Mimecast Report Highlights Insider Threats – Can ISO 27001 & ISO 42001 Reduce the Risk?

Human Error at the Heart of Data Breaches

A recent study by Mimecast has revealed that human error was responsible for 95% of data breaches in 2024. Insider threats, credential misuse, and user-driven mistakes continue to be the weak links in cybersecurity, with just 8% of employees accounting for 80% of incidents. Despite most organisations providing regular cybersecurity training, many still fear that employee fatigue and mistakes will lead to costly breaches. The report highlights that the average insider-driven data exposure event costs organisations $13.9m, underlining the urgent need for stronger security measures.

Additionally, the increasing use of AI and collaboration tools presents new security challenges. While 95% of organisations are using AI to defend against cyber threats, 55% admitted they are not fully prepared to deal with AI-driven attacks. With 81% expressing concerns about sensitive data leaks via GenAI tools, businesses must take proactive steps to safeguard their information.

How ISO 27001 & ISO 42001 Can Address These Risks

Cybersecurity threats will only continue to evolve, but ISO 27001 and ISO 42001 provide structured frameworks to help organisations mitigate these risks effectively.

ISO 27001: Strengthening Information Security

ISO 27001 is the global standard for Information Security Management Systems (ISMS), offering a systematic approach to protecting sensitive data. Implementing ISO 27001 helps businesses:

• Minimise human error risks by enforcing access controls, credential management, and robust security policies.
• Reduce insider threats with least privilege access, ongoing monitoring, and enhanced security awareness training.
• Strengthen incident response through structured risk assessments and continuous improvement strategies.
• Enhance security culture, ensuring that cybersecurity best practices are ingrained in daily operations, not just during training sessions.

ISO 42001: Managing AI Security Risks

As businesses rely more on AI to enhance security, ISO 42001 provides a governance framework to ensure AI-driven cybersecurity tools are used responsibly and effectively. Adopting ISO 42001 allows organisations to:

• Implement AI security policies to prevent sensitive data leaks from GenAI tools.
• Ensure AI-driven threat detection is reliable by validating models against bias, accuracy, and security risks.
• Enhance collaboration tool security, reducing vulnerabilities from platforms such as Slack and Zoom.
• Prepare for AI-driven cyber threats with proactive defence strategies, keeping organisations ahead of evolving risks.

Future-Proof Your Cybersecurity Strategy With insider threats on the rise and AI playing an increasing role in both attack and defence, businesses need a structured approach to cybersecurity. ISO 27001 and ISO 42001 provide the frameworks needed to mitigate risks, reduce human error, and strengthen resilience against future threats.

Is your organisation ready to take the next step in cybersecurity? Get in touch today to learn how ISO certification can help you safeguard your business against data breaches and insider threats.