How to Keep Your Employees from Being a Cybersecurity Problem

Cybersecurity has to be a big deal for any business that uses IT, and today, who doesn’t? When your employees don’t follow cybersecurity rules, it can put your business in danger, like getting hacked or losing money. The first step is to figure out why employees aren’t following the rules. This could happen because they don’t know the rules, haven’t been trained enough, or think the rules are too hard or take too much time. 

Once you understand what the problem is—whether it’s about not knowing, finding the rules too complicated, or resisting changes—you can fix it more easily and in a way that makes sense to them.

Prioritize Training

After figuring out why, it’s important to give employees the right kind of cybersecurity training. They need to know why protecting the company’s data is important and how their actions can keep it safe. The training should include real examples to help them understand the possible risks of not following the rules. Also, make sure to update the training often so employees learn about new threats and how to stay safe.

Choose the Right Procedures

Keeping the security rules clear and simple is another way to help employees follow them. If the rules are too complicated, they might try to find shortcuts, which can make things less safe. For example, if passwords are too hard to remember, employees might write them down, which is dangerous. Instead, make things easier by using tools like password managers and security apps that help them follow the rules without much effort.

Build Accountability

Holding people accountable is also important. Employees need to know there are consequences if they don’t follow cybersecurity rules. This doesn’t mean punishing them, but setting up a system where mistakes are fixed. Make sure employees know how to report security problems and create a safe environment where they aren’t scared to ask for help. You can also check regularly if they’re following the rules and give rewards for doing a good job.

Employees Should Feel Responsible

Making sure everyone feels responsible for cybersecurity is key. Employees should see it as something that affects the whole company, not just the IT team. Encourage teamwork between different departments, have leaders set a good example, and pick team members who are really good at following cybersecurity rules to help others. When everyone, from the bosses down to employees, works together to keep the business safe, it’s easier to protect against threats.

If your business needs help creating and maintaining a robust cybersecurity culture, the IT experts at Directive can definitely help. Give us a call today at 607.433.2200 to learn more.