These Four Methods will Get Even the Most Resistant Employees on the Security Bandwagon

There’s not a business out there today that doesn’t need to worry about cybersecurity. With this fact in mind, your employees also need to be involved in the conversation around cybersecurity in the workplace. If your employees aren’t following cybersecurity rules, they could be putting your business at risk.

Generally speaking, the main reasons an employee might not take security seriously are that they don’t know the rules, they don’t have the training, or they think the rules are too hard to follow—and you can do something about all three.

Make Training a Priority

Now that you know why employees might not be following the rules, consider ways to train them more effectively.

One of the biggest motivators out there is simply understanding why the rules exist. They need to understand the gravity of cybersecurity failings and how it impacts them and their ability to do their jobs. If you can provide real examples and context for the rules, your employees will be more likely to comply with them.

Training should be held often enough for employees to learn about new threats and how to approach them.

Select the Right Procedures

Proper rules will also go a long way toward keeping your employees in compliance.

If rules are too convoluted or unclear, your employees will try to find shortcuts around them to save them from wasting time (and headaches). This puts your business at risk. For example, if a password is too hard to remember, an employee might write it down or use an insecure password manager like one that is found in your browser.

You can make it easier for employees to follow the rules by implementing technology solutions like password managers, content blockers, and filters.

Foster Accountability

That said, if employees are not held accountable, they won’t have a reason to follow the rules.

While we’re not saying you should rule with an iron fist, it’s still important for your team to understand the importance of the policies you put in place. Be sure to set up a system where your team can learn from their mistakes rather than fear them. This starts by having a clear policy on how to report potential issues with the threat of reprisal.

A little reward also goes a long way, too, and it can be a big motivator for following the rules.

Empower Your Team to Care Deeply About Cybersecurity

Ultimately, you’re trying to build a community of cybersecurity awareness in your office.

Everyone should feel like they play an important part in cybersecurity. Employees should feel like their actions are important and make a difference in keeping the business safe. Promote teamwork, encourage communication, and, most importantly, start with strong leadership, who can then set a good example for your other employees.

Remember, cybersecurity is not bottom-up; instead, it’s top-down.

If you’re ready to revamp your cybersecurity policies and procedures, you can get started today by calling BNMC at (978) 482-2020.