How do you increase risk awareness and responsibility among your staff?

Information security is not only a technical issue, but also a human one. Your staff are the first line of defense against cyber threats, but also the potential source of vulnerabilities. How do you increase risk awareness and responsibility among your staff? Here are some tips to help you foster a security culture in your organization.

1 Educate and train

The first step is to educate and train your staff on the basics of information security, such as password management, phishing prevention, data protection, and incident response. You can use online courses, webinars, workshops, or simulations to deliver relevant and engaging content. Make sure to tailor your training to the different roles and needs of your staff, and to update it regularly to reflect the changing threat landscape.

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Enrique Kalb

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First we need to educate staff on info security basics is crucial. In training you should cover password management, phishing, data protection, and incident response. You do this to have a well-educated and trained staff to serve as a strong frontline and defend against cyber threats which reduces the organization's vulnerability to security breaches and incidents. With proper training, an employee can identify the email as a phishing attempt, avoid clicking on the malicious link, report it to the IT team.

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2 Communicate and collaborate

The second step is to communicate and collaborate with your staff on information security issues, such as policies, procedures, best practices, and feedback. You can use newsletters, intranet, posters, or meetings to share information and raise awareness. You can also create a security team or committee that involves representatives from different departments and levels, and that fosters a dialogue and a sense of ownership among your staff.

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Enrique Kalb

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When you communicate and collaborating with staff on security awareness, policies, and in safeguarding the organization that is This strengthens the organization's overall cybersecurity posture. For example, It's about everyone playing a role in keeping a neighborhood safe from digital threats.

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3 Incentivize and reward

The third step is to incentivize and reward your staff for their security behaviors, such as reporting incidents, following guidelines, or completing training. You can use gamification, recognition, or rewards to motivate and reinforce positive actions. You can also use feedback, coaching, or sanctions to correct and deter negative actions. Make sure to align your incentives and rewards with your organizational goals and values, and to be fair and consistent.

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Enrique Kalb

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Yea, just imagine, a soccer player like Messi receives bonuses for exceptionally performance and teamwork. This is the same as employees are rewarded for their security’s behavior like reporting threats and this approach encourages everyone to play their part in the team’s success.

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4 Monitor and measure

The fourth step is to monitor and measure your staff's security performance, such as compliance, awareness, or skills. You can use audits, surveys, tests, or metrics to collect and analyze data. You can also use dashboards, reports, or indicators to visualize and communicate results. Make sure to use relevant and reliable measures, and to benchmark and compare them over time and across groups.

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Enrique Kalb

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It's crucial because monitoring and measuring security performance provide insights into the effectiveness of ALL security measures. This will improve their overall cybersecurity defenses to stay ahead of evolving threats. Just like when you check a score in any game telling you how well you are doing or if you need to change your strategy.

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5 Improve and innovate

The fifth step is to improve and innovate your staff's security capabilities, such as knowledge, attitudes, or habits. You can use the data and feedback from the previous step to identify gaps, strengths, and opportunities. You can also use best practices, trends, or technologies to explore new solutions and approaches. Make sure to involve your staff in the improvement and innovation process, and to test and evaluate the outcomes.

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Enrique Kalb

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You need this in order to keep continuous improvement in all security capabilities and adaptable against cyber threats to safeguard valuable data and assets. Let’s take an example as a musical instrument we need to have regular adjustments and fine tune in order to face new challenges.

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6 Lead by example

The sixth and final step is to lead by example as a security leader, manager, or role model. You can demonstrate your commitment, accountability, and responsibility for information security by following the same rules and standards as your staff, by supporting and empowering them, and by acknowledging and celebrating their achievements. You can also inspire them by sharing your vision, values, and stories, and by challenging them to grow and excel.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Cláudio Dodt

Sócio Gerente @ DARYUS | Information Security, Cybersecurity, Privacy Protection | LinkedIn Top Voice
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Drawing parallels between professional risks and personal life situations can be a poignant approach. Consider, for instance, the process of teaching a child to cross the street. We don’t merely inform them of the rules, we ensure they understand the real-world implications of not following them. Similarly, instead of presenting risks as abstract concepts, frame them in a context familiar to the staff. Perhaps relate cybersecurity threats to the dangers of sharing personal info on social media, or liken safety protocols in manufacturing to precautionary steps taken when cooking at home. By aligning professional risks with personal experiences, the gravity becomes palpable, ensuring a heightened sense of responsibility.

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How do you increase risk awareness and responsibility among your staff?

1

2

3

4

5

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1 Educate and train

2 Communicate and collaborate

3 Incentivize and reward

4 Monitor and measure

5 Improve and innovate

6 Lead by example

7 Here’s what else to consider

Information Security

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How do you increase risk awareness and responsibility among your staff?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Educate and train

2 Communicate and collaborate

3 Incentivize and reward

4 Monitor and measure

5 Improve and innovate

6 Lead by example

7 Here’s what else to consider

Information Security

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