How Do You Create an Office Cybersecurity Culture?

A lot has been said about a company’s ‘office culture.’ Generally, it’s about espousing cooperation, productivity and happy, involved employees, all of which are very important for morale and attaining company goals.

BUT, there is an extremely important office sub-culture which must be cultivated: Cybersecurity. With cyberattacks a constant and growing threat in today's digital world, it behooves everyone that depends on the company for their survival to become fierce protectors against any attacks that could potentially destroy it.

The #1 way threats get introduced to a business network is through employee error. A lack of cybersecurity awareness is generally the culprit. People don’t know any better, so they click a malicious phishing link or attachment. Another huge weakness is weak, easily cracked passwords.

It’s estimated that 95% of data breaches are due to human error.

The good news is that these mistakes are preventable. Building a strong culture of cyber awareness can significantly reduce your risks.

Why a Culture of Security Matters

If you look at your organization's cybersecurity as a chain, know that it has strong links and weak links – all of whom are your employees. By fostering a culture of cyber awareness, you turn each employee into a strong link. This makes your entire organization more secure.

Big Impact from a Few Easy Steps

Building a cyber awareness culture doesn't require complex strategies or expensive training programs. It’s about showing users the tactics that hackers use and keeping them in mind – constantly. Here are some simple steps you can take to make a big difference.

1) If Leadership Believes, the Rest Will Follow

Security shouldn't be an issue of concern only to your IT services department. Leadership MUST be involved! When executives champion cyber awareness, it sends a powerful message to the organization. Leadership can show their commitment by:

Participating in training sessions

Speaking at security awareness events

Allocating resources for ongoing initiatives

2) Security Awareness Should be Fun, Not Fearful

Security Awareness Training doesn't have to be dry and boring. Use engaging videos, gamified quizzes, and real-life scenarios. These keep employees interested and learning.

The best training methods are like interactive modules which engage with employees, letting them choose their path through a simulated phishing attack or by using short, animated videos that explain complex security concepts in a clear and relatable way.

3) Speak Their Language

DO NOT let employees roll their eyes and ‘clock out’ with a barrage of Geek Speak. Cybersecurity terms can be confusing. Communicate in plain language, avoiding technical jargon. Focus on practical advice employees can use in their everyday work.

Employ analogies – like the network is a castle, with a moat, drawbridge and high, thick walls for defenses – none of which matter if somebody inside opens the gate for intruders.

Don't just use phrases like "implement multi-factor authentication (MFA)." Instead, explain that it adds an extra layer of security when logging in. Like needing a code from your phone on top of your password.

4) The KISS Effect (Keep it Simple… Sweetheart…)

Don't overwhelm your people with complex and lengthy training sessions. Bite-sized training modules are easy to digest and remember. Use microlearning approaches delivered in short bursts throughout the workday. These are a great way to keep employees engaged and reinforce key security concepts.

5) Drill, Baby, Drill!

No, not for oil: Regularly test employee awareness and preparedness with drills - simulated phishing emails and then track who clicks on something they shouldn’t. Use the results to educate employees on red flags and reporting suspicious messages.

After a phishing drill, take the opportunity to dissect the email with employees. Highlight the telltale signs that helped identify it as a fake. Most importantly, avoid public humiliation for those who failed the drill – educate them.

6) Encourage Incident Reporting, and Make it Easy

Make sure that employees feel comfortable reporting suspicious activity without fear of blame. Create a safe reporting system and acknowledge reports promptly. You can do this through:

A dedicated email address

An anonymous reporting hotline

A designated security champion employees can approach directly

7) Empower Your Employees: Identify ‘Security Champions’

Don’t belittle those who fail, but spotlight those who become ‘security champions.’ These champions can answer questions from peers as well as promote best practices through internal communication channels. This keeps security awareness top of mind, and the weaker employees will aspire to the recognition your champions receive.

Security champions can be a valuable resource for their colleagues. They foster a sense of shared responsibility for cybersecurity within the organization and employees can get pointers without going through management or IT.

Recognize and celebrate employee achievements in cyber awareness. Did someone report a suspicious email? Did a team achieve a low click-through rate on a phishing drill? Publicly acknowledge their contributions to keep motivation high. Recognition can be a powerful tool. It's helps reinforce positive behavior and encourages continued vigilance.

8) Security Spills Over Beyond the Office

Cybersecurity isn't just a work thing. Employees will appreciate the tips on how to protect themselves at home too. Share tips on strong passwords, secure Wi-Fi connections, and avoiding public hotspots. Employees who practice good security habits at home are more likely to do so in the workplace.

9) Leverage Technology

A powerful tool for building a cyber-aware culture is the technology itself. Use online training platforms that deliver microlearning modules and track employee progress. You can schedule automated phishing simulations regularly to keep employees on their toes.

Tools that bolster employee security include:

Password managers

Email filtering for spam and phishing

Automated rules, like Microsoft’s Sensitivity Labels

DNS filtering

All Hands On Deck! Everyone Plays a Role

Repetition is key in building a culture of cyber awareness – it’s an ongoing process. Regularly revisit these steps. Keep the conversation going. Make security awareness a natural part of your organization's DNA.

By fostering a culture of cyber awareness your business benefits, you equip everyone in your organization with the knowledge and tools to stay safe online. Empowered employees become your strongest defense against cyber threats instead of your weakest links.