IT Security Starts and Ends With Your Staff
We wish IT security was as simple as setting up a good firewall and installing an antivirus. We talk a lot about security solutions that cover a lot of your bases but any investment in protecting your network can be upended by a single act of user error.
You see, the bad guys are clever, and they wouldn’t be stealing data if it wasn’t lucrative, and the successful hackers are very good at beating the system. A huge trend that has been growing for years involve hackers doing more than just infecting computers the old-fashioned way; today they are targeting people using tactics like social engineering. They know that they can get access to your network by asking the right user the right questions over the phone or via email. They know how to get just enough information to sound somewhat legitimate, too.
Security awareness training plays a crucial role in bolstering an organization's overall cybersecurity posture. Some of the key benefits include:
1. Risk Reduction: Educated employees are less likely to engage in risky behaviours such as clicking on suspicious links or downloading malicious attachments, thereby reducing the risk of security breaches.
2. Threat Detection: Security awareness training helps employees recognize potential security threats, including phishing emails, social engineering attempts, and malware, enabling them to report suspicious activities promptly.
3. Compliance: Many industries have regulatory requirements mandating security awareness training for employees. Compliance with these regulations not only avoids penalties but also ensures that employees are well-informed about security best practices.
4. Protecting Sensitive Information: Educated employees understand the importance of safeguarding sensitive data and are more likely to adhere to security policies and procedures, reducing the risk of data breaches and leaks.
5. Cultivating a Security Culture: Security awareness training fosters a culture of security within the organization, where employees understand that they play a vital role in maintaining cybersecurity and take proactive measures to protect sensitive information.
6. Improved Incident Response: Employees who have undergone security awareness training are better equipped to respond to security incidents effectively, minimizing the impact and mitigating further risks to the organization.
7. Vendor, Partner and Customer Confidence: Demonstrating a commitment to security through robust training programs can enhance trust and confidence among vendors, partners, and customers, leading to stronger business relationships.
8. Competitive Advantage: In today's business landscape, where data breaches and cyberattacks are increasingly common, organizations that prioritize security awareness training can differentiate themselves as trustworthy and reliable partners, gaining a competitive edge in the marketplace.
The most common attack type in Canada is phishing, about 17% of breaches experienced by Canadian companies. - IBM's 2023 Data Breach Report
Get Everyone on Board
It’s up to you to establish a IT security mindset with your employees. It starts with management and needs to trickle down across the entire organization. Getting other C-levels closely looped in, and then office managers and even HR is a good way to make sure everything is being taken seriously.
After most of your staff seems to “get it,” you can establish the repercussions for failing to comply with company rules. Remember that most practices can be easily remediated - depending on the severity of the issue, a first-time offender probably doesn’t need to lose their job. That said, treating repeat offenses and blatant disregard for IT security should be dealt with swiftly and corrected. One weak link can do harm to the entire chain.
That’s where a Managed IT Service Provider comes in. We'll help you establish the security foundation needed to protect your business and support your organization with ongoing proactive IT security services. Reach out to us to learn how we can help!
