Page 107 - Cyber Defense eMagazine June 2024

financial losses, including all costs associated with repair processes and customer refunds that
may incur during a cyber-attack or data breach.

Potential Threats and Opportunities:

Threats

1. Ransomware: In 2023, MGM Resorts International and Caesars Entertainment suffered
significant ransomware attacks. Ransomware attacks cost victims billions of dollars and can be
multiplied with tools like AI and blockchain technology. Failing to provide ransom to the attackers
can lead to massive data leaks. Lack of awareness and negligence lead to bugs and system
vulnerabilities by companies, which amplifies the threat of ransomware attacks.
2. Rise of complexities in security systems: As security systems become more complex with
technological advancements, they become more complicated for users to understand and
manage. This difficulty can increase human error as employees try to comply with complex
security procedures, causing accidental data spillage.
3. Cloud Security threats: As more data and applications move to the cloud, the risk of breach
increases. Misconfigured cloud services can be easily exploited, leading to data theft or leakage.
With advancements in cybersecurity, the threats of IoT (Internet of Things) and malware attacks
are increasing.

Opportunities

1. Improve employee training and awareness: Employee training and awareness methods like
gamified learning and phishing simulations can help employees detect and prevent security
breaches and data spillage.
2. Automation and artificial intelligence-focused security solutions: AI can help identify
vulnerabilities, automate threat responses, and provide instant guidance to users, reducing the
potential for data leaks.
3. User-Centered Security Design: By simplifying security tasks and integrating user-friendly
interfaces, organizations can reduce the risk of human error and improve their overall data
protection.

Predictions for the role of human error in data spillage incidents

There will be several predicted factors that will lead to human error in data spillage. These are as follows:

• Insufficient Training
• Increased complexity of systems
• Lack of expertise in Cybersecurity by professionals
• Reliance on third-party vendors for data management

Cyber Defense eMagazine – June 2024 Edition 107
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