[author: Cherelle Johannes]

Your employees – cybersecurity heroes or accidental villains?

Cybersecurity success depends on more than just technology. As we’ve seen in part one and part two of this series on cybersecurity risk, the costs of a cyber attack are high – and bad actors always look for the easiest entry point. This means your employees’ everyday actions are crucial.

A single careless click or outdated password might be all it takes to give hackers an opening to wreak havoc. However, empowered with the right knowledge and tools, your employees are your strongest defense.

Small actions have big impact in everyday cyber hygiene

Let’s look at how your team can be your greatest asset or worst vulnerability – and how you can empower them to be digital defenders. Here’s a quick rundown of habits that form the foundation of robust cybersecurity.

• Beyond “Password123” – Help your team understand why strong passwords are non-negotiable. Encourage the use of unique, complex passwords – and perhaps introduce your company’s policy on password managers for easy storage if your IT team is constantly being hassled by password reset issues. Explain the risks of password reuse, especially between personal and work accounts – this isn’t just a work issue, it’s a personal account safety issue, too.
• Don’t click that! – Train your employees to be suspicious of unsolicited emails and links. Launch phishing campaigns to test their awareness under pressure and reward those who successfully identify and report attempts. Make reporting procedures clear and emphasize that vigilance is valued, not punished.
• The magic of MFA – Implement MFA company-wide whenever possible to add a powerful extra layer of security. Explain why it’s important and make sure everyone understands how to set it up and use it effectively.
• Patching up the holes – Establish clear software update policies and communicate them frequently. Work with your IT team to automate updates when possible and provide support for users who might struggle with the process.

The C-suite’s role in championing cybersecurity

Upper management sets the tone for the entire organization. Cybersecurity is no exception. Executives can’t be passive about digital security – they need to lead by example and foster a cybersecurity-first culture that permeates every level of the company.

So, how can the C-suite become cybersecurity champions? Here are a few essential steps:

• Keep the conversation going – Cybersecurity can’t be a one-and-done training session. Encourage open dialogue about potential threats, provide clear channels for employees to report suspicious activity and hold regular check-ins to reaffirm the importance of security protocols.
• Invest in your people (and your protection) – Robust cybersecurity systems and solutions are essential, but they only work if the people using them understand the importance of security protocols. Allocate resources for comprehensive training, tools and support to empower your employees to be vigilant.
• Set the standard – If the CEO is sending sensitive information over unsecured email or reusing, sharing or storing passwords incorrectly, it sends a clear message to the rest of the organization: cybersecurity isn’t a priority for me. The C-suite needs to walk the walk, not just talk the talk, setting a strong example of safe digital practices.
• Know your data, know your risks – Executives should have a clear understanding of the sensitive data the organization holds, where it’s stored and any potential vulnerabilities. Data-driven insights, like regular security audits and threat analysis, are key to crafting effective and proactive security strategies.
• Have a plan for when things go wrong – No system is foolproof. By outlining a detailed incident response plan in advance, the C-suite can minimize chaos and damage in the event of a cyberattack. Think of it as a fire drill, but for the digital world, where regular practice and preparation make all the difference in a crisis.

Training: the cornerstone of cybersecurity risk reduction

Cybersecurity training isn’t optional – it’s vital. A well-designed employee training program can help turn potential weak links into your strongest line of defense. Let’s explore why training matters and some effective techniques to keep your team cyber-savvy.

The power of ongoing education

Regular, engaging training does much more than just check a compliance box. Consistent training reduces the risk of accidental breaches by helping employees spot and avoid common cyber traps. It also keeps security top of mind. As cyberthreats constantly change, your team needs to stay up-to-date on the latest tactics and strategies to stay ahead of cyber threats that are always looking for a way in.

Training methods that make a difference

Ditch the boring slideshows and explore some more dynamic training approaches! Here are a few that are particularly effective:

• Role-playing exercises – Simulating real-world scenarios allows employees to practice their responses to phishing attempts, suspicious links, or unusual requests in a safe environment.
• Cybersecurity workshops – These hands-on sessions create space for guided practice, providing a chance for employees to get their questions answered in real-time.
• Phishing simulations – Controlled tests where employees receive mock phishing emails to gauge their awareness and response are a great way to identify areas of improvement and make training more targeted. Just be sure these simulations don’t punish mistakes and use them as a learning tool instead!

Cybersecurity is a team effort

Technology provides a strong foundation, but human vigilance is the ultimate defense. By empowering your employees through ongoing training and fostering a culture of cyber-awareness, you can transform your organization from a potential target into a digital fortress. Remember, the decisions your team makes every day are the key to protecting your most valuable assets.

Explore the NAVEX cybersecurity training preview

View original article at Risk & Compliance Matters