Human error accounts for 37% of all data breaches in Australia, and phishing is the leading cause of malicious or criminal attacks1. With more digitised operations, the 'gate' to sensitive data is no longer protected by just a firewall, but the collective awareness of the people using the system.
From misplaced clicks to weak password habits or blurred boundaries between work and personal devices, everyday actions by staff remain an important part of avoiding cyber incidents.
Why employee-led cyber risk prevention matters
Businesses across Australia continue to face an increase in criminal cyber activity. Common entry points for attackers are phishing, credential theft and unauthorised access. These threats often begin with a human action, such as clicking a link, reusing a password or overlooking a protocol.
When employee awareness is low or controls are unclear, small mistakes can escalate quickly into operational disruption, data exposure, financial loss and reputational damage.
According to the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD), robust personnel security guidelines are the foundation of a secure environment. This ensures that every individual who accesses your systems understands their responsibilities.
Key risks to address internally:
- Phishing and social engineering: Phishers exploit human psychology, creating a sense of urgency to trick staff into revealing credentials.
- The 'shadow IT' trap: Blurring of lines between professional and personal device usage introduces vulnerabilities. When employees use unapproved software or personal devices for business tasks, they bypass the company's security perimeter.
- Software lifecycle risks: For example, Windows 10 is reaching the end of its lifecycle and in such situations, businesses stop receiving critical security patches, which creates gaps for cyber criminals to exploit.
Common risk exposures driven by everyday activity
- Phishing emails that appear legitimate and prompt users to click links or share credentials.
- Poor access management, including shared logins or excessive permissions.
- Unsecured personal devices used for work purposes without adequate protection.
- Outdated operating systems or software, increasing vulnerability to known exploits.
- Credential reuse, where the same passwords are used across business and personal platforms.
Employees are protectors, not weak links
When employees understand how cyber threats work and why controls exist, they are better placed to recognise warning signs and act early. Spotting suspicious emails, questioning unexpected requests for information, managing access responsibly and escalating concerns before damage occurs are key elements of a solid human cyber firewall.
Guidance from the ASD highlights the importance of personnel security controls, including user awareness, separation of duties and controlled access to systems based on role and necessity2. These principles are increasingly relevant for organisations operating hybrid or flexible work environments.
Managing and protecting access
Businesses benefit from clearly defining who can access what and why. Key measures include:
- Applying least-privilege access so staff only see systems relevant to their role
- Regularly reviewing user permissions, particularly following role changes or departures
- Enforcing strong authentication practices, including multi-factor authentication
- Separating professional and personal system use to reduce cross-contamination risk.
Well-managed access controls reduce the impact of compromised accounts.
The role of training and education
One-off cyber awareness sessions rarely change behaviour. Effective programs are ongoing, relevant and practical.
Training works best when it:
- Reflects real-world scenarios employees are likely to encounter
- Explains the business impact of cyber incidents, not just the technical details
- Reinforces clear reporting pathways for suspicious activity
- Evolves as threats change.
Regular refreshers help keep cyber risk visible, particularly as attackers adapt their tactics. Importantly, training also supports a culture where staff feel confident reporting concerns early, rather than worrying about blame.
The 'human firewall' in action
Planning for incidents before they happen
Even with strong controls, cyber incidents can still occur. Preparation determines how well an organisation responds.
Incident response planning clarifies roles, responsibilities and decision-making during an incident. It also reduces confusion during high-pressure situations, enabling faster containment and recovery.
From an employee perspective, this includes knowing:
- How to report suspected incidents
- Who is responsible for escalation and external communication
- What immediate actions to take to limit damage.
Testing these plans through tabletop exercises or simulations can highlight gaps and strengthen readiness.
How insurance supports cyber security
Cyber insurance plays a broader role than post-incident financial support. For many Australian businesses, standalone cyber insurance provides access to specialist expertise that supports prevention, preparedness and response.
This can include proactive services such as:
- Device and vulnerability scanning
- Dark web monitoring for compromised credentials
- Threat intelligence and monitoring
- Incident response planning support.
These services complement internal controls and employee training, helping organisations identify risks earlier and strengthen defences over time.
How Gallagher can help businesses build cyber resilience
Gallagher works with businesses to understand their cyber risk profile in context — across people, processes and technology. Through risk management, crisis planning and cyber insurance solutions, Gallagher supports businesses in building resilience rather than reacting under pressure. Access to cyber specialists and response resources can be particularly valuable for organisations without dedicated internal cyber teams.
For more details on Gallagher's full range of cyber risk management services, get in touch with our adviser.
