Why Cyber Risk Is More Than Just Phishing: Understanding the Broader Human Risk Landscape

The Changing Face of Cyber Risk

Cybersecurity has traditionally focused on firewalls, encryption, and anti-virus software to keep cyber threats at bay. However, as the landscape of threats evolves, the focus has shifted. 

Today, cyber risk is no longer limited to just phishing. It encompasses a wide range of human-centric threats. Cybercriminals are targeting human behaviour in more sophisticated and complex ways, making it essential for businesses to adapt their approach to cybersecurity.

While phishing is still a major concern, businesses must recognise that human risk extends well beyond email. Attackers are increasingly exploiting multiple communication platforms and social engineering tactics to infiltrate organisations. To stay secure, businesses must broaden their risk management strategies and prepare for evolving threats across various channels.

What Is Phishing and Why It’s Just the Tip of the Iceberg

Phishing remains one of the most common and effective forms of cyberattack. It is a social engineering technique where attackers manipulate individuals into revealing sensitive information, clicking on malicious links, or installing malware. However, while phishing continues to be a threat, it is just one of many tactics used by cybercriminals today.

Organisations have relied on phishing simulations and security awareness training as their primary defence against these attacks. But this focus is insufficient to tackle the growing complexity of modern cyber risks.

While phishing remains a significant problem, organisations must expand their human risk strategy to encompass multi-channel threats, including attacks via messaging apps, collaboration tools, and mobile devices. This requires a more comprehensive approach to human risk management.

The Broader Threat Landscape: New Attack Vectors to Watch

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1. Messaging Platforms and Collaboration Tools

Platforms like WhatsApp, Slack, and Microsoft Teams have become essential for workplace communication. Unfortunately, they are also prime targets for cybercriminals. Attackers are using these platforms to:

• Impersonate colleagues or vendors to steal sensitive data.
• Send malicious links or attachments, disguised as internal documents.
• Initiate fake technical support requests to gain access to systems.

Employees may feel more comfortable and trust messages from familiar contacts in these platforms, lowering their guard against potential threats. Therefore, organisations must train employees to recognise phishing-style attacks across all communication channels, not just email.

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2. SMS and Mobile Phishing (Smishing)

As mobile phones become integral to business operations, they also present new cybersecurity risks. Smishing, or SMS phishing, is growing in prominence. Attackers use SMS to:

• Lure employees into revealing login credentials.
• Prompt users to click on malicious links.
• Trick users into downloading malware via mobile apps.

Many employees may not perceive mobile messages as a significant risk, given their personal nature. This trust is exploited by attackers, bypassing traditional email-based security measures.

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3. Social Media and Public Profiles

Social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter are increasingly used by attackers to gather information about employees, organisations, and potential vulnerabilities. These platforms provide a wealth of publicly available data that can be leveraged for:

• Impersonation attacks: Creating fake profiles or messages that appear legitimate.
• Social engineering: Crafting convincing phishing messages based on an individual’s interests or connections.
• Credential stuffing: Using public data to crack passwords across various platforms.
  
  

As cybercriminals increasingly leverage social media, organisations must expand their human risk strategy to include social engineering awareness.

The Shift from Technology to Human Behaviour: Why Cyber Risks Are Human-Centric

What makes these newer attack vectors concerning is their focus on human behaviour rather than just technological vulnerabilities. Cyber attackers are preying on human psychology, exploiting emotions like urgency, curiosity, and trust to manipulate individuals into making poor decisions.

Human error remains the weakest link in cybersecurity, and organisations must manage this vulnerability effectively.

To address this, businesses must move beyond traditional email phishing to adopt a multi-channel risk management strategy. This strategy should consider the diverse platforms employees use and train them to recognise threats in various forms.

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How to Adapt: Building a Robust Human Risk Strategy

To stay ahead of the changing cyber risk landscape, organisations need to adapt their human risk management strategies. Here are the key steps businesses need to take:

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1. Expand Risk Simulations Beyond Email

Organisations should test employee responses in the context of modern communication tools, such as:

• WhatsApp and Teams for messages and links from colleagues.
• Mobile devices for smishing and other mobile‑based threats.
• Social media platforms for social engineering attempts.

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2. Tailor Training to Address Multi-Platform Risks

Security training must move beyond phishing emails to include:

• Training on collaboration tools like Slack and Teams.
• Mobile security for employees accessing company data via smartphones.
• Social engineering awareness for employees interacting with external clients and partners via social media.

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3. Incorporate Behavioural KPIs into Risk Management

Track behavioural metrics to assess the effectiveness of your human risk strategy. Rather than just measuring completion rates, track:

• Employee engagement with training content.
• Response to simulations across various platforms.
• Improvement over time in employee behaviour.

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4. Update Risk Management Practices Regularly

As new attack vectors emerge, organisations need to update their human risk strategy to stay ahead. This includes:

• Adding new channels to training and simulations.
• Reviewing past incidents to improve future strategies.
• Keeping security teams informed about new technologies and threats.
  
  

A Multi-Channel Approach to Human Risk Management

While phishing remains a significant concern, cyber risks today extend far beyond email. Organisations must expand their human risk management strategies to include new attack vectors such as messaging apps, mobile devices, and social media.

By adapting training to cover these new channels and fostering a security-conscious culture, businesses can better prepare employees to recognise and respond to evolving threats.

Phishing Tackle offers the tools businesses need to strengthen their human risk strategies, with multi-platform testing, real-time behavioural insights, and actionable data to keep your organisation ahead of modern cyber threats.

Contact us today to learn how Phishing Tackle can help safeguard your organisation from the growing array of cyber risks.

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