More staff training needed to boost cyber systems security

EMPLOYERS rushing to boost cyber defences after a rash of US online break-ins won’t block spies and thieves by simply throwing technology at the problem, since their core weakness is often badly-trained and badly-managed workers.

In the cyber realm, as in other areas of security, the human factor is a pervasive vulnerability, be it theft by malicious “insiders” or inadvertent breaches by employees clicking on a compromised link, analysts say.

More rigorous training may not end the abuse of corporate cyber systems — the sophistication of some hacker tactics is so great that 100% security is probably unattainable — but it can significantly reduce the risks, specialists say.