Hey there! 👋 With October being Cyber Security Awareness Month, it’s the perfect time to turn your employees into your strongest cyber security allies.
As a small or medium business, you may think you need to be bigger of a target for cyber attacks. However, 43% of cyber attacks target small businesses! 😱 Having robust cyber security practices in place is crucial, even if you’re a small shop.
The good news is that your own staff can become your first line of defence when it comes to protecting your company’s data and systems. Focusing on cyber security awareness training and culture can equip your team to spot risks and make smart decisions online.
In this article, I’ll share some practical tips on levelling your cyber security through your biggest asset – your people! Let’s dive in. 🤿
Why Employee Awareness Matters
Your team interacts with your company’s technology day in and day out. They are on the frontlines when it comes to potential cyber security risks. A strong security culture encourages employees to be vigilant and think twice before clicking on a sketchy link or attachment.
Consider these stats:
- 90% of data breaches start with human error. From weak passwords to phishing scams, people are the most common vulnerability.
- However, 70% of breaches could be prevented through basic cyber security awareness training. Equipping staff with knowledge is vital!
- Investing in training yields a 700% return in cyber crime savings. A little time and effort goes a long way.
Making cyber security basics part of your workplace culture pays off tremendously. Let’s look at some key ways to make it happen.
Provide Engaging Awareness Training
Hands down, the most important way to level up your team’s cyber savvy is by providing regular security awareness training. But it can be more than just boring checkbox training – it has to be engaging and tailored to real risks.
Here are some tips for effective awareness training:
✅ Keep it brief, simple, and catchy. Short 15-30 minute interactive sessions are ideal. Use games, quizzes, and friendly competition to make it fun.
✅ Make it relevant. Include real examples and scenarios your company could face based on your tech stack and processes. Get specific!
✅ Use storytelling. We remember stories better than facts. Share case studies of other companies that fell prey to attacks.
✅ Repeat often. Cybersecurity training shouldn’t be a one-and-done thing. Refresh knowledge every quarter or 6 months at a minimum.
✅ Track results. Survey staff before and after to measure increased awareness and changed behaviours.
✅ Get leadership buy-in. Managers and executives should complete training too to demonstrate its importance.
The key is creating a cyber-aware culture, not just mandating a dry one-off training. Make it a positive, repeating event!
Test Employee Defenses with Simulated Attacks
While awareness training teaches security principles, simulated cyber attacks test real-world defences.
Ethical hacking and phishing simulations essentially trick your employees to see how they respond to risky situations. Common tests include:
- Phishing emails: Send mock malicious emails to test who clicks links/attachments
- USB drop: Leave infected USB drives around the office to see who plugs one in
- Weak passwords: Try logging into employee accounts with common passwords
- WiFi spoofing: Set up a fake malicious WiFi network onsite
The goal isn’t to punish failure but to uncover gaps and improve through better training. Track test results to see which departments need help and repeat simulations quarterly or annually.
Make it a positive experience by recognising and rewarding people who spot the tests. Have fun with it!
Develop Security Policies Your Team Can Get Behind
For security awareness to stick, it has to be reinforced through solid policies. However, rules handed down from above often go ignored.
How can you craft policies your team will actually care about and follow?
🔑 Involve team members in writing policies. Ask for input to foster buy-in.
🔑 Explain the why. Help people understand how each policy directly reduces risk.
🔑 Keep it simple and practical. Long, bureaucratic policy docs won’t be read. Prioritise what really matters.
🔑 Automate when possible. Don’t make people do manual busywork to follow the rules.
🔑 Send occasional reminders. Gently redirect or educate when you see risky behaviour.
Well-designed security policies balance protection with productivity and user experience. Could you get employee perspectives to achieve that balance?
Recognise and Reward Cyber Awareness
Lastly, positive reinforcement goes a long way in shaping habits and culture. When employees show security-conscious behaviour, please make sure it gets recognised.
Here are some ways to motivate the right actions:
- Praise in public: Call out smart thinking in meetings, newsletters, etc.
- Small rewards: After phishing simulation successes, raffle off gift cards or treats
- Security Superstar: Feature a Cyber Security Person of the Month
- Include in reviews: Make security mindfulness part of performance metrics
No one likes to feel policed or micromanaged. A little positivity and friendly competition taps into intrinsic motivation and gives kudos to those doing good work.
Let Your Team Be Your First Defenders 🛡️
Cyber attacks seek the easiest targets. With basic security training and awareness, your people can become an effective first line of defence.
Focusing on positive culture building yields much better protection than ruled-based mandates alone. Share relevant knowledge, test preparedness, and reward those who go above and beyond.
When every employee feels empowered and motivated to protect the business, your company’s data will be much safer. So get creative in engaging your team this Cyber Security Awareness Month!
What questions do you still have about building cyber security awareness within your startup or small business? Let me know in the comments!
Key Takeaways:
- Employee mistakes make up 90% of breaches, but 70% could be prevented through basic training.
- Practical awareness training is brief, engaging, role-relevant, and repeated often.
- Test preparedness through phishing simulations and ethical hacking tests.
- Involve staff in writing policies to increase buy-in. Keep rules simple and sensible.
- Recognise and reward people who demonstrate security-conscious behaviour.
