According to Cybersecurity Ventures, the cost of cybercrime is expected to reach $10.5 trillion annually by 2025. While many companies invest in advanced technologies like firewalls and antivirus software, these tools alone can’t stop all cyber threats. Employees play a key role in defending against cyberattacks. This is where the concept of a human firewall becomes essential.
What Is a Human Firewall?
Unlike a technical firewall, a software or hardware tool automatically blocks harmful activities, a human firewall depends on people. Employees in this role use their knowledge and awareness to detect suspicious activities, avoid unsafe behavior, and protect sensitive information.
A human firewall doesn’t involve merely a number of employees abiding by some rules set out by the IT department. This would be implementing a security culture: make sure everyone in your organization understands the risks, practices how to act accordingly, and makes smart decisions in response to such incidents.
Why Are Human Firewalls So Vital to Security?
Human firewalls are incredibly important because most cyberattacks target people, not technology. Hackers know it’s often easier to trick an employee than break through a company’s technical defenses. This makes employees a prime target for phishing scams, social engineering, and other forms of attack aimed at stealing sensitive information.
A report by Verizon shows that human error was involved in 82% of data breaches, providing clear evidence of how important it is to train staff in recognizing and stopping such threats. One example of a what is human firewall in action would be an employee receiving a suspicious email requesting payment details. Instead of responding or clicking a link, the employee identifies it as a potential phishing attempt and reports it to the IT staff. This can be as simple as reporting to prevent a breach before it can even occur.
Technology like firewalls and antivirus software is essential, but it can’t protect a company from every threat, Which is where human firewalls come in. Employees who are aware of cyber risks and know how to respond add a critical layer of protection. By building a human firewall, businesses can reduce risks and improve overall security. A well-trained team is less likely to fall for scams, making the company much harder for hackers to target.
Benefits of Promoting Human Firewall Strategies with VPN
Bringing all those features together, combining VPNs and human firewall strategies, creates an impregnable front that cyber threats will seriously consider breaching.
Improved Data Security
They also provide a critical role in securing sensitive information. VPNs encrypt communications, making the data shared on the internet not interceptable by hackers, especially for those employees who connect to the company’s systems remotely or through public Wi-Fi.
While VPNs encrypt communication, human firewalls of trained employees refrain from actions that are highly precarious, like clicking on suspicious links or giving out information without authentication. Working in conjunction, the VPN and human firewall implement a solid security structure that doesn’t allow the leakage of sensitive data.
Stronger Remote Work Security
VPNs protect remote connections by creating a secure tunnel between the user and the company’s network. This prevents cybercriminals from accessing data transmitted online.
Meanwhile, human firewall strategies train remote workers to identify threats like phishing emails or suspicious websites. Aware of the risks, employees will know how to avoid the traps that come with common threats, therefore protecting themselves and everyone else in their remote work.
Cost Savings
Cyberattacks can be costly for businesses. According to IBM, the average cost of a data breach is $4.88 million in 2024. For small and medium-sized businesses, even a single breach can be devastating.
By combining VPNs with human firewall strategies, companies can significantly lower the chances of a breach. VPNs protect sensitive data, while trained employees act as an additional line of defense. This proactive approach saves money by preventing costly incidents before they occur.
Boosted Employee Confidence
Workers are often blinded on how to act upon or respond to such threats. Training in operating as human firewalls equips employees with the skills to recognize suspected activities that must be reported and gives them the confidence to deal with any looming risks.
It also makes them empowered to take responsibility for themselves and the company in terms of protection; this helps build a proactive security culture. Confident employees are more likely to take responsibility for cybersecurity, further strengthening the company’s defenses.
Why This Matters for VPN Resellers
VPNs are in a very unique position to be able to offer the benefits of combining VPNs with human firewall strategies. By educating businesses on how this dual approach improves security, VPNs can position themselves as trusted partners in cybersecurity. For instance, a VPN secures the connection of a working employee from home, while the training provided to him enables him to avoid phishing emails since he can identify the signs. This combination shows the value of using both tools together. Businesses that implement these strategies are not just protecting themselves but contributing to a more secure and resilient working environment.
Strategies for VPNs to Promote Human Firewall Concepts
This makes VPNs better positioned to enable understanding and implementation by businesses of human firewall strategies. In combination with employee awareness, companies will be able to set up a powerful front line of defense against cyber dangers.
Educate Clients
Start by explaining what a human firewall means and why it is essential for cybersecurity. Many businesses may not realize that employees are often the first targets of cyberattacks. Use real-life examples of human firewalls to make the concept clear. For instance:
Offer Training Resources
To build strong human firewalls, businesses need to train their employees. As a VPN provider, you can support this by providing educational materials.
Showcase VPN Benefits
Help clients understand how VPNs work hand-in-hand with human firewall strategies. A VPN encrypts internet connections, making it harder for hackers to steal sensitive data. At the same time, employees trained to act as human firewalls can recognize and avoid cyber threats.
Customize Packages
Every business has unique needs, so offering tailored solutions can make a big difference. Create VPN packages that include additional features like:
- Cybersecurity training programs for employees.
- Educational resources on how to build a human firewall.
Tools and Resources for Implementing Human Firewall Strategies
To help businesses build effective human firewalls, VPNs can recommend the following tools and resources:
Cybersecurity Training Platforms
Platforms like KnowBe4 and CyberVista offer guidelines on how to identify the threats of phishing emails, fake websites, and suspicious downloads through structured training. These platforms often include interactive lessons and quizzes, making the training more engaging and effective.
Integrate VPN Services
A suitable VPN, such as PureVPN, is recommended as a solution for ensuring connectivity to the internet, even from remote working and operations. A VPN encrypts the data traffic in a network so that nobody can read anything, even through open networks. Then, explain how human firewall strategies may be complemented using Virtual Private Network services, significantly reducing risks such as theft or loss of information.
Awareness Campaigns
Encourage businesses to run internal awareness campaigns.
Simulated Threat Exercises
Tools such as phishing simulation software test the ability of employees to detect fake emails in a safe environment. For example, businesses can send staff a simulated phishing email and monitor how many people click on it. These exercises give valuable insight into where more training is needed and help employees practice recognizing the threats.
Conclusion
It’s not just about having the latest tools; it’s about creating a culture of awareness. The human firewall strategy trains employees to recognize and prevent threats, while VPNs add a layer of protection. Together, they weave a strong defense against cyberattacks.
This uniquely positions VPNs to advocate for these strategies with businesses. Educating clients, offering bespoke packages, and ongoing support will help organizations remain secure in an ever-changing digital landscape. As cybersecurity solutions continue to see unprecedented demand, now is the perfect time to champion the human firewall approach.