Benefits of Keeping Security-Savvy Staff Around

While security systems play a large part in keeping your data safe from cybercriminals, your people are equally responsible when it comes to proper online procedures. Programs work to keep attackers out, but your staff has the power to let someone in. This is why a security-savvy staff is crucial when it comes to protecting your business. Here are tips on who these knowledgeable people are, how to get them on your team and what they bring to the table.

The Who

Security-savvy employees not only stay informed on the latest security breaches within other organizations, but they also understand the impact that data loss can have within their own company. They attend training sessions voluntarily, they focus on security reminders, they use safe cyber-practices, and they have good cyber-habits.

What are some good cyber-habits? Having strong passwords and refraining from using company documents on personal devices are some examples. These valuable staff members know the different types of malware, or at least the basics of malware, and they don’t put the full responsibility of cybersecurity on the IT department. If your business is a sports team, your employees are your players. You’re only as good as they are.

The How

These savvy employees might seem too good to be true, but they’re out there. And they might even already be on your payroll. Incorporating security into your current company culture by educating, training, and updating your staff can grow security experts from within. Your staff plays an active role on a daily basis just by being connected to your network and emailing outside sources. The true success of your company’s cybersecurity starts with them.

Make training fun and not a long, drawn-out prison sentence. Studies have shown a lot of the reason why adults say they don’t like to read is because they were forced to for years in school. The moment they had any freedom, they never picked up another book. It wasn’t because they didn’t actually enjoy reading, it was because they were relieved to be free of the requirement. So make sure the trainings aren’t force-fed to your employees or else they may just be lax on purpose.

The Benefits

While it’s seemingly impossible to completely prevent an attack, strength comes from within. Your people are the core of your organization. If they don’t adopt your cybersecurity processes, then any systems you have set up won’t be as effective as they should be. Making sure your staff knows they play a central role will motivate them to stay informed of why and how they can better the security of the company. When employees take ownership of their cyber-responsibility, the business as a whole will strengthen. And if you’re a business owner, you can rest easy at night knowing your team is all on the same page when it comes to protecting your valuable data.