KnowBe4 today released new research indicating that while 86% of employees believe they can confidently identify phishing emails, nearly half have fallen for scams. The study, which surveyed professionals across the UK, USA, Germany, France, Netherlands, and South Africa, reveals a growing gap between confidence and competence in identifying cyber threats.
Notably, South Africa leads with both the highest confidence levels and the highest scam victimization rate, suggesting that misplaced confidence can create a false sense of security, leaving employees more susceptible to advanced cyber threats. Beyond training, the report highlights the importance of fostering a transparent security culture. While 56% of employees feel “very comfortable” reporting security concerns, 1 in 10 still hesitate due to fear or uncertainty.
Key findings from the survey include:
● 86% of employees believe they can confidently identify phishing emails.
● 24% have fallen for phishing attacks.
● 12% have been tricked by deepfake scams.
● 68% of South African employees reported falling for scams—the highest victimization rate.
The survey findings emphasize the critical need for personalized, relevant, and adaptive training that caters to employees’ individual needs while considering regional influences and evolving cyber tactics. Organizations that prioritize this approach will not only reduce risk but also cultivate a genuine security-first culture. In the battle against digital deception, the most dangerous mistake employees can make is assuming they are immune.
The survey findings, “Security Approaches Around the Globe: The Confidence Gap,” is available for download here.
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This entry was posted on March 11, 2025 at 2:09 pm and is filed under Commentary with tags KnowBe4. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.
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KnowBe4 Research Reveals a Confidence Gap in Cybersecurity, Leaving Organizations at Risk
KnowBe4 today released new research indicating that while 86% of employees believe they can confidently identify phishing emails, nearly half have fallen for scams. The study, which surveyed professionals across the UK, USA, Germany, France, Netherlands, and South Africa, reveals a growing gap between confidence and competence in identifying cyber threats.
Notably, South Africa leads with both the highest confidence levels and the highest scam victimization rate, suggesting that misplaced confidence can create a false sense of security, leaving employees more susceptible to advanced cyber threats. Beyond training, the report highlights the importance of fostering a transparent security culture. While 56% of employees feel “very comfortable” reporting security concerns, 1 in 10 still hesitate due to fear or uncertainty.
Key findings from the survey include:
● 86% of employees believe they can confidently identify phishing emails.
● 24% have fallen for phishing attacks.
● 12% have been tricked by deepfake scams.
● 68% of South African employees reported falling for scams—the highest victimization rate.
The survey findings emphasize the critical need for personalized, relevant, and adaptive training that caters to employees’ individual needs while considering regional influences and evolving cyber tactics. Organizations that prioritize this approach will not only reduce risk but also cultivate a genuine security-first culture. In the battle against digital deception, the most dangerous mistake employees can make is assuming they are immune.
The survey findings, “Security Approaches Around the Globe: The Confidence Gap,” is available for download here.
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This entry was posted on March 11, 2025 at 2:09 pm and is filed under Commentary with tags KnowBe4. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.