Security Awareness – 10 Easy Steps

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Cyberattacks are a constant threat in today’s digital world. Phishing emails, malware downloads, and data breaches can cripple businesses and devastate personal lives. Employee error is often the reason many threats are introduced into a business network. A lack of cybersecurity awareness is generally the culprit. People don’t know any better, so they accidentally click on phishing links or create weak passwords, making it easy for hackers to breach their accounts.

It’s estimated that 95% of data breaches are due to human error. But here’s the good news: these mistakes are preventable. Building a strong culture of cyber awareness can significantly reduce your risks.

Why Security Awareness Culture Matters

Think of your organization’s cybersecurity as a chain. Strong links make it unbreakable, while weak links make it vulnerable. Employees are the links in this chain. By fostering a culture of cyber awareness, you turn each employee into a strong link, making your entire organization more secure.

Easy Steps, Big Impact

Building a cyber awareness culture doesn’t require complex strategies or expensive training programs. Here are some simple steps you can take to make a big difference.

1. Start with Leadership Buy-in to Security Awareness

Security shouldn’t be an IT department issue alone. Get leadership involved! When executives champion cyber awareness, it sends a powerful message to the organization. Leadership can show their commitment by:

• Participating in training sessions
• Speaking at security awareness events
• Allocating resources for ongoing initiatives

2. Make Security Awareness Fun, Not Fearful

Cybersecurity training doesn’t have to be dry and boring. Use engaging videos, gamified quizzes, and real-life scenarios to keep employees interested and learning.

Consider interactive modules where employees choose their path through a simulated phishing attack, or short, animated videos that explain complex security concepts in a clear and relatable way.

3. Speak Their Language

Cybersecurity terms can be confusing. Communicate in plain language, avoiding technical jargon, and focus on practical advice employees can use in their everyday work.

Instead of saying, “implement multi-factor authentication,” explain that it adds an extra layer of security when logging in, like needing a code from your phone in addition to your password.

4. Keep Security Areness Short and Sweet

Don’t overwhelm people with lengthy training sessions. Opt for bite-sized training modules that are easy to digest and remember. Use micro learning approaches delivered in short bursts throughout the workday to keep employees engaged and reinforce key security concepts.

5. Conduct Phishing Drills

Regular phishing drills test employee awareness and preparedness. Send simulated phishing emails and track who clicks. Use the results to educate employees on identifying red flags and reporting suspicious messages.

After a phishing drill, dissect the email with employees, highlighting the telltale signs that identified it as a fake.

6. Make Reporting Easy and Encouraged

Employees need to feel comfortable reporting suspicious activity without fear of blame. Create a safe reporting system and acknowledge reports promptly. This can be achieved through:

• A dedicated email address
• An anonymous reporting hotline
• A designated security champion employees can approach directly

7. Security Awareness Champions: Empower Your Employees

Identify enthusiastic employees who can become “security champions.” These champions can answer questions from peers and promote best practices through internal communication channels, keeping security awareness top of mind.

Security champions can be a valuable resource for their colleagues, fostering a sense of shared responsibility for cybersecurity within the organization.

8. Beyond Work: Security Awreness Spills Over

Cybersecurity isn’t just a work thing. Educate employees on how to protect themselves at home too. Share tips on creating strong passwords, securing Wi-Fi connections, and avoiding public hotspots. Employees who practice good security habits at home are more likely to do so in the workplace.

9. Celebrate Success

Recognize and celebrate employee achievements in cyber awareness. Did someone report a suspicious email? Did a team achieve a low click-through rate on a phishing drill? Publicly acknowledge their contributions to keep motivation high. Recognition reinforces positive behavior and encourages continued vigilance.

10. Bonus Tip: Leverage Technology

Technology can be a powerful tool for building a cyber-aware culture. Use online training platforms that deliver microlearning modules and track employee progress. Schedule automated phishing simulations regularly to keep employees alert.

Tools that bolster employee security include:

• Password managers
• Email filtering for spam and phishing
• Automated rules, such as Microsoft’s Sensitivity Labels
• DNS filtering

The Bottom Line: Everyone Plays a Role in Security Awareness

Building a culture of cyber awareness is an ongoing process. Repetition is key! Regularly revisit these steps, keep the conversation going, and make security awareness a natural part of your organization’s DNA.

Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility. By fostering a culture of cyber awareness, your business benefits. You equip everyone in your organization with the knowledge and tools to stay safe online. Empowered employees become your strongest defense against cyber threats.

Contact Us to Discuss Security Training & Technology

Need help with email filtering or security rules setup? Looking for someone to handle your ongoing employee security training? We can help you reduce your cybersecurity risk in many ways. Contact us today to learn more.