In our hyper-connected world, a simple “Like” or share on a corporate device can snowball into a full-blown data breach. Employees using social media, messaging apps or other consumer-platforms on work devices are opening doors—not just to confusion, but to attackers. This isn’t about a careless post; it’s about trust, platform design gaps and the human factor—your greatest vulnerability.
South African businesses are facing a surge in risk as social platforms get used for work while lacking enterprise-grade protections. The two biggest exposure points: employees inadvertently share sensitive data like client details or credentials, and they click on malicious links hidden behind what appear to be harmless ads or messages. One click on a corporate network and you’ve just handed a threat actor a foothold.
The financial cost is shocking. In South Africa alone, the average cost of a data breach reached R53 million in 2024. That number underscores how quickly human error can translate into massive business impact. And with AI making social engineering smarter, platforms built for consumers – not enterprises – are becoming attack vectors. When WhatsApp, used by over 90% of office employees in some regions, is on the frontline of corporate communication, the threat is real.
What should firms do differently? Formalise your social media and platform-usage policies. Treat consumer-grade messaging tools and social apps as serious security risks when used for business. Train employees and contractors not just on tech hygiene, but on how seemingly benign use of social media can create phishing and impersonation paths. Make their activity visible, auditable and part of your threat surface. And don’t forget: monitor outbound communication, and apply least-privilege access even for ‘simple’ social tasks.
At AUMINT.io, we specialise in this human-factor gap. Our simulations don’t just test your IT controls – they test every human pathway, including social media use and consumer-grade tools in the workplace. Let us show you where your people are already being probed, exploited or overlooked. Ready to turn your weakest links into your strongest defence? Book a Demo
And if you’re serious about closing your human exposure, we’ll walk you through an actionable checklist today at no cost. Book a Demo