TLDR:

Key Points:

• Users make common cybersecurity mistakes, with the most prevalent being using work devices for personal activities and reusing or sharing passwords.
• Professionals rank clicking on links from unknown sources and reusing passwords as the most dangerous cybersecurity risks.

Summary of the Article

Cyber attacks are on the rise, exposing users to new cybersecurity risks. Despite these threats, many of the best defenses remain the same, such as creating strong passwords and avoiding malicious links. In 2023, the most common cybersecurity mistakes made by users included using work devices for personal activities, reusing or sharing passwords, and connecting to public WiFi without a VPN.

According to a survey of 7,500 end users across 15 countries, 71% admitted to making a cybersecurity mistake, with the majority doing so knowingly. The survey also revealed that professionals rank clicking on links from unknown sources and reusing passwords as the most risky actions users can take. These actions expose users to computer viruses, malware, and data breaches.

Overall, there is a significant overlap between the top cybersecurity mistakes made by users and the most dangerous risks identified by professionals. This highlights the importance of using basic cybersecurity tools to avoid financial losses and unwanted outcomes in an increasingly vulnerable online landscape.