3 Small Ways To Train Your Employees To Protect Your Business Data
On a mission to improve cyber security across your business, perhaps you’ve embraced everything from anti-virus software to robust firewalls. However, no matter how many tricks and tools you implement, without your employees’ support, your company’s security will never be as strong as it could be.
Your team plays a vital role in protecting your business from malicious attacks, data loss, and privacy breaches. In fact, according to a study from the Ponemon Institute, 41% of the cyber attacks experienced by SMEs are the result of mistakes made by employees, contractors and third-parties.
By ensuring they understand the importance of cyber security and know how to do their bit, you can protect your company’s vital data and ensure the tech-side of your business is able to run smoothly.
Teach them to identify phishing emails and scams
Gone are the days where email scams consisted of false promises of lottery wins and inheritance from distant foreign relatives. They’re becoming more and more advanced with many scammers creating emails that look like they’re from valid companies and people.
The best way to combat this is to train your employees to identify potentially threatening emails before they click links or download software.
Some employees may feel patronised by phishing email training, but the stats suggest that far too many workers fall for them. And with such emails becoming increasingly sophisticated, even those with a basic understanding of the risks are falling victim.
Introduce a remote device policy
If your employees access business data from their own devices or they have the ability to work remotely, it’s wise to introduce a remote device policy. This will outline their responsibilities when it comes to accessing the company’s emails, programmes, accounts and files outside of the office.
From ensuring they’re aware of the risks that public Wi-Fi hotspots can hold to ensuring they don’t work from devices that are susceptible to viruses and ransomware, there’s plenty you can incorporate into your remote device policy.
Emphasise the importance of strong passwords
Strong passwords are easily one of the most effective barriers when it comes to protecting your company’s data. And yet far too many people are guilty of using passwords that are easy for both humans and machines to guess. Take a look at our guide to creating strong yet memorable passwords and be sure to share it with your employees.