CIO 100: Humans are weakest link in cybersecurity, education is the way to improve

Human beings are still the weakest link to your company’s cybersecurity but even though social engineering scams are prevalent, the key to mitigating against them is companywide education about the issues.

This issue was raised by Anna Collard, Managing Director, Popcorn Training, A Know Before Company, during her presentation titled: “talk about Security Awareness, Adressing the human Element” at the CIO 100 Symposium and Awards being held in Naivash, Kenya.

“90% of breaches are due to human error as attackers go for low hanging fruits and we humans are it” said Collard.

According to a study by IBM/Ponemon “Cost of Data Breach Study: Global Analysis” – The average cost paid for each lost or stolen record containing sensitive and confidential information increased 6 percent, jumping from $145 in 2014 to $154 in 2015. The study however found that Improvements in data governance initiatives will reduce the cost of data breach. Incident response plans, the appointment of a CISO (Chief Information Security Officer), employee training and awareness programs and a business continuity management strategy result in cost savings.

These sentiments were shared by Collard who says that educating the entire office plays a big part in preventing hacking through ‘social engineering’ as it creates a frontline protection of aware employees.

The CIO 100 Symposium is the most powerful gathering of CIOs and senior IT and business executives. This is where you will network with the top leaders in IT in East Africa, forge new partnerships, and prepare to be inspired.

Here, you’ll find you’re not alone in the challenges you face or in the triumphs you celebrate. We’ll help introduce you through social events, interactive sessions, workshops and more.

300+ Passionate Attendees

Network with the top leaders in IT, forge new partnerships, and prepare to be inspired. Here, you’ll find you’re not alone in the challenges you face or in the triumphs you celebrate. We’ll help introduce you through social events, interactive sessions, workshops and more.

2 – Inspired Days

The CIO 100 Symposium is YOUR time. Immerse yourself in the knowledge sharing, spend each day focused on your goals, enjoy the stunning Enashipai Resort, and have some fun. You’ll return home with renewed personal and professional energy – and no one deserves that more than you.

50+ – Brilliant Speakers

You’ll not only leave the CIO 100 Symposium with new ideas, but also empowered and confident to turn them into action. Our speakers are top notch CIOs and IT leaders who will all share their latest thoughts and valuable insights on strategy, leadership, and business growth.

100 – Honored Peers

Join us and celebrate the 2018 CIO 100 Honorees. These awards are ultimate symbols of dedication, perseverance, teamwork, and leadership. You’re invited to our Awards Gala, an unforgettable evening where we recognize enormous achievements in IT.