Encouraging your team to report security issues promptly is crucial for your business, though it might not have been a priority before.
You might think that with so many security technology tools, you're covered. But guess what? Your employees are your first line of defense, and they’re irreplaceable when it comes to spotting and reporting security threats.
Imagine this: One of your employees receives a fishy-looking email that appears to be from a trusted supplier. It's a classic phishing attempt (that’s where a cyber criminal sends an email and pretends to be someone else to steal your data).
If the employee brushes it off or thinks someone else will handle it, that innocent-looking email could lead to a massive data breach, potentially costing your company a great deal of money.
The truth is, less than 10% of employees report phishing emails to their security teams. That's shockingly low. Why is this?
• They might not realize how important it is
• They're scared of getting into trouble if they are wrong
• Or they think it's someone else’s job
Plus, if they've been shamed for security mistakes before, they're even less likely to speak up.
One of the biggest reasons employees don't report security issues is that they simply just don't understand how important it is. They might not know what a security threat looks like or why reporting it is crucial. This is where education comes in, but not the boring, jargon-filled kind. They may not even understand the jargon, so you've already lost their interest.
Think of cyber security training as an engaging and interactive experience. Use real-life examples and scenarios to show how a small issue can snowball into a major problem if not reported.
Simulate phishing attacks and demonstrate the potential fallout. Make it clear that everyone has a vital role in keeping the company safe. When employees understand their actions can prevent a disaster, they'll be more motivated to report anything suspicious.
Even if your employees want to report an issue, a complicated reporting process can stop them in their tracks. Make sure your reporting process is as simple and straightforward as possible. Think easy-access buttons or quick links on your company’s intranet.
Make sure everyone knows how to report an issue. Regular reminders and clear instructions can go a long way. When someone does report something, give them immediate feedback. A simple thank you or acknowledgment can reinforce their behavior and show them that their efforts matter.
It’s all about creating a culture where reporting security issues is seen as a positive action. If employees feel they’ll be judged or punished, they’ll keep quiet. Leaders in your company need to set the tone by being open about their own experiences with reporting issues. When the big boss talks openly about security, it encourages everyone else to do the same.
You could even consider appointing security champions within different departments. These are your go-to people for their peers, offering support and making the reporting process less intimidating. Keep security a regular topic of conversation so it stays fresh in everyone's minds.
Also, celebrate the learning opportunities that come from reported incidents. Share success stories where reporting helped avoid a disaster. This not only educates but also motivates your team to keep their eyes open and speak up.
By making it easy and rewarding for your employees to report security issues, you're not just protecting your business; you're also building a more engaged and proactive workforce.
Encourage open communication, continuous learning, and avoid shaming anyone for their mistakes. The faster issues are reported, the easier and cheaper they are to fix, keeping your business secure and thriving.
This is something we regularly help businesses with. If we can help you too, get in touch.
.svg){kind=small}
