Transforming Human Risk: A 90-Day Journey to Cyber Resilience

The Human Side of Cybersecurity

Let’s face it: no matter how much you’ve spent on security tech, one wrong click on a phishing email can undo it. Over 90% of cyber attacks can be traced back to email and cloud storage, and just 8% of employees cause 80% of incidents. Insider breaches now hit an average of £15 million. This isn’t only a tech issue—it’s a people issue.

With hybrid work, cloud tools, and collaboration growing, employees make daily security choices—often without realising the stakes. A shared password or a file sent to a personal account can create real problems. The goal? Reduce that risk without slowing down operations or overwhelming security teams.

From Restriction to Enablement

Traditional security piles on restrictions—policies, controls, and occasional training. But most people don’t think about security daily. We need a change—viewing employees as your first defence, not a weak spot. It’s about security that adapts to behaviour, automation to ease the burden, and real-time prompts to steer decisions. The focus is on working *with* people, not against them.

People-First Security

Tech alone isn’t enough. Top-notch security understands behaviour, fits your setup, and makes safe choices straightforward. It’s about visibility without overstepping, protection without barriers, responsibility without pointing fingers, and advice without overload.

Wondering how to make it happen?

Here’s a snapshot of the 90-day Roadmap:

Days 1-30: Know Your Risks

Start by getting a clear view—list your key assets, track risky habits, identify high-risk users, and set up a governance plan that suits your business. By Day 30, you’ll have a solid starting point.

Days 31-60: Make It Happen

Launch smart email protection, secure collaboration tools, and switch generic training with real-time guidance. Add automation for routine tasks, and by Day 60, security’s running smoothly without holding anyone back.

Days 61-90: Lock It In

Check what’s working, refine workflows, connect your systems, and plan for ongoing improvement. By Day 90, you’ll see reduced risk, streamlined operations, and a resilient security framework.

Don’t Stop Here

Security shouldn’t be a drag—it should lift your business. This 90-day path turns employees into your advantage, building resilience that holds up. Want the details? Download “Transforming Human Risk: A 90-Day Roadmap to Cyber Resilience” for the complete roadmap, expert advice, and a custom plan from CDW and Mimecast to fit your needs.

**Source material: 

2024 survey of 7,500 end users and 1,050 security professionals, conducted across 15 countries by a global enterprise cybersecurity company