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Preventing user error

Cybersecurity’s weakest link

Postal employees should take steps to minimize errors that could allow cybersecurity breaches.

The Postal Service is reminding employees to remain vigilant when using the organization’s computer network, to reduce the possibility of costly user errors.

Several major companies have learned the hard way that user error, whether unintentional or the result of inaction, often contributes significantly to breaches in cybersecurity.

Verizon and IBM recently reported that user errors contributed to approximately 80 percent of their cybersecurity incidents, while auto manufacturer Renault-Nissan suffered a costly ransomware attack because of user error.

Similarly, Equifax, one of the three major credit reporting agencies, experienced a major data breach in 2017, when it failed to immediately patch a network vulnerability identified by its cybersecurity team.

To reduce the possibility of user error, the CyberSafe at USPS team encourages employees to foster a security culture by doing the following:

Review network users’ access to applications and systems periodically. Managers must ensure their employees’ permissions align with current roles. Access must be modified when the employee roles change or immediately terminated if separation occurs.

Ensure applications, software and devices are up to date. It’s critical to always download and install patches and security updates for information systems and devices.

Engage in CyberSafe learning opportunities. Cybersecurity training helps identify evolving cybersecurity risks to stop cyberthreats before they occur.

The CyberSafe at USPS Blue and LiteBlue pages have additional information.