Security awareness in the workplace: here's how to ensure an effective approach

We tend to think that information security risks are mostly related to technical measures. Yet security incidents are often the result of human error. For example, employees may click on a link in a phishing e-mail, or accidentally share confidential information. Therefore, every organization needs to pay attention to the security awareness of the people who work with (personal) data, systems and networks on a daily basis.

Six reasons to work on security awareness

Security awareness is a central pillar of securing data, systems and networks. There are good reasons to get serious about it.

- Protect against cyber threats. Employees sometimes unknowingly create digital vulnerabilities. For example, by visiting websites with malware, or by using weak passwords. Security awareness makes employees aware of these threats so they respond appropriately and prevent attacks.

- Preventing human error. Employees may accidentally pass sensitive information to unauthorized parties, or download malware. By increasing awareness of risk, employees make the right choices.

- Compliance with laws and regulations. As an organization, you must comply with laws and regulations for the protection of personal data and the security of information. Examples include the General Data Protection Regulation (AVG) and the Government Information Security Baseline (BIO). In addition, the AI regulation and the AVG, among others, assume that employees understand cyber risks. Security awareness ensures that employees are aware of the legal requirements and that they act accordingly.

- Minimizing damage. Security breaches can cause substantial financial damage. This includes direct damage, such as fines from regulators and the cost of remediation. Serious calamities sometimes also result in reputational damage. Security awareness reduces the risk of data breaches and calamities, thus reducing damage risks.

- Strengthen a culture of security. An organization's (information) security benefits from a culture in which everyone takes responsibility for security. Employees who are aware of the importance of information security are more likely to comply with measures and detect (and report) any vulnerabilities sooner.

- Respond faster to incidents. If employees know enough about security, they respond faster and more adequately to risks and incidents. Well-informed employees know, for example, how to recognize harmful e- mails, and what the protocol is in the event of a (potential) incident.

The importance of security awareness training

Security awareness training makes employees aware of information security risks. In addition, you provide practical tools to counter the risks. By giving employees the right knowledge, skills and tools, they are able to handle personal data and confidential information safely. Everyone then recognizes a digital threat in time, and knows what is needed to protect data, systems and networks. This prevents cyber incidents and increases compliance with laws and regulations.

Topics often covered in security awareness trainings include:

- Recognizing Phishing. Phishing is one of the most common forms of cyber attacks. It is therefore important to teach employees how to recognize suspicious emails and how to deal with them properly.

- Using passwords. The use of strong and unique passwords is one of the basic methods of information security. Employees need to know why passwords are so important and what managing them means in daily work practices.

- Using company equipment. It is not a given that employees know exactly how to safely handle computers, phones and other devices they use for work. Training provides an opportunity to raise awareness of your organization's guidelines and procedures.

- Securing data. Do employees in your organization know why protecting personal data and sensitive information is integral to their daily work? With the right training, employees understand the importance of privacy and information security to the organization and to customers.

- Learning from incidents. What can we learn from recent incidents so that we reduce the likelihood of a similar situation occurring again? Security awareness training is an approachable way to strengthen the organization's ability to learn.

Continuous awareness

Security awareness training is a must for any organization. Digital threats are constantly changing, and employees are a first line of defense. Internal awareness of risks and solutions lays the foundation for a solid security culture and an effective approach to information security. Now, you can implement the very best technical measures, but you also want to prevent human error.