Why a Security-Savvy Staff Boosts Company Culture
Software programs work to keep cyber-threats out, but your staff has the power to let someone in. This is why a security-savvy staff is crucial when it comes to protecting your business. While security systems play a large part in keeping your data safe from cyber-criminals, your people are equally responsible when it comes to proper online procedures. Here are tips on who these knowledgeable people are, how to get them on your team, and what they bring to the table.
The Who
Security-savvy employees not only know your company has a security policy, but they follow it, too. They stay informed on the latest security breaches within other organizations, and they understand the impact that data loss can have within their own company. They attend training sessions voluntarily, they focus on security reminders, they use safe cyber-practices, and they have good cyber-habits.
What are some good cyber-habits? Having strong passwords and refraining from using company documents on personal devices are a couple of examples. Knowing how to recognize and avoid social engineering scams is another. These valuable staff members know the different types of malware, or at least the basics of malware, and they accept responsibility for the role they play as a potential gateway. If your business is a sports team, your employees are your players. You’re only as good as they are.
The How
These savvy employees might seem too good to be true, but they’re out there. And they might even be on your payroll already. Incorporating security into your current company culture by educating, training, and updating your staff can grow security experts from within. Your staff plays an active role on a daily basis merely by being connected to your network and emailing outside sources. The true success of your company’s cyber-security starts with them.
Make training fun, not a long and drawn out experience everyone dreads. Studies have reported adults saying they don’t like to read mainly because they were forced to for years in school. The moment they had any freedom, they never picked up another book. It wasn’t because they didn’t actually enjoy reading—it was because they were relieved to be free of the requirement. So make sure your training sessions are engaging.
For example, do not read through a long, boring policy and call that training. Use real situations your employees could face and let them talk through what they’d do. Show examples of phishing messages and make a contest out of finding the indicators that it was a scam. Reach out to your IT services provider for resources and ideas. And train consistently. Sending out a policy 5 years ago won’t have much, if any, of an effect on your employees’ behavior today.
The Benefits
While it’s seemingly impossible to completely prevent an attack, strength comes from within. Your people are the core of your organization. If they don’t adopt your cyber-security processes, then any systems you have set up won’t be as effective as they should be. Expressing your commitment to cyber-security from the top down and making sure your staff knows they play a central role will motivate them to stay informed and involved. Providing regular, interesting training will keep them engaged. When employees take ownership of their cyber-responsibility, the business as a whole will strengthen. And if you’re a business owner, you can rest easy at night knowing your team is all on the same page when it comes to protecting your valuable data.
Contact your team at Infinity to discuss ways to make your employees more security-savvy.
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