing simulations, gamified experiences and more, we aim to establish strong cybersecurity practices within your organisation. That’s why we’re trusted by organisations big and small to deliver their training and protect their data.

Click here to discover our course collection.

In the legal sector, where confidentiality is essential, the cost of a data breach can be astronomical.

Crucially, while cybersecurity is often seen as a matter for IT teams, many of these breaches are not due to external threats, but human error within the firms.

According to the Information Commissioner’s Office in the period from Q3 2022 to Q2 2023, insiders were responsible for 60% of data breaches in the UK’s legal sector.

It’s a fact that many law firms are finding out in real-time, including Allen & Overy.

Join us as we unpack the details of a recent breach and discuss how you can protect your organisation against this kind of threat.

Allen & Overy breach explained

Allen & Overy, a prestigious Magic Circle law firm based in London, fell victim to a ransomware attack in November 2023 that targeted several storage servers, causing considerable disruption.

This attack coincided with a major financial milestone – their merger with Shearman & Sterling.

The LockBit ransomware group, known for its disruptive cyber activities, claimed responsibility for the attack.

They threatened to release sensitive data unless a ransom was paid by 28th November 2023.

Fortunately, the firm’s core systems remained intact, including document management and email services.

A growing concern in the legal sector

This cyber attack is yet another warning to the legal sector following the collapse of another law firm, The Ince Group, after a severe ransomware breach.

Indeed, despite having strict cybersecurity measures in place, The LockBit group were able to exploit vulnerabilities within the organisation – notably, human error.

That’s why, at Bob’s Business, we emphasise a multi-pronged approach when it comes to protecting your organisation, focusing primarily on raising awareness among your team of what threats look like and how to mitigate them.

Insights from the National Cyber Security Centre show that law firms emerge as prime targets for cybercriminals due to the amount of confidential data they hold, presenting a lucrative opportunity for malicious actors to pursue financial gains through data breaches.

Phishing attacks could be your weak spot

Recent findings reveal that a staggering 79% of cyber-attacks are executed via phishing emails, posing a significant concern for law practices.

These deceptive emails often disguise themselves as legitimate requests for information or access, highlighting the importance of heightened vigilance among legal professionals.

The role of employees within law firms is pivotal in identifying, reporting, and responding to cyber threats.

What can you do to prevent these attacks?

Prioritising cybersecurity awareness and training programs is essential to foster a culture of cyber hygiene and ensure robust protection against evolving threats.

Tailoring these initiatives to resonate with employees’ emotional, behavioural, and cognitive aspects can drive meaningful education and instigate positive behavioural changes to bolster defences against cyber attacks.

During pivotal financial events such as mergers and acquisitions, the risk of cyber attacks escalates as cybercriminals exploit the transitional chaos to orchestrate ransomware attacks and extort firms for financial gain.

In response, law firms must remain vigilant and implement proactive measures to protect their financial data.

Recent incidents such as Allen and Overy’s data breach and the collapse of the Ince Group show the importance for law firms to remain vigilant and proactive in their cyber defence strategies.

Adopting a comprehensive, multi-layered defence approach is paramount for safeguarding sensitive information in the digital age.

How Bob’s Business can help your organisation

At Bob’s Business, we understand the important role of human error in data breaches.

We offer specialised training and awareness programmes, putting employees at the centre of everything we do.

We are the industry-leading, “Most Trusted Cybersecurity Awareness Provider of 2023” that is helping businesses like yours to reduce the chances of being hit with data breaches through engaging, relatable training courses and simulations.

Ready to start protecting your organisation? View our range of courses today.

February 6 marks Safer Internet Day, and we’re supporting this vital global initiative by offering our Internet Safety eLearning course for free.

Our Internet Safety course teaches your staff how to identify risks like malware, phishing scams, and insecure websites so they can avoid online dangers.

With our Internet Safety course, your team will:

• Recognize common cyber threats like malware downloads and phishing emails
• Understand how to identify secure vs insecure websites
• Learn safe practices for submitting sensitive data online
• Know how to close suspicious pop-ups without engaging
• Gain the knowledge to react appropriately to dangerous sites

Ready to get started? Interact with the bot below to gain instant access now! 👇

Note: Our free internet safety course offer ends on May 1, 2024.

When was the last time you scanned a QR code? Did you know where it would take you, or whether it could be truly trusted?

It’s a gigantic threat to organisational cybersecurity, with QR codes now involved in 22% of all phishing attacks, a fact we revealed in our recent blog on the rising threat of QR code phishing attacks.

The good news is that we’re offering every organisation a free QR code phishing campaign* to test their staff’s vulnerability to this growing threat 😍 simply interact with the bot below to get started.

*Minimum 50 users to qualify, campaign is limited to one email.

When it comes to phishing attacks, it’s worth staying alert to the latest threats.

Phishing attacks are the most common form of attack that businesses and organisations face; worse still, they’re constantly evolving to incorporate new technologies and psychological angles of attack.

The latest of those new technologies is QR codes, which rose to prominence during the pandemic and have since become a mainstay of modern life.

In this blog post, we’ll delve into what QR code phishing is, how it works, why it’s becoming a prominent threat, and, most importantly, how organisations can defend against it.

What is QR phishing?

We’ve all heard of QR codes, those square barcodes that have started appearing everywhere, from restaurant menus to bus stop advertisements.

But how often do you scan them without knowing exactly what they’ll do, and where they’ll take you?

Scammers have latched onto this notion and are utilising QR codes in phishing emails, sending you and your team to fake websites where they can trick you into inputting confidential data or unknowingly download malware onto your device.

What makes QR code attacks so dangerous?

QR code attacks pose a serious cybersecurity threat for several reasons. First, they exploit the convenience and ubiquity of QR codes, which most people scan without a second thought. This allows scammers to direct victims to malicious sites effortlessly.

Second, QR codes can direct users to websites that look identical to legitimate ones. Without carefully checking the URL, victims may not realise they’ve landed on a fake phishing site. This enables scammers to steal login credentials and sensitive data seamlessly.

Finally, QR code attacks can compromise devices and full networks if malware is downloaded from a scanned code. A single infected device can provide access to additional cyberattacks.

Why do QR code attacks work?

QR code phishing succeeds because these attacks leverage both psychology and technology.

On the psychological side, QR codes feel harmless to most people. We’re conditioned to scan without thinking. Technologically, QR codes are simple for scammers to generate, allowing phishing sites and malware to be embedded effortlessly.

The ubiquity of QR codes also provides billions of targets. Attacks happen everywhere codes appear – emails, ads, social media posts, and physical locations. With QR codes growing in usage, the attack surface only expands.

Ultimately, combining technological and psychological techniques makes QR phishing alarmingly effective. People underestimate the danger while scammers exploit the system.

How can you spot QR code attacks?

QR codes in emails require extra scrutiny. Here are tips to detect phishing attempts without scanning the code:

• Inspect the sender’s email address. Does it match the company it claims to be from? Watch for slight misspellings.
• Check for poor grammar, spelling errors, or unfamiliar tones in the email text. This signals a likely phishing attempt.
• Be suspicious of emails with a sense of urgency, threats, or other psychological manipulation to entice scanning.
• Mouseover links without clicking to compare destinations to text. Mismatches often reveal malicious URLs.
• Verify the email formatting. Low-quality images or layouts may indicate a phishing attempt.
• Contact the sender directly if you suspect an email is fraudulent. Don’t use the contact info in the questionable email.

Of course, if you suspect an email is a phishing attempt, you should always report it to your IT team.

The growing threat in 2024

The rise in QR code usage in phishing attacks has been astonishing, with 22% of all phishing attacks now including a QR code.

That number is not expected to fall in 2024, either.

With more businesses and individuals relying on QR codes for various transactions, the attack surface for cybercriminals broadens.

Awareness of this threat must be a top priority for organisations, as the potential for exploitation continues to rise.

Risks to organisations

The risks posed by QR code phishing are multifaceted – organisations may face data breaches, financial losses, and damage to their reputation.

Furthermore, compromised devices within the corporate network can serve as entry points for more extensive cyberattacks.

Educating employees about the potential dangers of QR code phishing is crucial in protecting your organisation’s cybersecurity defences.

Protecting against QR code phishing

Mitigating the risks associated with QR code phishing involves a combination of awareness, education, and technology.

At Bob’s Business, we make it our mission to give organisations the knowledge they need to combat the latest cyber threats. That’s why we’re among the first phishing simulation providers to launch QR code phishing templates for our clients.

Learn about our phishing simulation training here.

Have you ever considered how your business’s security relies on your employees’ online habits?

With organisations facing increasingly sophisticated cyber threats, it’s crucial to evaluate your team’s online behaviour and equip them with the essential knowledge and tools to stay safe online.

Let’s explore practical steps to enhance your team’s digital security.

The importance of employee safety online

The importance of protecting your employees online cannot be overstressed.

Each team member is a potential entry point for cyber threats, making their online safety crucial for protecting their personal information and your company’s data and reputation.

Implementing strong online safety measures minimises the risk of data breaches, financial loss, and the potential compromise of sensitive information.

Ten tips to keep your employees safe online

1. Adopt strong password policies

Emphasise the importance of strong, unique passwords for each account to enhance security. Encourage employees to mix characters, numbers, and symbols and avoid common words or phrases.

Implementing a policy for changing passwords at regular intervals helps reduce the risk of breaches, as does sharing our essential password guide with your team!

2. Regular software updates

Stress the necessity of consistently updating all software, including antivirus programs.

Educate employees on how updates often include patches for security vulnerabilities, thus protecting against new cyber threats.

Set up automatic updates where possible to ensure continuous protection.

3. Implement phishing simulations

Deploy simulated phishing training to help employees recognise and report phishing attempts. Explain the common signs of phishing, such as unexpected requests for information or uncharacteristic emails from colleagues.

Regularly update training materials to cover the latest phishing tactics.

4. Secure Wi-Fi use

Advise employees on the risks of unsecured public Wi-Fi networks, particularly when handling sensitive work-related tasks.

Encourage using secure, private networks or a reliable Virtual Private Network (VPN) when working remotely to ensure data security.

5. Two-factor authentication (2FA)

Implement two-factor authentication for an additional security layer on sensitive accounts.

Explain to employees how 2FA works and its benefits in protecting their accounts from unauthorised access.

Regularly review and update the 2FA methods to maintain security effectiveness.

6. Limit access to sensitive data

Establish clear protocols to ensure only employees needing sensitive data access have it.

Regularly review access privileges and adjust them based on current job requirements.

This minimises unnecessary risk exposure and enhances data security.

7. Data encryption

Utilise encryption to protect sensitive data when transmitted and while at rest.

Educate employees on the importance of encryption in protecting data from interception or unauthorised access. Ensure encryption standards are in line with industry best practices.

8. Regular backups

Develop a routine for regular backups of critical data. Explain the significance of backups in preventing data loss in the event of a cyber-attack or system failure.

Ensure that backup procedures are tested and updated regularly for effectiveness.

9. Clear device policies

Formulate explicit policies for using personal devices for work-related tasks. Mandate security requirements such as using antivirus software and regular security updates.

Educate employees about the risks of using unsecured devices and the importance of adhering to these policies.

10. Incident response plan

A well-defined incident response plan ensures all employees are familiar with it.

The plan should outline clear steps to be taken in the event of a suspected security breach, including who to contact and how to contain the incident.

Regular drills and updates of the plan are essential for preparedness.

How Bob’s Business can help your business

At Bob’s Business, we make cybersecurity education beautifully simple for hundreds of organisations.

Our product range is designed to give your team the knowledge they need to spot attacks, tailored to your business needs, ensuring that your team is well-prepared to tackle online threats.

Let us help you build a safer online environment for your team. Get in touch today to find out more!