The human side of cybersecurity: why workplace education is your strongest defense

Jill Stagner

“You can have all the tech in the world — but if your helpdesk gives away the keys, you’re still locked out of your own house.”

In fact, up to 90% of data breaches are caused by human error, according to IBM’s Cyber Security Intelligence Index Report.

The Cost of Human Error

Cybersecurity isn’t just a technical issue, it’s a people issue. And when people are left untrained or underprepared:

• They fall for phishing emails designed to mimic trusted sources
• They use weak or repeated passwords across systems
• They overshare sensitive data via unsecured platforms
• They make costly mistakes under pressure or confusion
• The result? Breaches that can cost millions, damage reputations, and disrupt operations

Why Technology Alone Isn’t Enough

Technologies like AI-powered monitoring, zero-trust architecture, and endpoint detection are powerful tools for reducing risk and improving resilience. But without a culture of awareness, those systems become safety nets for already-made mistakes. A strong security posture depends on employees knowing:

• How to identify suspicious behavior:
• When to escalate concerns
• What to avoid in daily operations
• Why their role in cybersecurity matters

Cybersecurity training is not about turning everyone into security experts. It’s about instilling a baseline awareness so that everyone, from interns to executives, can avoid common pitfalls and contribute to a safer digital environment.

Build a Human Firewall

The most effective organizations treat cybersecurity education as a business-critical function, and not just a checkbox. Done right, it doesn’t just reduce risk; it empowers employees to act as the first line of defense.

To be effective, a cybersecurity training program should offer:

• Science-backed learning techniques (e.g., Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning)
• Content curated by real security experts
• Integration with existing Learning Management Systems (LMS) and/or customizable branding to match internal systemsRegular updatesto keep pace with emerging threats
• Cultural reinforcement that builds confidence, not fear

Education That Sticks

At Pulsar Security, we’ve seen firsthand how cybersecurity education transforms risk into resilience. That’s why we believe workplace education should be immersive, customizable, and built to match the pace of today’s threat landscape.

Threat alerts, content updates, and the ability to tailor training to your team’s needs ensures that education is always effective and relevant. Cybersecurity education should grow with your organization, not lag behind it.

The Bottom Line

Whether you’re a small tech startup or a Fortune 500, your people are your most critical asset, and your greatest risk. Empowering them with knowledge is one of the most cost-effective and impactful steps you can take.

Jill Stagner is the director of marketing and program development at Pulsar Security.