Cybersecurity Guidelines: How to Increase Adherence | #hrmanagement #hrexecutive

The implementation of an effective cybersecurity strategy presupposes the involvement of all the employees. Whether you are a worker from the IT department or an in-house lawyer, you are in charge of digital safety. Modern society demonstrates a considerable dependency on gadgets and cyberspace in general. 

Often, a human error becomes the reason for data leaks or hacking. Sure, it is a good thing to consider some prime antiviruses, like McAfee or Norton, and read more about their functions. However, in this article, you will know how to improve employees’ adherence to cybersecurity guidelines.

Why Motivation is Needed

Some may consider cybersecurity a boring topic to discuss, yet the hacking risks are challenging as never before. Despite dozens of available protection software, cybercriminals remain inventive and sly when it comes to unauthorized access. Simple inattentiveness to online safety rules can result in unwanted consequences for the company and employees. 

Interestingly, the Mimecast report indicates that 73% of employees utilize their corporate devices for personal needs, while many open the suspicious links having in mind the possible consequences. It raises the issue of the lack of motivation to follow the rules and absolute apathy. 

In this regard, Lack of IT security information and miscommunication between the departments are two urgent problems the companies face today. Motivated workers are more likely to follow strict security rules. HR managers should explain employees’ essential role in cybersecurity and provide comprehensive and regular reports on the IT department’s activity. 

Communication is a Key

The primary solution to the lack of motivation and increase of adherence to the policies is communication. Communication inside the company is critical on every level. 

It does not matter whether it is an update regarding new technological equipment, Privacy Policy changes, or an announcement about a hacking attack. Effective communication is possible only if HRs carry on regular digital safety meetings to maintain the company’s transparency. 

There is no point in discussions of the attack only after it appears. Everyone must be informed before anything happens, during the incident, and after it. Importantly, all the departments should participate in such meetings, and every employee must know whom to address in case of an attack.

Develop a strategy with IT specialists

One way to implement better communication practices is to develop a robust strategy with IT specialists. Planning the process requires considering two factors: the knowledge base for a layman and the motivational aspect. 

Understanding the audits and compliance by every person strengthens the corporate culture. IT employees and HR managers can build strategic steps to create a plan that drives workers to follow safety guidelines.

Inform the guidelines via official channels

Most of the companies apply diverse channels of communication. Many corporations use LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram to promote their services, products, and announce vacancies. However, in the cyber safety guidelines, you should cover all the available channels: emails, corporate messengers, and the company’s official website. It would be better if workers receive notifications about all the updates from the security department.

Set Meetings and Lectures

Talking about lectures and meetings, these are a perfect way to inform workers. Not everyone is willing to sit and read about cyber protection. As for the themed sessions, you can be sure that all the attendees will absorb useful data, ask questions. It would be fair to say that lectures allow you to improve interdepartmental communication. 

Consider a creative approach when planning the presentation. People who are far from IT terms would like to hear some examples that simplify understanding the cybersecurity theory. It would be best if such lectures cover the way viruses work, common human errors, and best safety practices from the big corporations. 

Make sure the incident report process works

An incident report is a document that includes all information on a case. People use it when the policies and system have been compromised. Subject to Medipro, such events may consist of phishing attacks, loss of sensitive data, or malware attacks. 

It is worth mentioning that an incident does not necessarily presuppose a negative outcome. If your employees can spot potential harm and report to the IT department, the threat can be neutralized. The incident reports include the three necessary steps:

• Detection of the incident.
• IT workers must explore the nature of the circumstances that resulted in the event.
• The responsible employees are to implement the technology controls so that the company can prevent similar cases.

Plan a Virus Attack Simulation

Besides, the incident or an attack itself may create an opportunity for more excellent coverage of the police. Why not plan it then? According to the Security in Five podcast, the simulated phishing attack on behalf of the IT department can identify how the guidelines work and foster the dialogue regarding the issue. After clicking the phishing email with a malicious code, workers will have to resort to a security specialist and see that it is a common issue that can be prevented.

In this regard, the simulation attack is like a drill that employees have no idea about. Considering that around 30% of the workers click on the link even if they know it is suspicious, it can be like an audit. However, the goal here is to change the behavior of the workers and no punishment shall be involved.

Make reminders

Digital protection is always relevant; therefore, the employees must get reminders from time to time. If you create a presentation only after the incident, there are high chances the workers may miss or forget some detail. The company’s task is to provide employees with constant updates regarding the IT team’s cybersecurity guidelines and updates.

However, be ready that people may feel apathy towards the subject. Thus, setting an appropriate time for training, training every three months may be a good idea. Consequently, people will maintain their interest in the topic.

Bottom Line

Every person in the company can either contribute to corporate security or become a trigger for potential damage. Motivated personnel should be aware of online behavior’s basic rules and know how to detect threats. Luckily, it is not an impossible mission, and with the help of effective interdepartmental communication and a well-planned strategy, you can improve the company’s cyber protection.