When we think about cybersecurity breaches, our minds often go straight to technical attacks—hackers cracking passwords, malware infiltrating systems, or phishing emails filled with malicious links. 

While these are serious threats, not all attacks rely solely on technical prowess. In fact, a surprising number of breaches originate from non-technical tactics, often leveraging human behavior to accomplish their objectives. 

These acts—such as impersonation, shoulder surfing, or simple surveillance—may seem low-tech, but they can be highly effective. Here's a closer look at these non-technical threats and some strategies to mitigate them.

Common Non-Technical Cybersecurity Threats

1. Impersonation: One of the oldest tricks in the book, impersonation occurs when an attacker pretends to be someone else—perhaps an employee, vendor, or trusted authority—to gain access to restricted areas or information. They may use fake IDs, uniforms, or simply rely on confidence and charm. For instance, an attacker could pose as an IT support technician and ask for passwords or sensitive information.

    

2. Shoulder Surfing: This refers to the act of observing someone as they enter sensitive data, like passwords or PINs, usually by literally looking over their shoulder. It can happen anywhere—from public spaces like cafes and airports to the workplace. With the rise of mobile work, shoulder surfing has become a more prominent threat, as employees frequently access sensitive information outside the office.

    

3. Surveillance (or "Casing the Joint" ): Surveillance involves observing a business's physical operations and routines to identify vulnerabilities. Attackers might monitor when the fewest employees are present, who has access to sensitive areas, or when data backups occur. By gaining this intelligence, they can plan a breach at the most opportune time, often using it in combination with other techniques.

    

4. Dumpster Diving: Sometimes sensitive information is discarded carelessly in the trash. Attackers can retrieve documents, USB drives, or hard copies of sensitive records from dumpsters outside offices. It's an old-school tactic that still pays off in today's digital age if businesses fail to securely dispose of information.

    

Tactics to Mitigate Non-Technical Cybersecurity Threats

While these threats aren't high-tech, the damage they cause can be immense. Fortunately, businesses can take proactive steps to guard against them.

1. Educate and Train Employees: The first line of defense against non-technical threats is awareness. Regular employee training programs on cybersecurity best practices are essential. Training should cover how to recognize impersonation attempts, the dangers of shoulder surfing, and how to report suspicious behavior. Employees should be cautious about revealing sensitive information, even to people who appear to be legitimate.

    

2. Implement Strong Authentication Processes: Physical and digital access should always be verified through multi-factor authentication (MFA). Requiring multiple forms of verification (e.g., a badge and a fingerprint) can prevent unauthorized access, even if an attacker has successfully impersonated someone or obtained an access card.

    

3. Enforce Clean Desk and Screen Privacy Policies: Sensitive information left unattended on desks or visible on screens is an easy target for shoulder surfers. Encourage employees to lock their computers when stepping away and use privacy screens to obscure data from prying eyes. A clean desk policy can also ensure that no sensitive documents are left out in the open.

    

4. Surveillance and Secure Disposal: Install cameras in sensitive areas to deter unauthorized access and monitor for any suspicious activity. When it comes to physical documents or hard drives, businesses should invest in shredders or use secure disposal services to ensure that sensitive information is destroyed properly and can't be retrieved through dumpster diving.

    

5. Limit Access Based on Role: Not every employee needs access to every area or piece of information. Implement a least-privilege policy where employees only have access to the systems, areas, and data necessary to perform their jobs. This limits the potential damage in case of a breach and makes it harder for attackers to gain full access to systems.

    

While sophisticated cyberattacks dominate headlines, the simplicity and effectiveness of non-technical methods shouldn't be overlooked.

Human behavior remains one of the most exploited vulnerabilities in any security strategy. By educating employees, implementing stronger access controls, and enforcing vigilant security practices, businesses can minimize the risk posed by these seemingly low-tech but highly effective tactics.