No one thinks of cyber security until they’ve been hit with a data breach, especially now that it’s easy for hackers to infiltrate accounts and systems. Sadly, many are still unaware of the risks and won’t do anything to prevent them until it’s too late.
No matter how strong you think your security system is, or whether a reputable cyber security services company develops it, there will always be a loophole waiting. And most of the time, hackers will find them first and exploit whatever they can.
Hackers typically use social engineering tactics to gain access to your systems. And they usually target unsuspecting employees and trick them into acting - either by clicking a link or downloading an attachment.
There is no software available out there (yet) that can fight off social engineering tactics. So to ensure you and your employees don’t fall for them, you will have to promote cyber security awareness within your business to lessen your vulnerabilities to external and internal threats.
Ensure your employees understand that it's not just your business that’s at risk of cyber threats. When a hacker infiltrates an IT infrastructure with ransomware, their data can be the next target, and hackers will have the necessary means to do that.
Cyber security awareness is essential in all business shapes and sizes. It’s the first thing you can do to make your business a digital fortress. In this article, we’ll show you the ropes on how you can promote cyber security awareness in your business to protect your most important asset, your data.
Set up cyber security policies
One of the most effective ways to combat cyber threats is by setting up policies that promote cyber security awareness. By raising awareness about the risks associated with technology, employees can take proactive steps towards protecting themselves against potential threats.
If you don’t have a cyber security policy, this templated guide will help you get started.
When establishing your cyber security policy, tailor it according to your business operations. It should specifically target unique vulnerabilities in your IT infrastructure. Look into your processes (especially those involving confidential data) and all devices and software your employees use to cover everything included in your policy.
One this to keep in mind is to use plain English in your cyber security policies. IT jargons are a big NO, especially if you don’t want your employees to fall asleep while reading them.
Implement regular cyber security awareness training sessions
Your employees are typically the first targets for a cyber-attack. And since that’s the case, they will need adequate awareness of cyber security risks and responses. Training them, even with the essential cyber security basics, will keep you one step ahead of hackers.
The goal of cyber security awareness training is to ensure everyone in the company understands cyber security and what it does for the business. Regular cyber security awareness training sessions help employees understand the importance of protecting sensitive information such as passwords, client data or financial records and stay up-to-date on new threats and threats in the industry.
Make it clear in the training sessions what they should look out for and what they need to do if something like a phishing email land in their inbox. The sessions should also teach them how to secure physical devices like laptops, phones, and external hard drives when working out of the office.
To effectively promote cyber security awareness in your business, ensure your training sessions are conducted in layman’s terms as much as possible. Clear and easy instructions are always the way to go, especially if your employees are not IT experts.
Fortunately, we at OSIT conduct cyber security awareness training webinars every month for everyone to join so we can help as many people as possible stay safe from cyber risks.
Create open communication between you and employees
With more data breaches and hacking attempts, create open communication between you and your employees to promote cyber security awareness. By doing so, you only protect your company from potential threats but also ensure that your employees have the knowledge needed to identify and prevent them.
One of the main reasons why open communication is essential in promoting cyber security awareness is that it allows information sharing between all parties involved. When everyone knows the latest threats and best practices for staying safe online, they can work together to develop effective strategies for preventing attacks.
And by encouraging open communication around cyber security issues, you can create a culture where employees feel comfortable reporting suspicious activities or incidents without fear of retaliation.
It’s so easy to ignore a threat and not report it – especially if it looks harmless initially. But most cyber threats like malware wait for the right time to strike while establishing themselves in your networks. Encourage your employees, customers, and vendors to report any threats they may encounter or have engaged within your network – the sooner, the better.
Transparency is the key to everybody’s success against cyber threats. If everybody is honest about mistakes and can tell management or the IT team immediately, they can resolve or mitigate issues ASAP.
Provide cyber security awareness resources and materials
One of the ways you can promote cyber security awareness in your business is through the use of posters or infographics.
By providing resources and materials that promote cyber security awareness, you can help educate your employees about cyber risks and how they can protect themselves and the company from potential threats. This includes training on best practices for creating strong passwords, spotting phishing scams, and securely handling confidential information.
These can be in common areas such as break rooms or lobbies, where employees can see them. The visual nature of these materials makes them engaging and easy to understand, even for those who may not be well-versed in technology.
Promoting cyber security awareness helps prevent costly data breaches and strengthens your reputation as a responsible steward of customer information. By demonstrating a commitment to protecting sensitive data through comprehensive security measures, you build trust with customers and stakeholders.
Stay up to date with the latest cyber security trends and developments
In today's digital age, staying up to date with the latest cybersecurity trends and developments is more important than ever. Cyber threats are constantly evolving and becoming more sophisticated, making it essential for you and your employees to stay informed on how to protect themselves against attacks. Failing to do so can result in devastating consequences such as data breaches, financial losses, reputational damage and even legal implications.
Promoting cyber security awareness is the key to mitigating these risks. You can achieve this through various methods such as regular employee training, strong password policies, two-factor authentication, and regular software updates. It's essential to understand common tactics hackers use, such as phishing emails, social engineering and malware attacks to recognise potential threats better.
By staying informed of the latest cyber security trends and developments, you can take proactive measures towards protecting your digital assets.
Important Reminders
The steps mentioned above are a starting guide to help you promote cyber security awareness within your business. And implementing it sooner rather than later is best before it’s too late.
If you need help establishing cyber security within your organisation and promoting it among your employees, Office Solutions IT can help you with that and more. We can provide cyber security solutions according to your needs and budget and even security awareness training to further enhance your defence against cyber risks.
You can learn more about our cyber security services here.
