Everyone knows that cybersecurity is important, but not all employees understand just how critical it is. Business owners need to make sure that staff are committed to maintaining the security of your network and the safety of your data. You can protect your systems with state-of-the-art security software, but your employees are just as important for maintaining cybersecurity. Getting people to care about security isn’t as easy as you may think – but there are ways to get the message across effectively.
Level With Your Staff
There’s often a layer of secrecy around cybersecurity, which contributes to employees not caring much about it. It’s important that organizations clearly communicate about the cyberthreats that exist today. Be upfront. If your staff understand the problem, they will understand that they have a vested interest in helping to keep your computer systems secure.
Clarify the Benefits for Staff
A security breach isn’t just about the damage that can be done to the company. Your employees’ personal data is on your organization’s network too. Recognizing that their own confidential data could be vulnerable to hackers may help people appreciate the breadth of cyberthreats. Following security procedures is in everyone’s best interests.
Lead by Example
Cybersecurity is something everyone in your organization needs to take seriously. Management needs to demonstrate that they are complying with security measures, and the rules aren’t just for the ‘little people’. Cybersecurity breaches affect everyone and everyone needs to be proactive about preventing them.
Create Incentives
Incentivizing your staff is an effective way to encourage people to engage. With ‘gamification’, people are scored according to the effort they put in to achieving a goal. It works for increasing productivity and it will also work for cybersecurity awareness. In short, persuading people to be security-compliant works better with a ‘carrot and stick’ approach that emphasizes the rewards, not just the negative consequences.
Ensure Consistency of Procedures
For people to stick to the rules there must be clear rules to follow. Confusing and inconsistent cybersecurity policies are counter-productive. The rules should apply to all staff. Things to consider include procedures to prevent phishing attacks and password policies. Clear, standardized procedures help to ensure that people know what to do and follow the rules.
Security Begins on Day #1
When you hire new staff, you’ll want to induct them into the job and show them the ropes. Security measures and compliance with safety protocols are a key part of this. Make sure you prioritize this when a new person joins your staff. It should be one of the first things they learn about. Don’t leave it there though – people need to be regularly reminded about the importance of following the procedures and the danger that cyberthreats pose.
Ongoing Training
Training is essential to ensure that cybersecurity levels are maintained. All staff need refresher courses, to keep the message in the forefront of awareness, as well as to update people if there have been any changes to security procedures or policies. When it comes to defending against cyberthreats, there’s never room for complacency.
There’s a limit to how well even the best cybersecurity software can protect your systems. Security relies on user-awareness, and it’s a team effort. If your organization doesn’t effectively convey how important cybersecurity is, the chances of a problem are amplified. To learn more about cybersecurity training, best practices and policy formulation, or to discuss your cybersecurity needs with one of our IT professionals, call Quikteks today at (973) 882-4644.