Not every security risk comes from negligence. Sometimes, employees make mistakes because they’re trying to help — rushing to solve a problem, satisfy a client, or support a colleague.
Unfortunately, good intentions don’t protect against bad outcomes.
Common “helpful” mistakes
1. Sharing passwords to “keep work moving”
- “I’m on vacation, just use my login.”
- Result: Multiple people use the same account, making it impossible to trace actions — and easier for attackers to slip in unnoticed.
2. Sending files through “whatever works”
- “The client couldn’t open it, so I uploaded it to a free file-sharing site.”
- Result: Sensitive data ends up on platforms outside the company’s control.
3. Turning off security features to “make it easier”
- “The firewall blocked my tool, so I disabled it.”
- Result: One “temporary” bypass creates a permanent hole in defenses.
4. Using personal devices for company work
- “I needed to finish the project, so I used my home laptop.”
- Result: Unmanaged devices may lack patches, encryption, or protection.
5. Forwarding suspicious emails “just in case”
- “I thought IT should see it, so I clicked forward.”
- Result: Malicious links or attachments spread further inside the company.
Why this happens
- Pressure: Employees prioritize speed over caution.
- Confusion: Policies aren’t clear or easy to follow.
- Culture: People feel they’ll be blamed for delays more than for breaking rules.
How to turn “help” into safe help
- 📚 Train simply: Replace 30-page manuals with short, practical rules.
- ✅ Make the secure way the easy way: Approved tools should be faster, not slower.
- 🔄 Encourage asking, not guessing: Create a culture where “Is this safe?” is welcomed, not punished.
- 🧩 Assign clear ownership: Employees should know who to call when something blocks work.
Final thought
Most employees don’t want to put the company at risk. But without clear guardrails, good intentions can create dangerous shortcuts.
The fix isn’t more blame — it’s building a culture where helping and staying secure go hand in hand.
