Employees in Cybersecurity - How to Stop Threats Before They Start

Employees are the biggest cybersecurity risk - especially on a tired Friday afternoon.

From accidental clicks to social engineering, human error fuels modern cyberattacks.

Learn how ITbuilder helps businesses turn their weakest link into their strongest defence with proactive, people-focused security.

Employees: The Greatest Cybersecurity Risk – And How to Stop Threats Before They Start 

It’s Friday afternoon. The weekend is in sight, and your team is racing to wrap up a big project. Someone in Accounts clicks a link in what looks like a routine email, except it’s not. Within minutes, ransomware spreads across your network, locking files, halting payments, and threatening to leak sensitive data. 

This isn’t a distant warning. It’s happening right now in boardrooms across the UK. The recent cyberattacks on Marks & Spencer and the Co-op show just how quickly things can unravel when human error collides with a well-executed cybercrime. 

The Human Factor: Why Employees Remain the Weakest Link 

A March 2025 survey by Sharp UK paints a worrying picture. Two-thirds of office workers admit to risky cybersecurity behavior, logging into accounts on public Wi-Fi, downloading unauthorised software, and oversharing via messaging apps. Fatigue, especially on a Friday afternoon, only makes matters worse. 

Although most employees are aware of cyber threats, many still think security is someone else’s problem. Shockingly, 21% believe it's solely the IT department’s responsibility, and 5% wouldn’t even be concerned if their organisation suffered a breach. 

Cybercriminals know this and exploit it. In the M&S attack, hackers used social engineering tactics to manipulate helpdesk staff. The Co-op experienced a similar scenario. In both cases, a single point of human error created a domino effect, disrupting operations and damaging reputations. 

The Reality in Numbers 

According to the UK Government’s 2025 Cyber Security Breaches Survey, 43% of businesses reported a cyberattack in the past year. The larger the business, the higher the exposure, with phishing and ransomware topping the list. 

Crucially, the most effective defences aren’t just technical, they’re human. Trained, alert, and supported staff are the difference between prevention and disaster. 

So why are so many businesses still stuck in reactive mode? 

The Reactive Trap: Too Little, Too Late 

Traditional security models kick in only after a breach. Alarms ring after the malware spreads. Experts are called after systems go down. Reports are written after customers are notified. 

At ITbuilder, we believe cybersecurity shouldn’t start after the incident. It should stop the incident from ever happening. 

Proactive, People, Centred Protection 

Our approach is built around one core belief: your people are your first line of defence. We strengthen that line with a combination of intelligent technology, smart processes, and ongoing education, all delivered as part of our Managed Security Services.  

Here’s how it works:

✅ Real-Time Threat Monitoring

Our AI-powered monitoring tools track your network around the clock. Suspicious login from abroad? Clicked link in a dodgy email? We spot it instantly, and act fast. 

✅ Automated Protection at the Edge

We stop threats before they gain traction. Malicious URLs are blocked. Infected devices are quarantined. Multi-factor authentication is enforced, and credentials are reset as needed, automatically. 

From engaging security awareness training to simulated phishing tests, we help your staff become more than just a risk point, we help them become your strongest asset. 

With our systems in place, you don't have to rely on memory or manual updates. We enforce security policies behind the scenes, URL filtering, conditional access, MFA, patch updates, and more, so even if someone clicks something they shouldn’t, your business is protected. 

We guide you through compliance frameworks like Cyber Essentials and ISO 27001. From assessments to audits, we make it easier to stay secure and certified. 

Why This Matters Right Now 

Cybersecurity isn’t just an IT issue anymore; it’s a business imperative. As M&S and Co-op have learned, a single misstep can shut down operations and erode trust overnight. 

The good news? With the right partner and a proactive mindset, most threats can be avoided altogether. 

So, whether you’re looking to harden your defences, empower your people, or simply get clarity on where your vulnerabilities lie, ITbuilder is here to help. 

Let’s turn your biggest risk into your strongest defence!

📞 0333 344 0980  Let’s discuss what real support feels like

👉 Book Your Free Cyber Risk Assessment

Sources:

UK employees' risky habits pose serious cybersecurity risks 

Cyber security breaches survey 2025 ,  GOV.UK