Cybercrime is a growing threat to businesses that are expected to cost the industry up to $6 trillion by 2021, according to a Cybersecurity Ventures report. Significantly, data security is linked to human error as the cause of data breaches that occur in many industries and in several countries.
Based on this, one of the most effective ways to reduce human errors that lead to data breaches in an organization is to create a "security-first" corporate culture. What is the most effective way to initiate and maintain this kind of cultural environment to protect your organization from harm? Here is a list of 5 preferred strategies for you to consider.
1. Build data security awareness from scratch
During the first week of new staff orientation, dedicated security training sessions help your organization achieve some of the important goals of creating a security-first culture. Sessions like these can measure the existing knowledge of new staff to set educational benchmarks.
They can introduce related best-practice behaviors for staff that are specific and directly applicable to their jobs. On-board sessions covering data security awareness also help expose new staff to trends affecting the industry as a whole. They provide a solid foundation for creating a stronger security profile across the enterprise.
2. Collaborate with third-party digital security experts to help inform data security strategies
The nature of cybercrime is evolving as the types of solutions and infrastructure organizations seek to better serve their customers emerge. Specific expertise from outside the company can be invaluable in helping executive leadership teams as you stay abreast of developments in cybercrime and the ways and means to prevent it.
This allows your leadership team to provide all staff with knowledge, as well as a budget for appropriate security measures. This helps to inform a security-first corporate culture that can be customized from the top down.
3. Notify staff regularly about security issues through frequent communication
Regular communication with staff is an important element for raising awareness of data security issues. Communications may even highlight the efforts made by certain staff members to help ensure the integrity of the company.
Stories at all levels of your organization can help inspire staff to be more aware of, and make improvements in the way they do their jobs with data security in mind.
4. Test staff knowledge and awareness regularly
Education and culture around data security must be an ongoing commitment. Regular testing of staff knowledge can help ensure that they have the tools they need to continue to effectively protect the integrity of the company.
Threats to data security are evolving and becoming more sophisticated. Your company's knowledge base must be up to date, and ensure that staff at all levels are empowered to better understand how criminals steal business and consumer data.
5. Cultivating an open door policy for everyone
Everyone makes mistakes. It is important that all staff members feel safe in reporting their mistakes and those who may involve their co-workers. It is imperative that even possible violations are made visible as early as possible, and not hidden for fear of punitive action.
Blame games are unproductive. Creating openness and security will help reduce the damage caused by violations. It helps your leadership team to create a healthier work environment as well.