The Human Element: Addressing Cybersecurity Risk in Danish and Swedish Organizations

We recently conducted research in Denmark and Sweden to understand security culture in local organizations better.

This research reveals a critical vulnerability in Danish and Swedish organizations - nearly 70% of employees in Denmark and 72% of employees in Sweden receive no cybersecurity training at their workplace. This gap in security awareness creates vulnerabilities that could affect organizations at every level.

Understanding the Current Landscape
The numbers tell a compelling story about human risk in Danish and Swedish organizations. While 40% of Danes and 21% of Swedes regularly face cybercrime attempts, many falsely believe they can spot cyber threats without formal training. More concerning, 19% of Danes and 17% of Swedes have adopted a defeated mindset, believing cybercriminals will succeed regardless of defenses. This highlights the critical need for proper awareness to create real behavioral change.

Your Greatest Security Assets
People remain the most targeted attack vector, with social engineering and phishing attacks being the cause of 70-90% of all breaches - leaving employees, and thus organizations, vulnerable. 

As employees, we’re constantly targeted by cybercriminals. We are prone to making mistakes, and, even occasionally, intentionally taking shortcuts that are not policy approved. To address this, it's crucial to empower employees to make consistently security-conscious decisions that strengthens security.

Beyond Traditional Security Awareness
Cybersecurity is not merely an IT department issue - it's a challenge that requires a holistic approach. While 22% of Danish employees and 24% of Swedish employees currently self-educate about cyber threats online, this ad-hoc approach falls short. Organizations need a structured program that:

• Integrates technology, employee training, and security processes across the organization
• Continuously evolves to address emerging cyber threats and shifts in employee behavior 
• Focuses on secure behaviors in how employees handle data, information, and business applications
• Encourages secure behaviors, through relevant and personalized training

The Confidence vs. Competence Gap
Even those who feel confident in spotting cyber threats can be vulnerable. Cybercriminals constantly evolve their tactics, making it crucial for everyone to receive regular, updated training. 

No one is immune to sophisticated phishing attempts or social engineering attacks, regardless of their experience level. A good example of this is when Jim Browning, a renowned scambaiter and cybersecurity expert, who is known for exposing scam operations, was persuaded to temporarily delete his own YouTube channel by cybercriminals impersonating YouTube support staff.  

The Lasting Impact of Cybercrime
The impact of cybercrime can have a devastating and long-lasting impact on an organization, extending far beyond the immediate fallout of a cyberattack like a data breach. The financial implications can be substantial, including costs associated with incident response, forensic investigations, legal fees, potential fines, and compensation for affected parties. Additionally, organizations may face regulatory sanctions, compliance audits, and legal action, depending on the severity of the breach and applicable laws.

A data breach can also severely harm an organization's reputation, and this damage can be difficult to repair. Customer trust, the foundation of any successful organization, can be irreparably damaged, leading to customer loss, loss of market share, and a tarnished brand image. 

Rebuilding trust requires significant effort, transparency, and a demonstrated commitment to strong security practices. 

Moving Forward: A Strategic Approach
Considering that nearly 70% of Danish and 72% of Swedish employees lack cybersecurity training, building cyber resilience requires a strategic and thorough approach to managing human risk. This begins with cultivating a strong security culture where security awareness becomes second nature. This can be achieved through consistent training, simulated phishing exercises, and continuous education, fostering a security-first mindset among employees, especially crucial given the current training gap. 

To effectively address human risk in Danish and Swedish organizations, it's essential to first assess current risk levels to identify vulnerabilities, and then implement targeted training programs to address specific weaknesses. Employees also require the necessary tools and resources to make informed security decisions and follow best practices.

These strategies should be regularly evaluated and adjusted based on ongoing assessments and employee feedback. Establishing clear accountability ensures that everyone understands their role in maintaining cybersecurity and is motivated to contribute, ultimately leading to a more resilient future for organizations in Denmark and Sweden.

Methodology: The survey report analyzed the state of cybersecurity awareness and attitudes towards cybercrime in Denmark and Sweden, gathered by YouGov from 2,000 employed participants aged 18 and older.