Every employee plays a significant role in ensuring the organisation’s data remains secure and leak-proof. To ensure they are aware of the importance of cybersecurity in the workplace, employers should consider sending them for cybersecurity training.
However, it can sometimes be challenging to convince your employees to attend a training course. They may not realise that cybersecurity is the responsibility of everyone in the office. But that does not mean you should just shelf your plan. Let us share five tips you should consider to convince them to get on board with your decision.
1. Educate employees on the ramifications of poor cybersecurity
Many employees often underestimate the importance of cybersecurity. They may not recognise how organisations are especially vulnerable to hackers who seek to prey on these unsuspecting workers. Hence, they are more likely to fall victim to unassuming emails with malicious intent.
On average, two in five employees will interact with emails from anonymous senders asking them to click on suspicious links or attachments. Such emails usually contain viruses and bugs that can spread within the company’s network or allow hackers to retrieve sensitive information.
Therefore, it is crucial for your employees to recognise the potential threats they face in their workplace. Cybersecurity can be compromised in various ways, so it is vital to educate them on the multiple dangers an organisation faces and the consequences of their actions. Doing so can lead them to be more mindful and less negligent.
2. Make training relevant to your organisation
Vague and general cybersecurity training is insufficient when trying to raise awareness among your employees. Instead, consider specific courses that target what your organisation or industry is especially vulnerable to. This way, employees have greater specialised knowledge and are better equipped to deal with any threats that come their way.
For example, phishing emails seek to steal sensitive data and personal information as the sender poses as a legitimate, authorised individual. Industries that are especially prone to phishing emails include social media, SaaS, and webmail companies.
3. Test employees’ awareness
Simulations are an excellent way to test your employees’ awareness of cybersecurity. You can do so by hiring a reliable external firm to organise a simulation and run through the various issues your employees may face. A third-party firm will be able to identify the blind spots your company’s security team may have missed.
Phishing simulations and user behaviour analytics can help you identify the employees that may require supplemental cybersecurity training. After the simulation is over, you can organise a team meeting to run through the various findings and lessons your employees can learn.
4. Get senior management to buy into the concept
A top-down approach may be necessary to convince employees to treat cybersecurity seriously. Employees may resist any change in cybersecurity tactics if they feel that the management does not fully buy into the concept. The senior management and higher-ups of the company can help steer the employees in the right direction regarding cyber security awareness.
Other steps senior management can take include organising courses and meetings on cybersecurity. Inculcating such attitudes in your employees can make them more likely to take the initiative to help protect themselves and others against any potential cybersecurity threat.
5. Promote incident reporting
Understand that all employees may make mistakes now and then. While they should always be on their toes, an innocent error may happen occasionally. Let your employees know that should anything happen, they will not face adverse consequences for a genuine misstep. Otherwise, fear may result in them trying to cover up the incident, which only creates more issues down the road.
Incident reporting procedures should also be kept streamlined and simple. When the process is less complicated, employees will be more likely to step up and report any incident they encountered. Prepare an efficient standard operating procedure and educate your employees on the guidelines to reduce miscommunication.
Conclusion
Everyone plays a pivotal role in protecting the company’s sensitive data. By preparing your employees for potential cyber-attacks and reminding them to remain alert at all times, you are ensuring your organisation is safeguarded against any external threat.
If you are an entrepreneur looking to equip your employees with the latest cybersecurity knowledge, you can consider enrolling them in BridgingMinds various cybersecurity courses. Additionally, if your company is interested in enhancing the skill sets of your IT professionals, we also offer ITIL 4 certification and agile training.
