Guest contributor: Julia Brown
Technology has done wonders for advancing business operations across the globe.
It’s helped innovation, cultivated collaboration between industries, and enhanced security protocols in some of the biggest companies in the world.
Thanks to new developments, information security has gone past locked file cabinets and into encrypted servers. However, Cyber Security Hub’s lineup of cyber security attacks in 2019 shows that these new processes still come with big risks. After all, people are still the ones operating the tech, making them susceptible to scams and hacking.
Today’s tech is constantly evolving, which means it’s impossible to get a full grasp on what the next attack might be. That said, training employees on how this tech works is a crucial step in preventing cyber attacks from spreading further.
Understand what information to release in the event of an attack
In high-stress situations such as a security breach, it’s important that employees know what news to keep to themselves and what information to release to the world. PreparedEx writer Mark Hoffman underlines the need for a communication plan in the event of an attack, especially since you’re dealing with sensitive information. Employees need to know who to report to in times like this so they don’t jeopardize the company’s situation even further.
Related: Key Decisions To Be Made During a Cyberattack
Assess how much access you grant
There’s something to be said for keeping information restricted, even within the company. In the same way that you don’t need every rank-and-file employee at a board meeting, you might want to restrict high-level security access to senior management. By keeping sensitive information in the hands of a select and trusted few (such as through passcodes), you’re able to decrease the chances of someone internally hacking the system, and you know immediately who to hold accountable.
Rely on professionals
Tech security is best left to the professionals. Maryville University notes that cyber security experts are now in high demand, as they have an unparalleled grasp on the current state of cyber security attacks and can predict trends to pre-empt potential threats. But of course, not every company can afford their own dedicated security sleuths. By holding mandatory employee training and frequent seminars on cyber attacks, it can be a great workaround when it comes to tapping into this type of expertise.
Ensure all partners are secured
Due to current collaboration trends, it can mean that an attack on one business can create a ripple effect. If you’re dealing with contractors and other service providers, it’s in your best interest to ensure that their cyber security protocol is also up to par. Schedule meetings with key personnel across all your business partnerships in order to assess how equipped each organization is in the event of a cyber attack. You might even want to consider making cyber security protocols priority for future partnerships.
Emphasize the importance of cyber security awareness
Many employees relegate cyber security as a function of the IT department. While this is mostly true, preventive variable such as creating secure passwords, knowing how to detect phishing emails, and using anti-virus programs also go a long way to preventing attacks. CNET reports that hackers are more likely to target small businesses, which are often more vulnerable to attack in comparison to huge firms. This is because they take advantage of business owners thinking that only huge corporations are targeted. Spreading awareness among employees and giving them an overview of what a cyberattack does to your company (not to mention your customer), can empower them to take their own steps towards strong cyber security.