How to Promote Online Security in the Workplace

In 2023 alone, chief information security officers determined that a staggering 75% of companies were found to be at risk of a cyberattack . Workplace cybersecurity is paramount during a time where the reliance on digital technology is higher than ever, and the number of people working remotely is providing cyber criminals with opportunities to slip through the net. It should be a company-wide goal to promote cybersecurity in the workplace, as it is an issue that can have a widespread impact. Anyone without the proper understanding of online safety has the potential to put the whole company at risk. Here we will provide more information on online security risks in the workplace, the policies that can be implemented to negate them, and the security measures we would recommend.

Understanding Workplace Cyber Risks

There are a wide variety of cyber risks that can be encountered in the workplace, and they continue to evolve and multiply at the same rate as the rest of our technology. These risks can pose serious threats to organizations of all sizes, from data leaks to hacking to financial losses. Any kind of cyberattack also causes reputational damage, as it televises the fact that your company is unable to protect itself and ignorant to cybersecurity protocols. This is why it’s crucial for businesses to stay informed about these risks and understand the potential impact they can have on their operations. Some workplace cyber risks include:

• Phishing attacks
• Malware infections
• Data breaches
• Ransomware attacks
• Identity theft
• Financial fraud

Phishing attacks are one of the most common forms of cyber threats. These attacks are carried out by criminals posing as trusted sources in an attempt to convince people to divulge sensitive information, usually in the form of email communication. These emails may also contain links and attachments carrying harmful malware or viruses. In scenarios where employees are allowed to work remotely, the possibility of an attack increases. This is because there are now more devices and networks criminals can use to access a company’s information, all with varying levels of security measures in place. This increased vulnerability requires a business to up their security measures, but not every company chooses to do so. A third of business don’t offer their remote workers any kind of cybersecurity awareness training.

Building a Culture of Cybersecurity Awareness

Cybersecurity can’t be a trend – it has to be a culture, something that employees are continuously aware of and factoring into their operations. This is especially true when it comes to hybrid workplace cybersecurity. Employees are the first line of defence against cyberattacks, as they are often the place where would-be attackers will make first contact. Upping their awareness can significantly reduce the risk of incidents occurring. Here’s some steps that ca  taken to support this:

Regular training

As we mentioned, more companies need to provide their employees with regular training sessions to familiarize them with the latest cyber threats, and to teach them best practices for staying safe online. Being able to recognize phishing attempts, understanding what makes a strong password, and committing to regular software updates will all benefit the security of your workplace – but these things often need specialised training.

Encouraging communication and vigilance

Employees should be encouraged to share any suspicious activity they experience, without fear of reporting such activity impacting them negatively. Cybersecurity policies and protocols should also be effectively broadcasted and stored in places that are easy to find, should anyone require a refresher.

Recognizing proactiveness

It’s always a good idea to recognize and reward employees that demonstrate the desirable proactive behaviours. While it’s not necessarily appropriate to make a game out of keeping your company safe, sometimes incentivization can go a long way. Make sure employees are congratulated appropriately for completing their training in a timely and enthusiastic manner.

Implementing Security Policies and Procedures

Clear, robust policies make everyone feel safer. Here are some things to cover in your workplace cybersecurity protocols.

• Access control – by implementing strict access controls that only allow authorized personnel to have access to sensitive data, you’re limiting the risk of accidental leaks and access caused by unsuspecting, unqualified employees.
• Data protection – all sensitive data should be encrypted where possible to protect it against interception by unauthorized parties. Regular backups, carried out within data protection regulations, are also a good idea.
• Incident response – there should be a clear response plan for people to follow in the event of a cybersecurity incident. Acting quickly can help to limit the damage caused and contain the threat.
• Audits and updates – carrying out regular audits and updates will allow you to identify any weaknesses and continually improve your security measures. As we said previously, online safety should be a culture, not a passing trend.

Securing Remote Work Environments

Hybrid and remote working is a great benefit to many businesses and employees. Strong security measures will enable it to continue being a benefit, instead of a potential cybersecurity risk. Making use of features such as multi-factor authentication (MFA) can help reduce the risk of unauthorized access to any shared business accounts. Encouraging employees to only use secure Wi-Fi networks is recommended. While many remote workers enjoy logging in from their local cafe, public Wi-Fi networks aren’t always secure, and can provide opportunities for criminals to slip in unnoticed. Protecting endpoint devices (laptops, smart phones, etc.) is paramount, so consider investing in protective software.

Monitoring and Assessing Cybersecurity Measures

Once you have decided on and implemented your chosen cybersecurity measures, it’s important to continually assess and update them. Criminals are constantly finding new ways to gain access to sensitive information, so a security measure that worked last year could easily be breached if not regularly monitored and updated. Employee feedback, network monitoring, thorough incident reviews and regular security audits are all practical measures that contribute towards a safer working environment. Even carrying out fake attacks to test your defences can be beneficial – this is known as penetration testing, and can help to highlight vulnerabilities you may not have been previously aware of.

Implementing Cybersecurity Software

Cybersecurity software can help to boost your peace of mind when it comes to protecting your workplace. These softwares can often run unaided in the background, providing continuous support and protection with regular scans and strong filters. Antivirus and antimalware protection can detect, quarantine and remove harmful software before it has a chance to cause any damage, and privacy measures such as VPNs can keep data transfers encrypted to protect them from theft.

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