Incorrect use or administration of devices, systems and applications can jeopardise their
security especially if existing IT security safeguards are ignored or bypassed through the
misuse. In many cases, this results in malfunctions or failures. Depending on the types of
systems that are used incorrectly, the confidentiality and integrity of information may also be
impaired.
A particularly important special case of incorrect use is incorrect administration. Errors during
the installation, configuration, maintenance and support of hardware or software components
may lead to serious damage.
For example, security incidents can occur when access rights are granted too generously, the
passwords are easy to guess, the data media containing backup copies are inadequately
protected, or the terminals are not locked during temporary absences.
Similarly, data can also be accidentally deleted or changed through the incorrect operation of
IT systems or applications. However, confidential information could also be disclosed
unintentionally, for example when the data access rights are set incorrectly.
When power supply or network cables are routed in such a way that they are not protected,
they may be damaged accidentally, causing connections to fail. When device connection
cables are exposed, employees or visitors can trip over the cables and disconnect the devices.