Cybersecurity Essentials: How Leaders Can Cultivate Positive Workplace Security Culture
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On average, remote workers were more mindful of cybersecurity threats and could better recognize safe cybersecurity practices and protection measures compared with office-based employees, according to one peer-reviewed study. Cybersecurity awareness and the implementation of security measures are essential, especially with the typical workplace becoming more connected than ever before. Leaders can pioneer change and cultivate a positive workplace culture surrounding cybersecurity in several ways — from recognizing the importance of the matter to the value of a strong foundation through the right infrastructure.
Exploring the need for effective cybersecurity
When it comes to the value of cybersecurity in business, it’s imperative to understand the risks and dangers involved when such measures are lacking. For example, 43% of cyber attacks target small businesses. Furthermore, 64% of companies have experienced web-based attacks, 62% experienced phishing and social engineering attacks, 59% experienced malicious code and botnets, and 51% experienced denial of service attacks, according to statistics cited by Cybint News and highlighted by one University of North Georgia page.
A cyberattack can have dire consequences for a business. A data breach can leave sensitive information vulnerable, and the financial consequences can also be devastating. In 2022, the global average cost of a data breach reached $4.35 million, while the number is more than double in the U.S., averaging $9.44 million. “These expenses can include everything from ransom payments and lost revenues to business downtime, remediation, legal fees, and audit fees,” one Harvard Business Review (HBR) article points out. The financial consequences of a cyber attack can be particularly damaging for a small business, with millions of dollars in losses potentially leading to bankruptcy. Furthermore, a business that has experienced a cyber attack is likely to experience significant reputational damage, especially when customer information has been leaked, leaving many to distrust the company in question.
The Conversation article points out that employees are “the first line of defense against cybersecurity attacks,” highlighting that such attacks have increased. According to Check Point Research, Cyber attacks worldwide increased 38% in 2022. One particular point of concern is that security risks can often come from inside the business itself — 88% of data breach incidents are caused by employee mistakes, according to a joint study by Stanford University Professor Jeff Hancock and security firm Tessian. Security Today points out that similar research by IBM Security puts the statistic at 95%, highlighting the immense importance of implementing effective cybersecurity measures and a positive workplace culture surrounding the matter.
Promoting a positive perspective
Leaders in the workplace can promote cybersecurity in a variety of ways. One LinkedIn article by The Security Company (International) Limited notes that providing comprehensive training programs to employees is just one key factor in heightening workplace cybersecurity. “When you offer regular training sessions covering essential topics such as phishing, strong passwords, and ransomware — you keep employees well-informed about the latest threats and best practices. As a result, you empower them to make informed decisions and contribute to a more secure workplace.”
Making sure that the training is interactive will further aid in facilitating employee engagement, and can help improve retention of the material. One Forbes article highlights several ways to make cybersecurity training more effective with ideas from 20 members of the Forbes Technology Council, from avoiding pre-recorded content to using role-playing activities and even incorporating gamification elements. “Making cybersecurity training engaging for employees is crucial to ensure that the information is retained and applied effectively,” notes Jane Medwin of LEAFIO AI. “By turning the training into a game-like experience, you can tap into employees’ intrinsic motivation and encourage active participation.”
Communication can also serve as an essential factor when looking to cultivate a positive and healthy workplace culture surrounding cybersecurity, particularly when aiming to prevent and address concerns like human error. An open line of communication should be made a priority, particularly between leaders and employees. For example, leaders should encourage the reporting of cybersecurity issues right away, even if an employee themselves believes they may have made a mistake. Placing the importance on prompt reporting and learning from such experiences can work to create a positive outlook on the matter without instilling negative feelings (like blame, shame, or fear) surrounding the subject. As a result, cybersecurity issues can be promptly addressed while leaving the floor open for further education, thus creating a stronger team overall.
The foundation of cybersecurity --- securing the network
When aiming to heighten the cybersecurity of the workplace, having proper measures and software in place is a must and serves as the foundation of a healthy workplace cybersecurity culture. According to Forbes, the security needs of the current digital workplace are changing, with perimeter-based security systems needing to be improved in hybrid or remote working environments due to employees utilizing third-party mobile applications and their own devices. The post notes that the changing data security landscape demands that companies use security software with features such as authentication with alternatives to passwords (such as biometric scanners and multifactor authentication systems), redundant data loss prevention, and protected applications, to highlight a few.
A secure Wi-Fi network is essential for businesses and their work environment, particularly in guarding against data breaches and protecting sensitive information. The dangers of an unsecured Wi-Fi network are abundant, with the consequences potentially bringing great harm to a business — for example, an unsecured network allows hackers to more easily intercept unencrypted data, gain unauthorized access, and leaves the network more vulnerable to having malware distributed via it. As such, aspects such as encryption, authentication, and access control are basics of Wi-Fi security. Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) is considered the foundation of Wi-Fi security, as it encrypts data on the network — effectively making it far more difficult for hackers to access valuable and sensitive information.
With more businesses becoming increasingly connected in today’s digital age, a healthy cybersecurity culture in the workplace and security measures are essential. For leaders, this means supporting and empowering employees through the implementation of comprehensive training as well as cultivating positivity through open communication to supplement physical security measures.