The second week of National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM), held every October, focuses on creating a culture of cyber security at the workplace.
The main aim is to raise awareness about the existing threats faced by organizations and promote a security culture within the organization that will help employees stay safe online and cement a company-wide security stance.
The Importance of Security Awareness
Developing a comprehensive security awareness program is paramount in avoiding any security related breaches. Just like organizations emphasize on key strategic planning in their processes, security is no different as it requires as much attention.
Implementing security within the organization must start with the executive board as a top-down approach will help to highlight the importance of security for the organization. However, employees must be briefed and trained as to why security is essential, what the risks are, and how they can reduce such risks to achieve efficiency and remain secure.
“Securing a business involves so much more than plugging in various pieces of computer technology”
The Top 5 Tips
The following tips are from security experts and will help organizations spread security awareness among their employees.
- Find the Motivation
Knowing about security is vital. Nowadays, people are commonly exposed to password challenges, phishing, data theft among various others threats. By addressing security concerns and risks, employees can better protect themselves against such risks at work and at home.
- Create Competition
By creating a healthy competition within the organization, employees will be more engaged and take security measures seriously. Not only will the employees be motivated to adapt security measures, they will promote it to others and compete to have the best security to safeguard their online presence.
- Form Security Awareness Allies
Ensuring security measures are taken seriously is not the sole responsibility of the security team. Other departments must be involved so that everyone is practicing the same measures and leaving no space for a breach.
- Empowering Employees to Take Initiatives
By empowering employees within the organization and recognizing their initiatives, motivation levels will increase, which will likely lead to efficiency. Many employees prefer empowerment over monetary benefits.
- Keep it Simple and Aligned to the Business
The objectives of your business must be clearly defined and processes must be aligned to achieve business objectives. Every employee must be made aware about their priorities and security is no different as the value of security must be instilled in processes to protect the overall organization.
By fully understanding and implementing these tips, businesses will go a long way in securing their online presence while being competitive in the market.
