4 Ways to Implement Security Awareness in the Workplace

"4 Ways to Implement Security Awareness in the Workplace"
August 29, 2016
79 / 100

~by Meghan Belnap~

No matter your specific industry, digital information is crucial to your business’s success. You must secure and protect all digital information. Security breaches cause huge financial damages and can ruin your company’s reputation. Communication is critical in your business so that your employees understand why they need to follow these policies.

Here are 4 ways to implement security awareness in the workplace.

Prevent the Use of Unauthorized Applications

4 Ways to Implement Security Awareness in the Workplace 1Your employee network contains sensitive information; it’s important to regulate what programs and applications your employees can and cannot access on company networks. Personal email and social media sites like Twitter and Facebook should never be used at work. Employees who use these applications present an opportunity for hackers to access both personal and company-related information.

Proper Password Protection and Logout Procedures

One of the fundamentals of security awareness is proper password protection for computers and logging out of computers when they’re not in use. A report from Cisco shows that a disconcertingly high number of employees neglect these procedures, and that their passwords offer insufficient protection. Though these employees are most likely not neglecting these practices out of malicious intent, recent data show that internal negligence is one of the primary sources of data loss and security breaches.

Prevent “Tailgating”

“Tailgating”, is the term for either digitally or physically allowing potentially unauthorized people into security areas. This unauthorized form of access is common, especially to networks on which employees can “wander” into parts of the company network they’re not officially authorized to access. It’s important for employees to know that “no means no” when it comes to unauthorized parties accessing high-security areas. If there’s ever a question as to whether or not someone has authorization, refer to a security awareness training guide.

Educate Employees in the Potential Costs of a Data Breach

Employees need to understand that security breaches cause an expensive chain reaction. Explain in detail that managing security breaches entails the following steps:

  • Validating the security breach
  • Assembling an incident response team
  • Determining the scope of the breach
  • Notifying all affected parties

Not only do the procedures take time and money, they interrupt the regular company workflow.

By teaching your employees these best security practices and procedures, you can prevent the costly loss of data and security. Often, it’s as simple as teaching them to be mindful of security issues. Try implementing programs like those provided by Global Learning Systems in order to teach your employees best security practices. They need to know that their job security depends upon the physical and digital security of your company.


Meet the Author: Meghan Belnap

Meghan Belnap is a freelance writer who enjoys spending time with her family. She loves being in the outdoors and exploring new opportunities whenever they arise. Meghan finds happiness in researching new topics that help to expand her horizons. You can often find her buried in a good book or out looking for an adventure.

You can connect with her on Facebook right here and Twitter right here.

Categories

More Posts:

When it’s Time to Hire an HR Professional for Your Company

As your business continues to expand, it might be a wise decision to employ an HR specialist who can help you manage and optimize your workforce. An HR expert brings with them essential services that will streamline the operations of your company while keeping your...

Manufacturing Tips Businesses Should Follow

To be a victorious business, it takes more than having an outstanding product. Knowing the significance of manufacturing and how it impacts their financials is integral for any organization that wishes to thrive in today's marketplace. To keep up with the competition,...

What I Wish I Had Known When I Started My Business

Starting a business is hard work. There are so many things to think about and do, and it can be easy to feel overwhelmed. Trust me, I know from experience! When I started my business, there were a lot of things I wish I had known. But thankfully, I've learned a lot...

Basic Steps That Can Prevent Security Breaches

With technology now playing such an intrinsic role in our lives, we must prioritize cybersecurity to keep ourselves safe from potential risks. Prevention is one of the key factors when it comes to security - and taking some simple steps can reduce your risk...

Product Mistakes You Might Be Making at Your Business

Running a business isn’t easy, and making product-related mistakes can cost your company time and money. From creating products without doing market research to holding excess inventory or failing to file patents, there are numerous pitfalls that you need to be aware...

How to Decide Which Business Data to Archive

When it comes to business data, it's not a question of if you should archive it, but rather how you should archive it. With so many factors to consider — from the costs of storage to the ease of retrieval — it can be tough to know where to start. In this blog post,...

A Five-Step Guide to Starting a Logistics Company

If you've been considering launching a transportation and logistics company, now is the moment. The transportation and storage sector is very important and profitable. Statistics show that by 2027, the global logistics market would have grown from its 2017 valuation...

Which technology should businesses invest in?

Introduction The top three IT firms this month are Fair Issac Corp., Enphase Energy Inc., and Arrow Electronics Inc. With outstanding third-quarter sales records in a struggling electronics industry, semiconductor distributor Arrow Electronics has become a top bargain...

The top five cybersecurity blunders to avoid

Due to the widespread use of smartphones and data consumption during the past ten years, there has been a significant increase in opportunities for hackers to access your devices. Overall, consumption has grown, but there is a gross ignorance about digital security...

13 Best tech business ideas to start this year

Technology companies are concerned with the research and development of technology-based goods as well as their distribution. The products and services that technology companies provide are applicable in a variety of different markets. The following is a list of the...
Manufacturing Tips Businesses Should Follow

Manufacturing Tips Businesses Should Follow

To be a victorious business, it takes more than having an outstanding product. Knowing the significance of manufacturing and how it impacts their financials is integral for any organization that wishes to thrive in today's marketplace. To keep up with the competition,...

All Categories

Business Operations

Entrepreneur Interviews

Marketing, Networking, & Social Media

Self Care & Personal Development

Working Moms

Business Software and Technology

Entrepreneurship & Small Business

Organizing Tips

Sales

Career Building

Family Businesses

Inspiration

Starting Your Own Business

Work-Life Balance

Communication

Hiring Help

Management & Leadership

Time Management & Priorities

Women in Leadership

Recent Posts

Why Your Business Should Offer HSA-Compatible Health Plans

Why Your Business Should Offer HSA-Compatible Health Plans

As a business owner, you have a lot of responsibilities when it comes to taking care of your employees. If you offer good benefits, such as healthcare, you’ll be more likely to hire and maintain the best employees.  Here are a few reasons why your business should...

When it’s Time to Hire an HR Professional for Your Company

When it’s Time to Hire an HR Professional for Your Company

As your business continues to expand, it might be a wise decision to employ an HR specialist who can help you manage and optimize your workforce. An HR expert brings with them essential services that will streamline the operations of your company while keeping your...

Why Your Office Needs High-Quality Chairs

Why Your Office Needs High-Quality Chairs

For any business or organization, the right office furniture is vital. Quality chairs are essential and can help bolster productivity, decrease employee health issues, and remain operable longer than budget substitutes. Investing in quality office chairs provides...

How to Quickly Capture Attention on Social Media

How to Quickly Capture Attention on Social Media

Social media is invaluable for marketers and business owners, especially those working with small businesses. It’s a great way to get the company in front of more people, allowing you to attract more customers. Of course, it’s not enough to just get seen on social...

Tips for Starting a Gardening Business in Your Community

Tips for Starting a Gardening Business in Your Community

Embarking on a gardening business is a bewildering journey that promises both intrinsic satisfaction and monetary success. The paramount initial step is to scrutinize the varied gamut of services you would want to render, followed by an intricate search for tools and supplies to substantiate the execution of those services. Crafting a business and financial plan is an absolute must, especially given the burgeoning competition from fellow green-thumbed entrepreneurs amidst the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic. Establishing an online presence through a website and social media and designing business cards and flyers are integral to drumming up business. Lastly, building a loyal clientele and network is paramount for sustained success in the horticultural realm.

How to Protect Your Personal Finances From Black Swan Events

How to Protect Your Personal Finances From Black Swan Events

Life throws us an occasional curveball; it’s just a part of life. But what if your finances take a hit due to something outside of your control?  Black swan events are rare, but they occur and can cause massive financial losses. The key is to be prepared for the worst...