What's Happening?
A recent report by Marsh, a global insurance broker, has identified cyber-related challenges as the leading people risk worldwide. The 2026 People Risks report, based on interviews with over 4,500 HR and risk professionals across 26 markets, highlights
'cyber-threat literacy' as the foremost risk. Other significant risks include tech skills shortages and mindset barriers to AI adoption. The report suggests that these factors could increase the risk of cyber-attacks, reduce competitiveness, and damage organizational reputation. The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has issued new guidance to mitigate insider risks, underscoring the ongoing challenges of low security awareness among employees.
Why It's Important?
The findings of the Marsh report underscore the critical need for organizations to enhance their cyber-threat literacy and preparedness. As cyber-related incidents can lead to significant business interruptions and economic losses, companies must focus on mitigating these risks. The report suggests that effective management of people-shaped risks can drive competitive advantage, with 40% of respondents noting increased productivity and efficiency. This highlights the importance of investing in workforce skills and aligning technology with human capabilities to maintain resilience and competitiveness in a rapidly evolving threat landscape.
What's Next?
Organizations are likely to increase their focus on improving cyber-threat literacy and preparedness. This may involve investing in employee training, enhancing security protocols, and developing comprehensive response strategies to mitigate the impact of cyber incidents. Business leaders are expected to prioritize these areas to safeguard against potential disruptions and economic losses. Additionally, there may be increased collaboration with cybersecurity agencies like CISA to implement best practices and guidelines for managing insider risks.
