Courtesy StoredTech
By Aleks Pavlinik, Chief Information Security Officer
Why protect your personal digital life? Securing your personal life identity, passwords, and digital assets is crucial not only for your own safety but also for the security of your workplace. Think about it… we all access our work emails through our personal smartphones everyday. We reply to emails, we open attachments, we check our calendars for meetings. Some companies even allow their staff to use their own computers for work. But if compromised, these personal devices are a gateway for cybercriminals to infiltrate your workplace systems.
Maintaining strong, unique passwords, requiring multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all accounts, and using strong security solutions for your personal devices helps you contribute to a more secure and resilient organizational infrastructure. Remember, your personal security practices are the first line of defense in protecting both your personal and professional life.
Everyone reading this has probably experienced a risk or an attempt of identity theft, financial loss, and unauthorized access to your accounts. Someone tried to login to your social media accounts, or your bank called you with a questionable fraud attempt. This is tenfold for a business. There’s a whole business market out there of hackers who make millions by exploiting businesses, holding their data at ransom and stopping them from working and serving their customers.
Small businesses may think, “a hacker wouldn’t waste time going after my business. We aren’t big enough.” And that’s exactly the point. They know small businesses owners are not investing the resources in cybersecurity measures, so it’s easy for them.
While personal devices allow employees to work with flexibility and efficiency, they also pose significant cybersecurity risks. Without a strong security culture, one compromised device can lead to devastating data breaches. The good news? A robust security culture can significantly reduce your business’s risk. Here’s how to make it happen.
1. Educate Employees on the Risks
Many employees may not realize the risks associated with using personal devices for work. Phishing attacks, malware, and unsecured Wi-Fi networks are common threats. Regular cybersecurity training is essential.
2. Implement a Clear Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Policy
If your employees use personal devices for work, a well-defined BYOD policy is non-negotiable.
3. Use Mobile Device Management (MDM) and Mobile Application Management (MAM) Tools
MDM and MAM solutions allow businesses to monitor and manage personal devices and applications that access company data.
4. Encourage Open Communication
A strong security culture requires buy-in from employees. Make cybersecurity a part of your team’s regular conversations. Encourage employees to report suspicious activity or potential breaches immediately, without fear of blame.
To build trust, explain why certain security measures are necessary. For example, employees may be more likely to use MFA if they understand how it prevents unauthorized access to sensitive data.
5. Lead by Example
As leaders, we set the tone for security culture. Demonstrate good cybersecurity habits, like regularly updating your passwords and using encrypted communication tools. When employees see leadership prioritizing security, they’re more likely to follow suit.
6. Regularly Test and Adapt Your Security Measures
Conduct regular security awareness training and phishing simulation tests to help employees practice spotting threats in a safe environment.
7. Invest in Your Employee’s Cybersecurity
Traditional benefits offered to employees can be supplemented to include different types of tools and services that protect employees in their personal lives. Financial Fraud Protection, Identity Theft Protection, Privacy and Device Protection, and Identity Theft Insurance are all available to provide a new type of employee security benefit. Providing protection around the safe usage and storage of passwords contributes to the security posture of employees and contributes to the correct usage of passwords in the workplace.
Additionally, gather feedback from your team about your policies and security tools. Are they too complicated? Do they hinder productivity? Adjust as needed to strike the right balance between security and usability.
For small businesses, fostering a strong security culture isn’t just about protecting data; it’s about safeguarding your reputation, maintaining customer trust, and ensuring business continuity. By prioritizing personal device safety and empowering your employees to be vigilant, you can significantly reduce your cybersecurity risks.