In the fast-paced world of business, mistakes are inevitable. Yet, when cybersecurity errors occur, many employees hesitate to report them. An estimated 50% of employees are afraid to report their cybersecurity errors because they dread the repercussions according to a report by ThinkCyber.
This reluctance can seriously affect organizations, potentially allowing small issues to snowball into major security breaches. Understanding why employees are afraid to report mistakes and how to create an environment that encourages transparency is crucial for strengthening a company’s cybersecurity posture.
There are various reasons why employees may fear reporting a cybersecurity problem, especially if the error was made by themselves or a coworker.
Fear of repercussions: One of the most common reasons employees avoid reporting cybersecurity mistakes is the fear of punishment. In many organizations, even simple errors are met with disciplinary actions, such as reprimands, demotion or even termination. The fear of losing their job or damaging their career can be overwhelming, leading them to hope that the issue resolves itself or goes unnoticed. This fear is not unwarranted. Forbes Magazine noted that 26% of employees who lost jobs in a one-year period were fired for making a cybersecurity blunder. It must be clear to everyone up front that reporting a cybersecurity issue will not result in disciplinary action or termination.
Shame and embarrassment: Making a mistake, especially in a critical area like cybersecurity, can be embarrassing. Employees may worry about being judged by their peers or managers, feeling that admitting an error would make them appear incompetent or untrustworthy. Managers, who are twice as likely to fall for phishing as employees, may be embarrassed. This sense of shame can be a powerful deterrent, keeping them from coming forward with valuable information.
Lack of awareness: Some employees might not fully understand the implications of their actions. They might think that their mistake is too minor to report, not realizing that even small errors can open the door to significant security risks. This lack of awareness can lead to underreporting or completely ignoring potential issues.
Unclear reporting procedures: If employees don’t know how or where to report cybersecurity mistakes, they are less likely to do so. Complicated or unclear reporting processes can be a major barrier. In some cases, employees may be uncertain whether what they’ve done even qualifies as a mistake that needs reporting.
Limited understanding of why reporting matters: Non-tech employees may not fully grasp why they should report security gaffes immediately, a circumstance that can lead to a problem quickly. Almost 40% of workers think that only executives and security teams are supposed to be focused on security practices.
Company culture barriers: In some organizations, a culture of perfectionism or an overly hierarchical structure can make employees feel that admitting mistakes is unacceptable. When a company’s culture values flawless performance over learning and improvement, employees may fear that any admission of error will be seen as a sign of weakness. Creating an environment where employees feel comfortable reporting cybersecurity mistakes is essential for minimizing risks and improving overall security.
Cybersecurity is a team effort, and the sooner mistakes are reported, the easier they are to manage. By understanding the reasons behind employees’ fear of reporting and taking steps to address those concerns, organizations can create a more secure and resilient environment. Transparency, education, understanding and support are key to helping employees overcome the fear that they will get in trouble or even lose their job for reporting mistakes. Getting everyone on the same page about the importance of reporting cybersecurity mistakes will ultimately lead to a stronger cybersecurity posture for the entire company.
