Misconceptions about users can lead security professionals to view them as the weakest link in the security chain. This perspective can create an unhealthy 'us vs. them' dynamic, increasing the risk of cybersecurity breaches. Research indicates that 82% of breaches in 2021 involved the human element, highlighting the need for security teams to rethink their approach and empower users as partners in cybersecurity.

Tailoring communications is crucial because security professionals often use technical jargon that can disengage users. By focusing on plain-language messages and presenting information in various formats, security teams can better connect with users and enhance their understanding of security practices. This approach can help mitigate risks associated with user misunderstandings.

Having overly rigid or complex security measures can stifle users' daily work, leading them to violate security policies more frequently. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, conducting a risk assessment can help determine the appropriate level of cybersecurity for specific contexts, ensuring that security measures support rather than hinder users' productivity.