Organisations invest heavily in advanced security systems—firewalls, encryption and anti-virus software—to protect sensitive data. But one of the most crucial and often overlooked layers of security is not a piece of technology—it’s your employees. Human error is one of the leading causes of data breaches, making it vital to turn your workforce into a strong line of defence.
Here’s some tips on how to protect your organisation’s last layer of security—your employees. Below you will also learn the steps Academia took to train and guide their people.
- Security Awareness Training
The first step in creating a secure organisation is educating employees. Many data breaches occur because employees fall victim to phishing emails, click on suspicious links or unknowingly download malicious software. Implement regular security awareness training that teaches staff how to recognise potential threats and how to respond. Training sessions should be frequent and updated to reflect the latest threats.
Simple, interactive training sessions on identifying phishing emails, spotting suspicious links and safely handling sensitive information can make a big difference. When employees are aware of the risks, they are more likely to think twice before making a risky decision.
- Promote a Security-First Culture
A security-first culture means that security awareness becomes part of the company’s DNA. Encourage employees to be vigilant and take responsibility for the security of the organisation. This can be done through regular internal communications that stress the importance of security practices, such as password hygiene and safeguarding devices.
However, leadership needs to be on board, as their example can inspire others. When employees see that everyone, from the top down, is committed to security, they are more likely to follow suit.
- Implement Strong Access Controls
One of the simplest yet effective ways to secure you against cyber threats is by limiting access to sensitive information. Employees should only have access to the systems and data that are necessary for their roles. The principle of least privilege ensures that even if an employee’s credentials are compromised, the damage is limited. Regularly review user access permissions to ensure that no one has unnecessary access to sensitive areas of your system. Make sure you implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) for added security, making it harder for hackers to gain access even if passwords are leaked.
- Encourage Reporting of Suspicious Activities
Employees should feel comfortable reporting any suspicious activity without fear of blame or retribution. Create an open environment (or internal email address) where security incidents, unusual emails or potential vulnerabilities are reported quickly. The faster you can identify and address a potential threat, the less damage it can cause.
Make reporting easy by creating a simple, accessible way for employees to share concerns—whether through a dedicated email address, hotline or internal messaging system. On Outlook, for example, you can report a message, so ensure your people know they can use this feature.
- Regularly Test Your Defences
To ensure that your employees are well-prepared to handle potential security threats, conduct regular tests and simulations. Phishing simulations, for instance, can help you gauge how well your staff can identify fake emails. These tests will give you insight into where more training is needed and allow employees to practice handling real-life scenarios.
Celebrate successes to reinforce positive behaviour and use mistakes as teaching moments without shaming anyone. Continuous testing and improvement help keep everyone sharp and ready for real threats.
The Academia story
Academia needed to ensure our people understood the potential damage of cyber threats. Partnering with KnowBe4, our employees embarked on a series of training sessions that helped raise awareness, promoted a security-first culture and encouraged reporting of suspicious activities. Incorporating sessions on identifying phishing emails, spotting suspicious links and safely handling sensitive information made a big difference to our company. We continue to carry out spot checks and have a programme of continuous training and learning to ensure we uphold a security-first culture.
Conclusion
Your employees are your first line of defence against cyber threats. By providing them with the knowledge and tools they need, fostering a security-first mindset and regularly testing your defences, you can significantly reduce the risk of human error leading to a breach.
If you would like to find out more, ask your Account Manager to put you in touch with one of our resident Cyber Security experts. Or take a further look at our Cyber solutions here.