How Employees Can Protect Your Company Against Cyber Attacks

By integrating best-practice cybersecurity policies into your operations, you can dramatically reduce the risk of a data breach, malware, or a ransomware attack. It starts with your people and policies. You can start creating a security culture at your company by challenging this big misconception: “cybersecurity isn’t just for the IT department”.

Employees are Often the Weakest Link

According to Verizon’s 2020 Data Breach Report, data breaches resulting from internal malicious actors have decreased considerably. However, privilege misuse and human error continue to be major internal sources of breaches. Among the most common mistakes reported includes:

• Misconfigured accounts or permissions.
• Poor password practices.
• Confusion about access protocols or procedures.
• Logging into personal emails or unauthorized websites on company computers

What is Security Culture?

Security culture refers to the set of behaviors or customs that a group of people takes to maximize security in everyday operations. It’s the idea that security is everyone’s responsibility, not just something for the IT department. It involves making security practices habits that your entire organization does instinctively.

Examples of security culture includes:

• Locking computer screens when you step away from your workstation.
• Using a sign-in app at a front desk for all visitors.
• Deploying the principle of least privilege for user accounts.
• Protecting professional contact information & Having a set of security policies.

How to Promote Good Security Practices

Security culture is powerful because it addresses the blame culture approach that many organizations take. When employees feel empowered to act, they’re less likely to hide potential breaches out of fear of repercussions. The best ways to promote smart security practices are:

1. Make Practices Easy

Verizon noted in their report that some breaches occurred because employees weren’t following established procedures. The more convoluted and unclear the practice, the less likely people will adopt them. Clear policies make sure that everyone understands their responsibilities.

2. Have Clear Procedures for Reporting Incidents

Always establish a set of policies including what employees should do if they suspect an incident. Make sure employees are trained on these procedures so they can act quickly if the need arises.

3. Reward Good Security Habits

Get employees excited about security culture by rewarding good habits. This also helps to counteract fears that they may be punished if they make a mistake or fall for a scam.

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