10 Common cybersecurity mistakes employees make

Cybersecurity isn’t exactly the kind of topic that gets people buzzing over their morning coffee - until something goes wrong. Then it’s panic, passwords, and a very long chat with IT. Most breaches don’t happen because of some shadowy hacker in a hoodie. They happen because someone clicked something they shouldn’t have. So, let’s talk about the everyday slip-ups that put businesses at risk - and what we can all do (better) to stop them.

1. Weak or Reused Passwords

We all know we’re supposed to use strong passwords. And yet… most of us don’t. Reusing the same password across accounts is like locking your front door and then leaving the key under the mat. Once attackers crack one login, they’ll try it everywhere. Do this instead: Encourage staff to use a password manager, set minimum complexity rules, and remind them that birthdays and pet names don’t count as “secure.”

2. Falling for Phishing Emails

Those dodgy “Your account has been suspended - click here!” emails are smarter now. They use your company logo, spoof real sender addresses, even mimic your tone of voice. It’s unnervingly convincing. The mistake? Clicking too quickly. Most of us move fast, multitask, and barely scan before responding. And that’s exactly what hackers are counting on. Do this instead: Teach people to pause. Hover over links before clicking. Report suspicious emails immediately - better safe than sheepish.

3. Using Unauthorised Apps and Tools

You find a slick new productivity app, download it, and - without meaning to - introduce a major security gap. That’s shadow IT in action: software used without approval, usually because the official tools feel clunky. Do this instead: Make it easy for employees to suggest new tools through a clear process. If people understand why approval matters, they’ll be less likely to go rogue.

4. Ignoring Software Updates

“Yes, I’ll do it later.” Famous last words. Those updates you keep snoozing often include critical security patches. Leaving them undone means leaving your door wide open. Do this instead: Automate updates wherever possible and communicate their purpose - it’s not about nagging; it’s about protection.

5. Mishandling Sensitive Data

Sending the wrong file to the wrong person. Uploading confidential info to a public drive. It’s usually a simple mistake, but the fallout can be massive. Do this instead: Create clear data-handling guidelines and repeat them often. Consistency breeds awareness.

6. Poor Remote Working Habits

Working from a café on public Wi-Fi feels harmless… until someone intercepts your session. Or you save sensitive data to your personal laptop because it’s “just easier.” Do this instead: Secure remote working setups with VPNs, encryption, and device management. And explain why these tools exist - it’s easier to follow rules when they make sense.

7. Leaving Devices Unlocked

It sounds obvious, but it happens constantly. An unlocked screen in a shared space is an open invitation. Do this instead: Encourage quick-lock shortcuts and auto-timeouts. Even better, make it a friendly team habit - lock before you walk.

8. Oversharing on Social Media

That photo of your office birthday cake? Cute, sure. But the background might show sensitive info on a whiteboard or computer screen. Oversharing gives social engineers clues about your systems, schedules, or staff. Do this instead: Train teams to think before they post. Social media is public, even when it doesn’t feel like it.

9. Failing to Report Incidents

The scariest security risk isn’t the mistake itself - it’s hiding it. People fear blame or think “someone else will handle it.” By then, it’s too late. Do this instead: Foster a no-blame culture where flagging issues is seen as responsible, not risky. The faster you report, the smaller the damage.

10. Treating Cybersecurity Like Someone Else’s Job

Maybe the biggest mistake of all: assuming IT has it covered. Cybersecurity isn’t a department - it’s a culture. Everyone plays a role, from the CEO to the new starter. Do this instead: Build awareness through ongoing training, bite-sized reminders, and, most importantly, involvement. We think this connects closely to creating meaningful employee involvement initiatives, because people protect what they feel part of.

Final Thoughts

Technology can only take you so far. Firewalls, encryption, detection systems - they’re powerful, but they can’t outthink human error. What really protects your organisation is a collective mindset: cautious, informed, and engaged. Get that right, and you’re already miles ahead of the next phishing link that lands in your inbox.

FAQs

Q1. What’s the most common cybersecurity mistake employees make?

It’s usually something deceptively simple - like reusing passwords or clicking on a phishing link. Most breaches start with human error, not a hacker breaking through a firewall.

Q2. How can companies reduce these mistakes without overwhelming staff?

Small, regular training beats annual tick-box sessions every time. Keep learning light, frequent, and real-world. When people understand why it matters, the habits stick.

Q3. Do cybersecurity mistakes only happen to non-technical employees?

Not at all. Even the most tech-savvy staff can slip up when they’re tired, distracted, or rushed. Mistakes are human; that’s why culture matters as much as technology.

Q4. How should leaders respond when someone causes a security incident?

Avoid blame. Focus on speed and learning instead. A transparent, no-fault approach encourages others to report issues early - which can make all the difference.

Q5. Is it worth investing in a password manager for employees?

Absolutely. It’s one of the simplest ways to reduce risk across the board. A password manager helps staff create and store strong, unique passwords without the mental gymnastics.

Q6. What’s the role of cybersecurity training in preventing these mistakes?

Training builds awareness, but the real goal is habit change. Think less “PowerPoint session” and more “ongoing conversation.” Make it engaging, practical, and tied to people’s actual workflows.

Q7. How do you make cybersecurity feel like everyone’s job?

Embed it in daily culture. Celebrate good security habits, mention it in team meetings, and align it with other engagement efforts - like creating meaningful employee involvement initiatives. When people feel ownership, protection becomes second nature.