Who is the Weakest Link in your Business IT Security?
How can you protect your company cybersecurity health?
In today’s digital era, cybersecurity can make or break your business. Failing to ensure
proper cybersecurity practices can quickly bring a company down. In fact, one study found
that
60 percent of small and medium-sized businesses that suffered a cybersecurity attack
went out of business within half a year.
But even with the most comprehensive cybersecurity strategies in place, your business is
still at risk if your employees are not doing their part to keep your company safe.
A study by CompTIA showed that over half of all security breaches that occur are due
to human errors. Many cyber criminals target this weakness, so to ensure your company is
safe and secure, you need to involve your employees in the process.
What could be a weak spot for your business security?
Writing down passwords that could fall into the wrong hands
Email conversations, with hackers becoming better at impersonating people all the time
Leaving confidential documents on printers, around the office or even on public transport
Staff using company computers/mobiles on unsecured Wi-Fi networks
So, how can you combat these weaknesses and encourage your staff to stay vigilant and secure? Here are our top 5 tips.
1. Make it relevant
Many times, employees are simply not aware of the consequences of a security breach, or how it’s relevant to them. Instead of telling them a breach results in data loss, which could seem unrelated to their work, explain to them the impact of the loss on your company reputation and bottom line. These are things your employees work hard for and care about, so are more likely to resonate.
2. Make it simple
IT security policies can be complicated and difficult, particularly in an SMB environment, where time is a precious resource.
Spending hours digesting complicated IT rules and regulations is something few employees
are willing to do.
Instead, be sure to break them down, making them simple and easy to understand, so your
employees can read, understand and remember them easily.
3. Make it memorable
It’s easy to forget the rules in the everyday hustle and bustle of work – so provide your employees with regular reminders. Send emails with quick security tips, put up eye-catching posters on the wall, or hold regular IT security explainer sessions. Just make sure to keep everything short and simple, along with a few dashes of fun and humor to ensure your efforts don’t go unnoticed.
4. Make it rewarding
Incentivizing your IT security program may give your employees the boost they need to adopt new technology habits. For example, you can reward your employees for changing their passwords regularly, or for attending your IT security refresher once a year.
5. Make it theirs
Better yet, take advantage of your company size and involve your employees right from the start. Hold a session where you explain the IT security issues you’re facing and let them have a go at designing rules and policies. Of course, your IT team must ensure they are feasible, but having a say in the planning process makes employees feel more engaged and inclined to follow them.
Summary
Remember, your security chain is only as strong as your weakest link. Empowering your employees with the right knowledge,
skills and training strengthens their ability to protect your company’s cybersecurity, so
you can focus on what matters most to your business.
Find out how HP helps you simplify your cybersecurity with our
safe and secure devices. Alternatively,
get in touch to find out more.
HP for Business
Security. Reliability. Performance.
Join our HP for Business community today to receive exclusive tips, invitations to local networking sessions and online skills training materials to equip and empower you for the day ahead.