You’re at work and receive a seemingly important-looking email from a fellow employee. You click on the link at the bottom—and your computer freezes. You just experienced a cyber attack. In the past 12 months, 66% of businesses in the United States have encountered similar attacks.
Your employees need to understand how to avoid a cyber risk which can jeopardize your business. One infinitely important way to mitigate these attacks is a strong security culture. Here is some information that is sure to help.
How Is Your Business at Risk?
Poor cybersecurity habits are a primary cause of significant data breaches. An indifferent approach to cyber hygiene by just one employee could expose your company to malicious attacks. This single incident could lead to the potential loss of sensitive data, financial damage, and a reputation crisis.
Bad cybersecurity is not just an IT issue—it’s a company-wide risk that warrants attention at all levels.
5 Benefits of a Strong Security Culture
When it comes to creating a strong security culture within your organization, many people think employees won’t really retain the training they’ve received. However, that’s simply not true. When companies take initiative to teach their employees, everyone benefits from the following:
- Improved Employee Awareness of Cyber Threats: A cyber security culture encourages employees to be proactive about learning and adhering to the latest security best practices. Employees with no knowledge of cyber risks pose as potential weak links in your organization’s defense against cyber threats.
- Enhanced Collaboration for Identifying and Reporting Potential Risks: By involving all employees in the cybersecurity process, your business can create an environment that encourages teamwork and a better understanding of the various areas where cyber attacks may occur.
- Less Susceptibility to Phishing and Social Engineering Attacks: In 2021, half of users failed to identify phishing scams and fell victim to a cyber attack. You can train employees on how to identify malicious emails, malware, and other cyber threats so they don’t become victims of these kinds of attacks.
- Mitigation of Insider Threats: Your employees will understand the importance of monitoring and preventing unauthorized access to sensitive data. Develop an understanding of the consequences of violating company security policies so that employees are aware of potential repercussions.
- Increased Trust and Responsibility: A strong security culture helps your employees understand that their actions have a direct impact on the security of your business, which can increase their sense of responsibility and trust in the organization.
What Security Best Practices Should Your Employees Be Aware of?
Cyber security services such as employee training and education, policy enforcement, and technology implementation are essential to create a strong security culture. Your employees should understand the importance of the following:
- Using strong passwords
- Reporting potential threats immediately
- Avoiding unsecured public Wi-Fi network
- Adhering to the company’s acceptable use policy
- Regularly updating software and antivirus protection
- Securing online accounts with two-factor authentication
- Refraining from clicking links or attachments in suspicious emails
Creating an environment where all employees are being safe while online is an ongoing process. Your employees will need regular reminders and updates about cybersecurity best practices, particularly as new threats emerge and evolve. So, make sure you’re also up-to-date on the current solutions.
How Can You Create a Security Culture?
It might seem like a huge responsibility, but there are lots of ways to start making sure your employees have a well-grounded security culture.
1. Create a Solid Cybersecurity Plan
Develop and implement a detailed cybersecurity plan that outlines your company’s security policies, guidelines for handling sensitive information, and procedures for responding to potential threats.
2. Implement Engaging Security Awareness Training
Cybersecurity training is one of the most important steps to creating a strong security culture. Providing engaging and up-to-date security awareness training programs can help employees understand how to be safe in their specific roles.
3. Reward Employees for Their Security Efforts
Encourage your employees to become part of the security culture by providing rewards for their efforts. This can be as simple as hosting a monthly cyber security-themed lunch and learning. You could even have special recognition for employees who report potential threats.
4. Instill the Idea That Security Is Everyone’s Responsibility
Researchers have approximated that by the end of the year 2023, more than 33 billion records will have been stolen through cyber attacks—a huge increase of 175% from 2018. Make sure your employees understand that their actions have an impact and they must take ownership for helping to prevent cyber crime.
Make Your Cybersecurity Stronger with adrytech
At adrytech, we provide cyber security services and recovery options that can protect any company from the cyber risks that come with being online. We’ve been providing custom support for over 22 years and can offer low-cost solutions to help your business. Request a quote today to get started on fortifying your cybersecurity.
