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In a world this bombarded by cybersecurity threats and online break-ins, it is easy to adopt an attitude of inevitability. In fact, many ordinary computer users have done just that. They have become so accustomed to constant threats that they have become complacent. Many simply do not see the point in ramping up their efforts, and they feel that the next online intrusion is a matter of when and not if.
If you run a small business, chances are those feelings of complacency and inevitability have found their way into your workplace. These days many employees are simply resigned to a lack of security, and they often bring that lackadaisical attitude with them to the office.
In the fact of that complacency, business owners and managers need to do what they can to fight back. That starts with the right training – courses that break through the feeling of inevitability and stress the steps that can be taken to secure company resources and user data. Here are 10 cyber security tips that will get the attention of your staff and help you break through the constant clutter.
Provide real-world examples
It is easy to ignore threats in the aggregate, but providing real-world examples is sure to get your staff’s attention. Focus on real cyber threats, preferably ones that have befallen companies of similar size.
Give employees a sense of ownership
All cyber security efforts begin with the average employees, so stress this sense of data ownership in all your training.
Focus on actionable steps
If your staff cannot take concrete action, they will quickly lose interest in what you have to say. Focus on actual steps your employees can take to improve their personal security and the integrity of company data.
Make your training frequent but not obtrusive
It can be hard to strike the right balance, but you should strive to keep cybersecurity top of mind.
Make it easy to do the right thing
From the way you structure your password requirements to how you handle file access, always try to make cybersecurity easy for your employees.
Get creative
Cybersecurity can be a pretty dull topic, so look for ways to spice things up. A little bit of creativity can go a long way, so look for ways to make your training classes interesting.
Evaluate your results
It is not enough to think your cybersecurity training is working – you need to know it is. Schedule regular audits and reevaluate your training regimen several times a year.
Keep your remote workers in the loop
It is easy to forget about your telecommuters, traveling sales staff and others who work outside the office. Make sure every cybersecurity training includes these remote employees – they are on the front lines of your online defenses.
Work across departments
If you want your cybersecurity efforts to bear fruit, you need to include everyone on your staff. Work between and within departments to create an overarching cybersecurity strategy that works for everyone.
Educate yourself
Cybersecurity starts with you, so take the time to educate yourself and learn about the latest threats. Cybersecurity is always changing, and you need to stay up to speed.
Keeping your data secure and your customers protected is always a challenge, and the difficulty is only expected to get worse as time goes on. If you do not yet have a cybersecurity in place, now is the time to get going. The threats are not going away, and you and your staff need a plan of attack.
