Organizations of all sizes in all industries are facing a dual challenge from the escalation of cyber threats and the increasing cost of data breaches.
According to IBM’s 2024 Cost of a Data Breach Report, the average cost of a breach has risen to $4.88 million. Clearly, preventing breaches is a critical priority.
It’s often said that a chain is only as strong as its weakest link. As the threat to your organization increases, everyone in your team has a role to play in keeping it secure.
It is critical that everyone, from the most junior staff to C-level, becomes security aware. Everyone must be alert to potential threats and follow best practices that minimize the risk of data leakage and data breaches.
Cybersecurity awareness isn’t only about technical knowledge. It’s about teaching people to handle sensitive data with care, be wary of unusual emails and phone calls, and always think carefully before responding to requests for information.
Above all, it’s about fostering a mindset where everyone becomes an active defender of your organization’s systems and data.
Your people are your first line of defense
According to the Verizon 2023 Data Breach Investigations Report, 74% of data breaches involve a human element.
Cybercriminals use social engineering attacks to gain access to an organization’s systems and data. However, the success of these attacks is often due to poor security awareness by people within the organization.
For example, in 2021, a group of hackers launched a ransomware attack that shut down the Colonial Pipeline, which supplies nearly half the fuel for the eastern United States.
The attackers used a stolen VPN password bought on the dark web. However, the attack succeeded because an employee at the company had reused the password across multiple platforms. This left the company’s systems vulnerable when the password fell into the wrong hands.
Reusing or sharing passwords is a bad practice that proper cybersecurity education helps to prevent. Better security awareness among Colonial Pipeline’s employees could have prevented a damaging and disruptive incident.
Cybersecurity best practices for your organization
Use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication
Create unique, complex passwords for each account, and use a password manager tool to keep them secure. Multi-factor authentication(MFA or 2FA) adds another layer of protection.
Learn to identify and report phishing attempts
Phishing is where cyber attackers pretend to be trustworthy organizations or people and send fake messages to steal information.
Always be wary of urgent, unexpected emails. Never click links, open attachments, or supply any information unless you’re certain the email is genuine and safe.
Secure all personal devices
If you have a bring your own device (BYOD) policy, ensure all devices are encrypted and secured with antivirus tools.
Software updates patch security vulnerabilities. Get into the habit of updating your systems promptly.
Use a credential monitoring solution
At Cybercheck, we monitor for compromised breached credentials and personal data. If cybercriminals are exchanging data about you or your organization, we alert you so can take immediate action.
Our VIP monitoring feature provides enhanced protection for executives and high-profile individuals against targeted attacks like impersonation and credential theft.
Additional best practices to follow every day
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Only download or install software approved by your organization.
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If you’re traveling or working remotely, avoid using public wi-fi. If you must use a public network, always connect to a VPN first.
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Monitor your accounts and update your passwords regularly.
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Lock your devices when you’re not using them. Don’t leave information visible on-screen when you’re away from your desk.
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Keep your desk clear. Don’t leave company documents lying around.
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Always shred printed documents before you throw them away.
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Don’t let anyone enter your workplace unless you’re sure they’re authorized to be there. For example, if a stranger asks you to let them in because they’ve forgotten their security pass, send them to reception instead.
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Attend regular security awareness training.
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Always be alert.
Security awareness is a must-have for your organization
Fostering a culture of security awareness is no longer a nice-to-have. It’s now essential for safeguarding sensitive information and protecting your organization against threats from both outside and inside.
And as the cost of a data breach continues to rise, empowering your employees with the right combination of knowledge, awareness, and tools can pay substantial dividends.
