How Do You Strengthen Your Human Firewall?
Cyber criminals are constantly developing new ways to exploit people and systems , and no organisation is too small to be a target. While phishing attacks still top the list, there are plenty of other social engineering tactics designed to trick employees into handing over sensitive data or opening the door to more serious breaches.
Below we break down some of the most common threats, how they work, and what you can do to help your team recognise and stop them.
Common Social Engineering Threats
Phishing
Phishing emails or messages are designed to trick recipients into revealing passwords, bank details, or other sensitive information. Attackers often make their communications look convincing by copying the style of real organisations or even posing as colleagues.
More targeted attempts, known as spear phishing, use personal information gathered from social media or public records to make the scam even more believable.
Pretexting
Pretexting is when an attacker creates a believable backstory to get the information they want. They might pose as an HR representative, a manager, or even a supplier, asking the victim to “confirm” details or perform urgent actions. These scenarios are engineered to pressure people into bypassing normal checks.
Baiting
Baiting lures victims in with the promise of a reward , but the real goal is to install malware or steal credentials. This could be a “free” music download that hides malicious software, or even a physical USB stick left somewhere for someone to plug in out of curiosity.
Quid Pro Quo
In a quid pro quo attack, the attacker offers something in exchange for information or access, for example, posing as tech support offering a “fix” if the victim provides login details. This type of scam often involves sustained conversation and manipulation to build trust before striking.
Tailgating
Also known as “piggybacking, ” tailgating happens when someone gains physical access to a restricted area by following authorised staff through a door without using their own credentials. Large workplaces are especially vulnerable, as unfamiliar faces are less likely to be questioned.
Building a Strong Human Firewall
Even the best technical security can be undone if people aren’t prepared to recognise and respond to threats. That’s why strengthening your “human firewall” is one of the most effective defences you can invest in.
Here’s how:
- Build Awareness and Knowledge
Educating staff on the types of threats they may encounter is the first step. Awareness sessions should include real examples and practical tips, so employees know what suspicious behaviour looks like , whether it’s a dodgy email, a suspicious phone call, or someone wandering around the office without a badge.
- Deliver Regular Training
Structured cyber awareness training gives your team the tools to identify and handle threats. This could be spotting a phishing email, verifying someone’s identity before sharing information, or knowing what to do if they think they’ve been targeted.
- Test and Reinforce
Simulated phishing campaigns, security drills, and role-play exercises help reinforce training and keep awareness fresh. Some organisations gamify this process to keep engagement high, rewarding teams who report suspicious activity.
- Monitor and Adapt
Cyber threats evolve quickly, so your defences should too. Keep staff informed about new scams doing the rounds and review your procedures regularly. Monitor incident reports to spot patterns and identify where further training may be needed.
The Bottom Line
Cyber attacks aren’t just a technology problem, they’re a people problem too. By training and empowering your workforce to act as the first line of defence, you can dramatically reduce the risk of a successful attack.
At HM Network, we help businesses combine the right technical safeguards with practical staff training, testing, and monitoring. Whether you need a one-off awareness session, ongoing managed services, or help building a full cyber resilience plan, we’ve got you covered.
If you’d like to explore ways to make your business more cyber-secure, get in touch, before an attacker does.