A recent study by IT.ie, in partnership with SonicWall, reveals that 73% of Irish office workers feel blamed for cybersecurity incidents. The findings indicate that 29% of employees reported someone in their organization being fired for causing a breach in the past year. Furthermore, 38% of respondents said their employers “always” hold staff accountable for incidents, while 35% noted it happens “sometimes.”
Eamon Gallagher, founder of IT.ie, stresses that businesses should focus on proactive measures. “Employees are not cybersecurity experts. Leaders must ensure comprehensive safeguards and training to minimize risks,” he said.
High Stress Among Irish Workers Due to Cybersecurity Risks
The pressure on employees is evident, with 50% feeling stressed about cybersecurity risks at work. However, 60% believe unintentional breaches should not be blamed on employees. Despite this, 64% would consider leaving their job if they caused a breach, underscoring the personal toll of cybersecurity threats.
Gallagher added, “This research shows that businesses are, understandably, under enormous pressure due to the growing threat posed by cybercriminals. However, that pressure is wrongly being felt on a personal level by employees.”
Fear of Reporting Breaches Persists
The survey also sheds light on reporting challenges. A significant 36% admitted to neglecting to report breaches in the last year, with reasons including embarrassment and fear of repercussions. Additionally, 20% stated discomfort in raising concerns with upper management.
The “Culture of Blame”
Stuart Taylor, Regional Director for Northern Europe at SonicWall, advocates for a shift from a blame culture to a supportive one. “Blaming individuals doesn’t address the root causes of cyber incidents. Transparency and empowerment are key to effective cybersecurity,” he said.
Taylor added, “It’s important for organisations to build a positive atmosphere where employees feel empowered to report concerns without the fear of repercussions. As cyber threats evolve, so must our approaches to security—prioritising collective responsibility and proactive measures over a culture of blame.”
With the introduction of the NIS2 directive, which mandates stringent cybersecurity protocols for EU organizations, businesses are urged to enhance their security measures. IT.ie and SonicWall recommend ongoing training and advanced defenses to protect against evolving threats.
The research, surveying 1,000 workers across Ireland, highlights a growing culture of fear surrounding cybersecurity responsibilities.
Source: Press Release – 73% of office workers in Ireland say staff get blamed for cybersecurity incidents.
- Tags: