From exposed screens to unsecured devices, everyday habits can leave you vulnerable to cyber threats.
Leaving your computer unlocked for even a minute, opening a sensitive document in a lift or holding an office door open for someone might seem harmless, but these everyday habits can create openings for security breaches.
The Department of Government Enablement – Abu Dhabi has highlighted three common behaviours people should avoid, emphasising that cybersecurity relies not only on technology but also on the choices people make every day.
“Cybersecurity starts with you and your everyday actions. You are the strongest link in the cybersecurity chain,” the department said in an awareness message shared on social media.
1. Leaving your screen exposed
Opening sensitive files in lifts, cafés, waiting areas or other public spaces can allow people nearby to view confidential information without your knowledge.
This is commonly known as “shoulder surfing”, where someone looks at information displayed on another person’s screen without their permission.
The department advised people to stay alert to their surroundings and avoid displaying sensitive information in places where it could be seen by others.
2. Holding the door open
Allowing someone to enter a workplace without using their own access card may seem like a simple act of courtesy, particularly if they claim to be an employee who has forgotten their card.
However, the department warned that employees should always use their own approved access credentials.
This helps prevent “tailgating”, a tactic in which an unauthorised person follows an employee into a restricted area.
Physical security can also become a cybersecurity concern if an intruder gains access to workplace computers, documents or other sensitive systems.
3. Walking away without locking your device
Leaving an unlocked computer unattended, even for a few moments, can give someone an opportunity to view emails, access files or obtain sensitive information.
Employees should make a habit of locking their screens whenever they step away from their devices, regardless of how quickly they plan to return.
The department noted that physical security extends beyond buildings and offices to include protecting devices and files from threats such as theft and unauthorised access.
Employees were also encouraged to follow clean-desk policies and promptly report any suspicious behaviour or attempts to access restricted areas without proper authorisation.
The warning underscores that cyberattacks do not always start with sophisticated malware or hackers bypassing complex security systems. In many cases, a simple human error can provide the initial opening.
Protecting sensitive information, using access cards properly and locking devices takes only a few seconds, but these everyday habits can play a crucial role in strengthening an organisation’s cybersecurity.
