Leading positive change in cyber security culture

Cyber security is not just a technical challenge, it’s also a cultural one. To be a leader or champion in cyber security awareness, the first step is fostering a positive security culture. It can be a game-changer for organisations, so if your security culture is lax, it’s time to explore the nuances of leading a culture of security, navigating the risks of social media, and ensuring safety in the BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) era.

Creating a culture of cyber security requires a clear vision, steadfast commitment, and the ability to inspire others. As leaders, your role is to embed security into the DNA of our organisation. This means going beyond mere compliance; it's about cultivating a mindset where every team member understands their role in protecting data and infrastructure.

Education and empowerment: Regular training sessions, engaging workshops, and interactive learning experiences help demystify cyber security topics. Empowering employees with knowledge makes them proactive participants in the security process.

Open communication: Encourage a culture where employees feel comfortable reporting potential threats without fear of being ignored. Open lines of communication are crucial for quick identification and mitigation of risks.

Lead by example: As leaders, we must practice what we preach. Adhering to security protocols diligently sets a benchmark for the team, as well as knowledge sharing.

Social media safety: Social media is a double-edged sword. While it's a powerful tool for connectivity and sharing, it can also be a breeding ground for security risks, especially when it comes to oversharing work-related information, and being targeted by angler phishers to name a few.

Staying safe with BYOD: The BYOD (Bring your own device) and remote working culture offers flexibility and convenience but also opens up new avenues for cyber threats. Implementing robust security measures for personal devices is crucial in safeguarding organisational data. Does your organisation use an MAM policy or similar to separate work vs personal apps?

Best practices for BYOD security

Secure connections: Ensure that all devices connecting to the work network are using secure, encrypted connections. Implement VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) for additional security.

Regular updates and patches: Mandate that all personal devices used for work purposes are regularly updated with the latest security patches and antivirus software.

Device management policies: Develop clear policies around device usage, including requirements for passwords, lock screens, and actions to be taken if a device is lost or stolen.

Leading a culture of cyber security is a journey, that asks for continuous effort, vigilance, and adaptation. By educating and empowering our teams, promoting smart social media habits, and implementing strong BYOD policies, we can create a robust cyber security culture. Security is not just a protocol but a shared value. Contact us today for a demo of our award-winning training platform to find out more about how our solution can help boost your cyber security awareness culture.

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