Your People Are Your Company's Biggest Cyber Threat (and Best Defense)

When companies talk about cybersecurity, they usually brag about their expensive technology they use to do the job: the firewalls, the fancy encryption, and the smart detection software. The thing that matters most, however, your actual employees, gets completely overlooked.

It only takes one wrong click for a whole network to crash. Even the smartest, most well-meaning and vigilant co-worker can accidentally unleash chaos under the right circumstances.

Hackers Know Who to Target

Hackers aren't stupid. They know it's a pain to fight through high-tech defenses. So, what do they do? They go for the easiest target: the human using the technology.

This is called social engineering, and it’s why phishing scams still work. Since every business runs on computers and phones, we need to talk about the psychology behind these scams and how to make sure your team doesn’t fall for the next one.

Seriously, your co-workers are the first and most important line of defense against a cyberattack.

It’s Not Just About Checking a Box

You need to completely change how your company thinks about security.

Stop viewing your team as the liability. They are the human firewall which is way more powerful than any piece of hardware because they can actually use context and adapt. Here’s the best way to embrace the defensive capabilities of your team.

• Ditch the boring training - Those basic, snooze-fest compliance videos aren't cutting it. Training needs to be continuous, engaging, and relevant.
• Run attack simulations - Send out fake phishing emails regularly. If someone falls for it, use it as an immediate, low-stakes teaching moment, not a reason to shame them.
• Make security easy - This is critical. If your security rules are too complicated, people will find a shortcut, which defeats the purpose.
• Use easy authentication - Simple password managers or two-factor authentication can go a long way toward keeping everything secure.
• Consistent file management - Have clear, simple rules for handling sensitive data.
• Create an open door for reporting suspicious stuff - People need to know they can raise a flag without getting yelled at or penalized.

Making Security Part of the Company Vibe

The coolest part about the "human firewall" is when security stops being just an "IT thing" and becomes a part of the overall company culture. Everyone owns it.

Here’s what a healthy security culture looks like:

It’s a Team Sport: Leaders have to set an example. If the boss clicks sketchy links, everyone else will. Instead, you should…

• Encourage reporting - If someone clicks a link by accident, or sees a weird email, they should be thanked for reporting it immediately, not penalized. That quick report is what saves the company.
• Use psychology - Use small, subtle "nudges" (like clear warnings or positive messages) to make the secure choice the obvious and easiest choice for everyone.

Investing time and effort into your employees is the best cybersecurity move you can make. Be proactive, and you'll dramatically cut down on costly mistakes.

To learn how your business can build this kind of culture, reach out to Suffolk Computer Consultants at 631-905-9617.