There is no business that should underestimate the importance of digital security, nowadays. If your business operates with a digital scope of any kind, then you should be aware of the risks that could face it. Viruses, hacking attempts, data breaches, and the like can be extremely costly. If you lose sensitive or valuable data, then it’s not even a sure thing that your business might recover.
One important aspect of digital security that often goes overlooked is your team’s role in it. You can have all of the best security tech available but if your team isn’t aware of what they can do to prevent threats, then you have a significant vulnerability. Here, we’re going to look at how you can start addressing it.
Ensure They’re Only Using Secure Devices
Securing your business’s digital assets begins with ensuring employees use only secure devices, particularly when working remotely. Encourage the use of company-provided devices configured with security protocols rather than personal ones. If personal devices are necessary, make sure they meet the business’s security standards, including up-to-date antivirus software, firewalls, and virtual private network access. Reinforce the importance of working from secured, private networks to reduce the risk of data exposure. Try to avoid letting unsecured devices connect to your network or Cloud-based apps and storage as best as possible.
Provide The Training That They Need
The more time that you take to inform your team and get them prepared for potential threats, the more likely they are to handle them in the correct way. Cyber security training is essential for keeping employees informed and prepared. Training sessions should cover fundamental topics such as recognizing phishing attempts, creating strong passwords, understanding the importance of secure browsing, and the basics of data handling. Employees who understand these principles can recognize potential security threats and report them, preventing possible breaches. Regular refreshers can also help reinforce their knowledge, making cybersecurity an ongoing priority.
Ensure They’re Kept Up To Date
Keeping employees up to date on current threats while building their digital skills, especially evolving tactics like phishing scams and ransomware, is vital for maintaining vigilance. Threats change rapidly, so sharing updates on trending scams or recent cybersecurity news helps employees stay alert to new risks. Internal newsletters or short weekly updates can highlight these evolving threats and provide tips on recognizing and avoiding them, fostering an organization-wide culture of awareness.
Ensure You Handle Access Permissions Right
Maintaining strict control over access permissions ensures employees have access only to files and tools necessary for their roles, reducing potential risk. This principle, known as the principle of least privilege (PoLP), limits exposure if an account is compromised. For cloud-based tools and files, carefully set up user roles and permissions and periodically review them to ensure they align with current responsibilities. This approach minimizes vulnerabilities, securing sensitive data from unnecessary access and reducing your overall risk of security breaches.
Your team could be the vulnerability that lets a hacker into your valuable data, or they could be the vigilant protectors of your digital assets. Follow the tips above to ensure that they’re the former.
