The secret security tool in your cybersecurity program are your people. If you want to carry out successful protection of your private network, you must have a team of well-trained employees to guarantee the long-term success of your cybersecurity program. Continue reading to find out why your people are an essential part to your cybersecurity program.
What Kinds of Information are at Risk from a Data Breach?
If your organization holds any types of the information listed below, then you are at higher risk for ransomware attacks:
- Personal Identifiable Information (PII)
- Protected Health Information (PHI)
- Electronic Protected Health Information (ePHI)
- Company Confidential Information
- Financial Information
- Intellectual Property
- Client Lists
Cost of a Data Breach
In 2021, it was predicted that every 11 seconds a ransomware attack occurred on a business. As ransomware attacks grow stronger, the cost of recovery for businesses is only getting higher. The sooner you can implement your response plan, the less you will spend on recovery. The cost of a data breach can cost companies millions of dollars. In just 10 attacks over the course of 2021, at-risk businesses lost over $600 million in cash and millions of civilian records were stolen.
Types of Data Breaches
As ransomware evolves, hackers are becoming more creative with the way they attack businesses. Hackers use ransomware like building blocks to test your business’s security. If hackers find they can breach your network, a bigger cyberattack will be planned. Some different types of data breaches include:
- Phishing
- Malware
- Ransomware
- DNS Attack
- CLI Spoofing
Poor Employee Cybersecurity Habits in the Workplace
Even with the vast number of cybersecurity breaches happening in all organizations, many employees still do not have adequate training in cybersecurity to protect your network. Taking a look at some employee cybersecurity habits, if you notice these at your organization, training needs to be ramped up across the board. Some poor cybersecurity habits include:
- Failing to change at-risk passwords
- Using the same password for multiple channels
- Sharing workplace passwords with colleagues or friends
- Leaving your computer unlocked when you are not at your desk
- Accessing data from unsecured public networks
- Using unknown USB drives
- Having no response plan
- Failing to update security software
What Are Good Cybersecurity Habits?
What are some of the habits you should be teaching your employees? You should teach your employees the ins and outs of your cybersecurity program and how to enforce it in their everyday lives. Some good habits you may want to include are:
- Multi-factor authentication
- Password management
- Recognizing spam
- Response plan
- Regularly updating security software
Your employees need to be following your cybersecurity policies when they are at the office or at home. Remote workers put businesses at higher risk for ransomware attacks since employees are accessing sensitive data from unsecured home networks. Investing into proper cybersecurity training for your staff members is the first step in carrying out a successful cybersecurity program.
Your First Line of Defense: Your People
When analyzing your cybersecurity program, auditing your employees will give insight to how your current cybersecurity policies are performing. Your people are your first line of defense against hackers. You should be testing your employees on their knowledge of your cybersecurity program after training sessions. Consider creating a catchy phrase that employees can remember to emphasize the importance of your cybersecurity program.
Your employees truly are your first line of defense against ransomware attacks, considering they are keyholders to sensitive information. Many employees are still unaware of the ransomware risks associated at your organization, making it easy for hackers to breach your network. The actions of your employees determine how vulnerable your business will be to ransomware. Strengthen your line of defense by implementing good security habits throughout your organization.
Stay Secure with Kyber Security
As the cyber threat landscape constantly evolves, your security measures should be one step ahead. Kyber Security has dedicated professionals experienced in protecting your organization from ever increasing cyber threats. We will work tirelessly to keep your company protected from cyber-attacks.
